Champions League - Wednesday 6th November 2013

Ajax (5/6) v Celtic (15/4)

Ajax’s home advantage is making them favourites but they’ve been struggling in the Champions League for a long time and were desperately average against Celtic in their 2-1 defeat at Parkhead on the last matchday. Celtic’s exceptional home record has to be taken into account for that defeat but they were good at Milan and deserved much more luck than they got there and neither side makes much appeal.

Advice: No bet

Atletico Madrid (1/8) v Austria Vienna (28)

Atletico Madrid’s stunning start to the season has been one of the most impressive in Europe this season and they look capable of cursing towards the last eight. Finding value in that margin is hard, given the incredibly short – but justified – price, with scores from 3-0 and up making appeal, while a win to nil and winning of both halves are all viable options. One to consider might be Atletico to be the highest scoring team of the night, but at 23/10 they look short and we can sit this one out.

Barcelona (1/4) v AC Milan (14)

Games between these two have given us some great nights but the last two home times have ended in one sides affairs and Milan are in danger of a comprehensive beating. Max Allegri’s side have suffered badly for the loss of width with Kaka’s return, but a bigger problem is the defensive woes costing them points by the week in Serie A. Winless in 3 domestically, they gave as good as they got in the return fixture but face an entirely different and more difficult task here against a side that are still unbeaten this season and have won by 3 or more goals 6 times this season.

Advice: 1 pt Barcelona -2 (13/8 Paddy Power)

Basel (4/6) v Steaua (5)

Basel dropped a pair of valuable points at Steaua, but back on home turf, can make amends with a much needed win.

Advice: 1 pt Basel (4/6)

Chelsea (9/20) v Schalke (15/2)

Chelsea were caught short against Newcastle at the weekend but had been on a hot streak before then and shouldn’t have any worries dispatching a Schalke side that was woefully overmatched in Germany. Take them to win by 2 or more for the third straight group game.

Advice: 3 pts Chelsea -1 (6/5 Paddy Power)

Napoli (4/11) v Marsellie (8)

Napoli were by far the better side in France despite a late really by Marsellie and are now building an impressive challenge on two fronts with the benefits of the Edison Cavani sell off, including Jose Callejon and Dries Meterns – the scorers in an impressive win at Fiorentina – to name two. Marsellie have lost give of their last 6, and were dismantled on their only trip so far – Borussia Dortmund – and could be overrun here if the hosts can notch an early goal.

Advice: 2 pts Napoli -1 (evs Paddy Power)