Liverpool v Athletico Madrid



Tuesday 4th November 2008 19:45 GMT

After a fascinating clash in Madrid where the pendulum swung both ways and we probably reached a satisfactory conclusion in the result of a draw, the two best sides in the group are set to do battle yet again.
Having looked very comfortable in the first half and seemingly cruising to victory on the back of Robbie Keane's opener, Liverpool were given a shock when a rejuvenated Athletico team came out fired up for the second half and threw absolutely everything at them. The late equaliser from Simao was justice and will provide a warning for Liverpool ahead of tonight's clash.
As can be the case with big European nights at Anfield I am expecting this to be quite a cagey affair in the early going and as such this could hamper the chances of many goals. Liverpool can tend to play in a grinding fashion often rather than really showing a great deal of flair so unders is definitely the play in the 2.5 goals market for me.

Having checked out the prices for this one I have got to say I am a little surprised to see Liverpool at such a minimal price. 1.62 is the best available price on them at present and is an insult to Athletico so it seems that there is some massive value in a small back of the Spaniards for this one. You can get 8 with Skybet and bearing in mind that although Fernando Torres is likely to play this one against his former club, he was only rated as a 70% chance so this should give you an idea that his fitness may not be entirely up to scratch. If Torres isn't firing, then some sceptics would say that is half of the team down! Going on the silly basis that Torres and Steven Gerrard are a two man team!
 
RECOMMENDATIONS - 4 Points on Under 2.5 Total Goals @ 1.83 (Betfair)
1 Point on Athletico Madrid @ 8 (SkyBet)

Crafty Stan