The Champions League Proper (1/2)

Most of the rubbish should be out of the competition at this stage and we should be left with the best 16 teams Europe has to offer this year… but are we?

Some teams have been massively impressive while others have been frightfully poor thus far, so I have decided to have a quick rundown off all 16 teams remaining in the competition giving my view on the following:

Shakhtar:
Skip’s Quick View: Big surprise to me this year. Have played some nice stuff in their group games and have been impressive but they play Dortmund next and I just can’t bet against them. Dortmund in my opinion are the best team in the competition.
Bet at the price: They just got a bad draw. No bets.

PSG:
Skip’s Quick View: Over rated team playing in a really poor French league. I think Valencia can get the better over the two legs.
Bet at the price: 18/1… Are you having a laugh?

Manchester United:
Skip’s Quick View: Fergie’s men have stormed out in front in the domestic league but I see them having a tough test as Ronaldo and co come to stake their claim for Champions League glory.
Bet at the price: Very tight game to come but will be no bets for me here.

Juventus:
Skip’s Quick View: They should easily get past Celtic in the next round but I don’t see them going that much further. They are a very hot and cold team and in knock out competition that is not a plus.
Bet at the price: Too short for me for outright and to qualify against Celtic.

Dortmund:
Skip’s Quick View: The best team in the Competition according to Skipper. They have yet to let me down and are playing some wonderfully exciting football.
Bet at the price: I have had some 40/1 at the start but I still think they are a bet on the outright at 17/2… They should be 4/1.

Munich:
Skip’s Quick View: Another strong German raider. I expect them to breeze past the Gunners and march on to the quarters… maybe even all the way.
Bet at the price: Still small value at 7/1 outright.

Real Madrid:
Skip’s Quick View: It’s hard to write off a team like Madrid but I don’t rate them as highly as everyone else. Dortmund already beat them and drew with them away from home. With players like Ronaldo in the ranks anything can happen but not as good as either German contender for me.
Bet at the price: Way too short for a one trick pony.

Barcelona:
Skip’s Quick View: Lionel Messi FC have as good a chance as anyone at the top of the betting but I cannot believe they are 9/4 best price. Football betting has the funny habit of trading on names and Barcelona are a prime example of that. I’m not saying they can’t win this… I just think they are on level par with at least 3 other teams.
Bet at the price: 9/4 to win 4 matches against the cream of Europe. No way.

They’re my views, take it or leave it.

Skipper