Champions League 4 Dec

[Diomed]

Tuesday, 04/12/2007
20:45 AC Milan - Celtic 2.80 1.96 7.50
20:45 Sh. Donetsk - Benfica 1.82 3.70 5.40

[selectabet]

No surprise that the draw has been backed into the wrong side of evens for the Milan v Celtic game. A point would leave Milan top of the group and also take Celtic through in 2nd place.

I can't find any team news on Milan. Will they rest some of their players ahead of the World Club Championships next week? I think they might. Celtic on the other hand will have a bit of a makeshift defence with Caldwell (heaven help us!) and O'Dea at full back and Pressley in the middle with McManus.

I can't make my mind up on whether the draw is a license to print money or lulling me into a false sense of security? Milan have a duty to the teams in the group to play the game and attempt to win but at the same time they have a duty to themselves not to lose the game and ensure they finish top (for a supposedly easier last 16 tie). As for Celtic, they'd need to record just their 2nd point in 15 CL away games to go through. They've also not kept a clean sheet away from home for 14 months - although they did manage 90 plus minutes at 0-0 in the San Siro earlier in year before Kaka scored in extra time.

The draw seems the only bet to have here. Although I don't think both teams will play for a draw they'll certainly settle for it. If its still level with 30 mins to go I can't see either of them pressing too hard for a winner - I just hope it doesn't turn into a farce with both back lines taking turns to pass it amongst themselves.

[Martens]

this is not italy serie b, strange odds indeed!

i can not imagine that milan will settle for the draw here,

i am on quality, massive price imo for milan

home win all the way, forza milan give them the lesson

hey,dont forget that this is a champions league game, one or two changes in milan's starting line up,they can not behave as it is cup game jesus!

wait to see the line up, i go with full stakes, see you tomorrow

[jimmyt]

At first glance maybe CS of 1-1 or 0-0 cant see these teams breaking a neck though I think Milans efforts will be determined by how Celtic play. If Celtic go for it then I expect Milan to comeback at them one thing for sure is that Milan wont be busting a gut the question is will Celtic ??

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Bizarre odds really. Look at the statistics and you can see the odds are totally wrong. Celtic picked up 1 point from last 15 games away. Concede goals for fun up against a Milan side who struggle domestically but seem unbeatable in the CL.

For what its worth Milans odds were around 1.60 for the fixture back in February.

Learned from past seasons that when the draw odds are as short as this in Italy 9 times out of 10 the punters betting on the draw have been proved correct so i wouldnt put it past here.

Ancelloti has said he will play his strongest team and if this is the case then i can imagine Milan being way too strong for Celtic especially with the make shift backline they have.

I would want closer to 2.00 for Shakthar to be honest and dont see any value int hem. I expect them to win though as Benfica dont pick up too many points away from home whereas Shakthar are a very dominant side with their fans behind them.

Whatever happens its going to be a night of biting nails for sure

[bulit]

I'm not sure with that draw here. But I'll try same number of goals in both HT 3,35 in my local. I put sam e bet on Porto-Arsenal. There is a logic there. If they go on draw it could be 0-0FT or Milan to score in first half and Celtic to score in second half and everybody happy.

Low stake on this bet
GL

[goldenleg]

I think Shakhtar is the bet of the day. They play well at home. They are well rested and have a full squad. Plus they already beat Benfica away.

[JoseRules]

A quote from Ancelotti

"Against Celtic we will play in our strongest formation," he said during today's press conference, "our mind is not on Tokyo, right now we want to finish first in the group. That's why we'll play in our usual formation, without making too many changes."
To those who say both teams will play for a draw tomorrow, and who suggest Milan are in a decline in Europe as well, he replied: "I'd like to remind that we've always done well in the Champions League.
"Tomorrow we will play with utmost fairness and respect for everyone, then if it ends in a draw I won't fear the criticisms, because Milan always go on the pitch to win."

I'm sure i read something by him earlier in the week where he said that they would be happy with a draw and no injuries. "If Celtic play to their normal Champions League form i'm sure they will qualify" or something like that. Isn't that why everyone is betting on the draw?

[Bigkegman]

According to Strachan - he is also going to play his strongest available squad and is going for the WIN so they finish TOP

[all_funkt_up]

The price for the draw is astonishing. I cant remember ever seeing a draw price that low.

I could be tempted with a bet on Celtic here - how bothered are Milan going to be about this game, with the World Club Championship coming and all?

[Mister X]

Draw? Yes guys, all the life. Obviously it' s only my opinion also i take it @2.00 and two result final

0-0@4.00 Bet365 5/10
1-1@4.00 Bet365 5/10

On Bet365 with 0-0 return me money

[Bigkegman]

Nah - I've went for AC Milan tonight.

I think they will want to prove to their fans that they are a decent side and after the defeat and frolics at Celtic Park I think the Milan players will want to prove something to themselves as well.

I know if it's still 0-0 at 80 mins then that is when both teams start looking at each other and probably agree a stalemate but until then neither team should (or will) take anything for granted.

I've talked myself out of the Draw because I think both teams will and are professionals and if it does end up a draw even although both teams have put in 100% then I'm still going to be a wee bit edgy about it being a stitch up

[ONEDUNME]

Originally Posted by Bigkegman

I've talked myself out of the Draw because I think both teams will and are professionals and if it does end up a draw even although both teams have put in 100% then I'm still going to be a wee bit edgy about it being a stitch up

That's exactly how I feel. Exactly how I felt the last time I saw a game with odds like these. Anyone remember the Sweden Norway game (I think it was Norway, possibly Denmark) when they both needed a point each to go through from the group stages of the European Championship.

I laid the draw like it was going out of fashion as I really couldn't believe that they'd get away with playing out a draw without at least one chance of a goal....and one chance was all that was needed.

The game ended 3-3 with a goal in the last minute

[ABWN]

Full team named for Milan, including Pirlo Gattuso Kaka, Inzaghi etc... I'm on Milan @ 13/8 taken yesterday as I think the really will play to win !

[traeth]

I cannot see Milan losing and with that strike force they will score , I can see them netting three , doubt if Celtic could score three , so I'm on Milan