Champions League 2012/13 - Matchday 3

Spartak Moscow (8/13) v Celtic (6)

Celtic will be happy with a point at home to Benfica but their away record leaves an awful lot to be desired - Excluding qualifiers, Celtic have lost 19 of their last 20 away Champions League games - and they’re very vulnerable travelling to Spartak, who have a perfect home record and nearly upset Barcelona on Matchday one in a very strong showing which suggests that they can fight for the second spot this year. Spartak’s home record in this competition of late isn’t that great but two recent domestic wins should give them plenty of confidence infront of goal and they’re more than capable of beating Celtic.

Advice: 2 pts Spartak Moscow (4/6 Bet Victor)

BATE (9) v Bayern (2/5)

Bayern have won just one of their last five away games in the Champions League but that run should end with a victory at Bate, who won 3-1 at Lille on Matchday one but the French side where in no shape to compete at the time and last year’s runners up are different proposition. Having scored 3 goals in 4 of their 6 Bundesliga games, backing Bayern to do so again might be the best value along with the double result, although Bayern have been made to wait on the road more often than not in Europe. At the prices, the latter option appeals most.

Advice: 1 pt Draw/Bayern (7/2 Coral)

Benfica (6) v Barcelona (6/10)

Barcelona have been forced into a lot of late action to save what has been a near flawless start to the season – barring their 2-1 defeat at Madrid in the Supercup – but they look value at the 6/10 offered to beat Benfica and last lost on the road in the Group Stage in 2006 (Chelsea). While they’ve yet to beat Benfica away from home in three attempts but that was all the way back in 2005/2006 – how different things are now – and they look clearly second best here.

Advice: 2 pts Barcelona (6/10 Blue Sq, 888Sport)

Valencia (4/7) v Lille (11/2)

Valencia have suffered a slow start to La Liga – maybe the constant sale of their best players is actually beginning to have an effect on them long term – but Lille have been even worse in Ligue 1 and without Eden Hazard they look thoroughly beatable despite the additions of Salmoun Kalou and Marvin Martin. They’ve not won in 5 games (including a 3-1 thumping by Bate) and Valencia really should take care of them on home turf despite not being as impressive as recent years.

Advice: 2 pts Valencia to score at least 2 goals (4/6 general)

Cluj (5) v Manchester United (4/6)

Manchester United’s defensive frailties were finally exposed by Tottenham at the weekend but it was testament to their attacking qualities that they managed to get themselves back into the thick of things late on and they should have far too much firepower for Cluj, who made the best of a wasteful Braga attack on Matchday one but are well outpointed by United, who look worth doubling with Chelsea at

Advice: 5 pts Manchester United (4/6 general) , 2 pts double Chelsea & Manchester United (2.4 general)

Nordsjaelland (17/2) v Chelsea (1/2)

Chelsea announced themselves as major title contenders when winning 2-1 at Arsenal and they should brush aside Nordsjelland. The reigning champions lost no caste when drawing 2-2 with Juventus on Matchday one and should fine this much easier. Double them with Manchester United while backing the double result,

Advice: 1 pt Chelsea/Chelsea (23/20 Hills), 2 pts double Chelsea & Manchester United (2.4 general)

Galatasaray (10/11) v Braga (7/2)

Galatasaray can count themselves very lucky not to have taken at least a point from their opening trip to Old Trafford but infront of their home fans they can put Braga into real trouble with a win on home turf. Turkish side have won three and lost just one of their last five Champions League home matches while winning all three domestic affairs this year.

Advice: 1 pt Galatasaray (10/11 general)

Juventus (4/6) v Shakhtar (9/2)

Juventus announced themselves as dark horses for this competition when fighting back in impressive style to claim a point against Chelsea and their 4-1 romp against Roma has put them in prime position to strengthen their hand at the top of the group against Shakhtar, who dispatched Nordsjelland but will find this a far tougher test, especially in Turin.

Advice: 4 pts Juventus (4/6 general)

Treble: 2 pts United (4/6 general), Juventus (4/6 general), Chelsea (4/9 general) (4.25 general)