Champions League final Tips

 

Two years on from the drama of Istanbul, AC Milan and Liverpool meet again in the Champions League final in Athens, with revenge very much on Milanese minds. Carlo Ancetti’s side are favourites with bet365 to lift the trophy at 8/11, with Liverpool at 11/10 to repeat their 2005 victory.

 

If anyone needed reminding of that amazing meeting in Istanbul, Milan surrendered a 3-0 half time lead as Liverpool fought back to claim a 3-3 draw before winning on penalties. While this game promises to be keenly contested, we are unlikely to see such an open affair (bet365 make a repeat scoreline an 80/1 shot!). The Italians are a durable defensive unit, while Liverpool, under Rafael Benitez, have made a reputation for denying their opponents room to breathe. With chances likely to be limited, the draw at 15/8 is sure to be popular, although Liverpool at 11/5 also makes plenty of appeal given their record in this competition (won five of their previous six finals!). Milan can be backed at 13/10 with bet365 to win in 90 minutes.

 

As top scorer in the competition with 10 goals, Kaka will be a popular choice in bet365's first goalscorer market at 13/2, although he is unlikely to be afforded anything like the space he enjoyed in the semi final meeting with Man United. With the suspicion that Milan are vulnerable at the back, there could be plenty of opportunities for Steven Gerrard to star (as he did two years ago!), especially as he’s likely to be utilised in a more offensive role for this game. He’s our hot each way pick to score first at 9/1 and, remember, bet365 are offering unlimited places (at 1/3 odds) on this market, so you’ll get paid out if he scores at anytime in the game!

 

Of course, we’ll also be having a few bets after kick off (7.45pm), and that’s never a problem with bet365, who will have up to 30 In-Play markets available at the click of a mouse (the In-Play Console link on their homepage).

 

 

Liverpool to win in 90 minutes @ 11/5

Liverpool to win 1-0 @ 7/1

Steven Gerrard to score first @ 9/1 (each way at 1/3 odds, unlimited places available!)

Steven Gerrard to score first and Liverpool to win 1-0 at 50/1 - money back if he scores first but the correct score is a loser!

 

Enjoy the game!