Who's Playing In The Match?
Porto have proved themselves worthy of a place in the Champs League knockout stages by showing United exactly how to play away from home in Europe. They scored two priceless away goals at Old Trafford and have only to avoid defeat or a high-scoring draw to knockout the reigning champions. That is easier said than done though and whilst they are undefeated in 20 matches domestically, they will struggle to withstand everything that the Reds throw at them on Wednesday evening. Quite simply, if they can score more than one goal then the tie is theirs.
Man Utd just don't look like the same side that they did a month ago, defeats against Liverpool and Fulham saw them wobbling in the Premier League and whilst late wins against both Villa and Sunderland haven't restored the punters' faith in them.
They are back to full strength with both Berbatov and Ferdinand returning to the side -but will it be enough? An early goal in Portugal would surely steady the ship, so they will be looking to Ronaldo in his native land to silence the boo boys and show something of the magic that has been lacking this season.
Verdict: Man Utd will sneak past Porto by the odd goal.
Sell the total goals at 2.4 goals as this may well be a tight game...
What About The Goalscorer Minutes Markets?
For Man Utd, set-pieces such as corners and free-kicks may be a good opportunity for goals. Ferdinand (1-3) is fantastic value following his return from injury and Vidic (3-6) is a constant danger in the air.
Porto will be looking to their start strikers Lisandro Lopez (14-17) to produce a piece of magic to this tie out of United's reach. He is challenging Messi as the competition's top scorer, and it would be no surprise if he found the net again
Anything Else Worth Looking At?
The first market to interest us on Sporting Index is Bookings (40-44) -if this game goes down to the wire with one team defending for their lives at the end or if United romp away, then it could turn nasty and a sending-off could ensue. The booking index in the Juventus v Chelsea game reached 105, so that could be a good guide.
Buy @ 44 and watch the tackles fly in!
Another market that appeals is the headed goal minutes (26-29) , this seems a great price with Vidic, Ferdinand, Ronaldo and Hulk on the pitch -all of whom are great headers of the ball.
Buy @ 29 and watch carefully at corners!
Sporting Index are quoting 5-6.5 on the Penalty Index -and a big live game is due a penalty (heaven knows we have been waiting for one...)
Buy @ 6.5 and get great value for your money
And finally, with the prospect of a penalty looming, we would direct you to the market for Penalty Goal Minutes (13-16 mins) -there were a few penalties around in the matches played last night, so why not it this one?
Buy @ 14 -and hope for a ridiculous handball decision!
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