CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WEDNESDAY FIXTURES BETTING TIPS

Tuesdays Champions League fixtures provided some epic matches that will surely please the English fans, not the least of them Liverpool's destruction of Real Madrid. The Anfield result could signify the end of an era for Real as their proud European history crumbles again. Another excellent European record is on the line as Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United face off against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Both teams top their respective leagues by a significant margin and this is truly the match of the day. The betting has been intense on both sides as punters look to shore up as much value as possible for Wednesday's kick-offs. Arsene Wenger is in decent shape against Roma, but he will be conscious of the fact that the smallest error could quickly throw a monkey wrench into his plans. If Arsenal are to salvage anything from this season, they will need to put the press on now and do the job in Europe. Barcelona- Lyon: Barca were surprised when Juninho put them ahead after a mere seven minutes. With Thierry Genry levelling the score (and securing the crucial away goal) Barca head back to the Nou Camp with a significant edge. They will need to contain Lyon and simultaneously get forward and put enough pressure on them at the back. Not getting caught on the break will be the priority and we all know how dangerous Lyon can be if you let them come at you. Barca should win this one, but I think another 1-1 draw might happen, which would send this one to extra time. The 1-1 draw pays 13/2 with Paddy Power. Porto- Atletico Madrid: Surely nowheres to go but up for Portuguese competition in the Champions League after Sporting's record-setting drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich. Porto hold the aces in this deck with two away goals proving to be a real hurdle for Atletico. Pulling off a 1-0 away victory is never easy and if Atletico concede early they will be in all kinds of trouble. I think Real's defeat will galvanize them though, and I can see them holding out for the 1-0 victory which pays 8/1 with Paddy Power. Manchester United- Inter Milan: The pick of the crop in terms of the days matches as we see arguably football's greatest living manager facing off against the usurper to his throne. Nobody, myself included, will ever forget Jose's famous run down the touchline and I almost wish somebody was offering a betting market on another Old Trafford Mourinho side-line charge. Examining the correct-score odds indicates that the bookmakers favour a scoreline of 1-0 Man United with 4/1 odds. 1-0 to Inter Milan pays out at 9/1 while the 1-1 draw (which would see Inter go through) pays out at 11/2. With Rio Ferdinand and Vidic lining up in the center of midfield, Inter will need to ask some serious questions and I'm backing Wayne Rooney to score the important goal for United. I would also keep my eye on Paul Scholes for first goalscorer, if his name is on the teamsheet. 1-0 to United pays 4/1 at Paddy Power. Roma- Arsenal: Robin Van Persie's penalty is the only thing that separates the two sides and the bookmakers are favouring a 1-1 stalemate here. Personally, I like a tight, nervy 0-0 which will give Gunners fans heart attacks for a full 90. Roma get a bit sloppy when they're under pressure and I wouldn't rule out another penalty being conceded. Arsenal can't sit back against Roma, but I fancy them to get the job done. 1-1 draw pays 5/1 at Paddy Power.