CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP GOALSCORER BETTING: DEAD HEAT FOR VILLA AND MESSI

With the 2010/11 Champions League kicking off with its opening Group Stage fixtures next week, we're seeing the betting markets heat up for all sorts of long-term bets that will provide some proper returns. One of the more popular selections for veteran punters as well as casual fans is a top goalscorer bet on the Champions League. 
As usual, the best prices are to be found on the open exchange at Betfair. Its ability to move a bit faster and offer prices that reflect the current mood generally give the best value on outside bets as well as favourites. 
Currently, the exchange market is showing a virtual dead heat between Lionel Messi and David Villa, who trade at 7.0 and 6.8, respectively. The two Barcelona players are certainly capable of pulling this off and I think it might come down to who stays healthy this season and who can run up a big tally against lower opposition in the Group Stages. 
If you don't fancy those prices, or you think Barcelona are going to be found out this year in the Champions league, then check out the 8.0 available on Didier Drogba or the 10.0 price tag on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid man knows how to score a bagfull of Champions League goals and he also has the Mourinho factor this time, so you can expect them to stay in the competition until the latter stages. 
Wayne Rooney's odds to score more Champions League goals than anybody else are currently available at around 12.0 with Diego Milito a step behind at 17.0. Alexandre Pato is priced at 21.0 while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is trading at 24.0. 
Arsenal's Robin Van Persie can be backed at 28.0. 
I seriously think that the Group Stage goals are going to be the ones that make the difference and I think that Barcelona have one of the kinder draws and we could certainly see some very lopsided results, although I implore them not to underestimate Rubin Kazan. Barca face off against them, FC Copenhagen and Panathinaikos. 
Real Madrid face a tougher group that consists of AC Milan, Ajax (who should be respected) and Auxerre. 
Arsenal's group of Shakhtar, Braga and Partizan Belgrade also looks easier than some, but the Gunners need strikers who won't spend half the season on the treatment tables.