Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

[Sir Puntalot]

[TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617]

[TR=class: row1] [TD=class: firstColumn]Manchester City v Real Madrid (19:45 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.15[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.8[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.25[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.51 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617] [TR=class: row1] [TD=class: firstColumn]Ajax v Borussia Dortmund (19:45 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.6[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.7[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.1[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.42 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[HastGill1]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) Man City v Real Madrid Well I don't think I will be alone in finding some value on Madrid, City have underwhelmed us in the CL again and Madrid have hardly been firing on all cylinders but have shown in recent weeks that they are returning to top form. Khedira and Benzema returned against Bilbao on Sat, and Benzema looked pretty sharp. I'm expecting a pretty open game, the group has seen plenty of goals and City don't have anything to lose, they are probably out but this is still a big game and Mancini can't afford hammerings in any game he needs to get them performing in Europe. The first game ended 3-2 which was harsh on City but you always had the feeling Madrid would step it up when required, as they did and they dominated most of the game to be fair. City started that game with just 1 real striker up top, as a result they were able to close down space in the midfield as Mancini was worried about being overrun. It worked but City had little attacking threat until they went with two up front, you could argue that Silva and Nasri are hardly defensive midfielders but they were certainly more defensive than they would normally play, I expect City will be far more attacking at home as they simply have to win the game to stand any chance of going through. I expect Madrid to be pretty attacking they will line-up with a familiar 4-3-3, Benzema will be the focal point. Would be fair to let Callejon start as he has been playing well although Di Maria might get the nod. ------------------------------------------Casillas------------------------------------------- --Arbeloa------------------Pepe-------------------------Ramos-------------------Coentrao-- -------------------------------Khedira---------------Alonso--------------------------------- -------Callejon/Di Maria----------------------Kaka/Ozil--------------------------Ronaldo----- ------------------------------------------Benzema----------------------------------------- It more difficult to know how City will line up, as I said I think they will be attacking - they don't have much choice and they are unbeaten in 19 home games in Europe which should be respected, even though its fair to say they were very lucky not to lose to Dortmund. I won't bother trying to predict the line-up as I wouldn't even be 100% sure what formation he will play, I don't see how Tevez and Aguero can be dropped after their 4 goals at the weekend but after Dzeko played well after coming off the bench in the first game Mancini might go for a more physical approach up front, Real concede quite a few goals in the air and Mancini might target this, Barry and Garcia might get the nod in the defensive midfielder roles but it will probably be Barry and Toure unless he wants to use Toure further forward. City have a big game away to Chelsea on Sunday but Chelsea have a similar match mid-week and I don't see either team resting players. I'm virtually certain both teams will score in this game, this has occured in 6 of Man City's last 8 CL games (all of last 4) and 7 of Real's last 8 (all of last 6). Neither side has a solid defence, not sure whats gone wrong with City's this season, in domestic and European games this season they have looked vulnerable. Real Madrid score tons of goals and are starting to hit top gear in La Liga after a dodgy start. As I said at the start I think there is a bit of value in the Madrid price and if you fancy it you should probably get on now as its starting to come in, I prefer to go for goals though..I've invested quite a lot in this one but taking into account both sides form and the requirements of both sides I think its well justified. Very strong play from me. Both Teams to Score - 1.5 - bet365 - 10 Points Over 2.5 Goals - 1.575 - bet365 - 10 Points Over 3 Goals - 1.9 - bet365 - 5 Points Over 3.5 Goals - 2.5 - hills - 5 Points

[Jase82]

Agree with Hastgill. Goals look a certainty. City look out of the CL, with a very slim chance of making the next phase. Yet I'd expect them to still go out for a win, and to try to regain some pride. City exploited them away and I expect the same here.

[pg_yid]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) I agree goals are likely in Man City game but the price is a little low for my liking. Even though they have to win and both teams have been leaky in defence, it's not as if the defenders are awful players. I can see enough chance of a 1-0, 1-1 or 0-1 to avoid placing overs or BTTS bets at those odds. I'd rather back (and have backed) over 2.5 in the Ajax game at a higher price of 1.68 with Marathon Bet. Limits there are low for me but not ridiculously so as it's a big game, so I can still get a 2.5/10 stake on. Both teams are good in attack, both teams' games average more than 3 goals domestically, neither team is the strongest defensively (particularly Ajax). Ajax need to win to have any realistic chance of progression, Dortmund could do with the win as well despite leading the group. The only thing which worries me was the first game between the two sides finishing 1-0, but by all accounts it was an open game and lots of chances were missed. Plus it lacked the 'pretty much must win' element. 1.68 is not the best price ever but it's a little too high and a little out of line with the other bookies as well, I'd expect it to fall when punters look at the group dynamics.

[kelevra]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) David Silva is back and we' ve seen the results. I think this gonna be a very tough game for Real Madrid because City has really nothing to lose.

[assange58]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

David Silva is back and we' ve seen the results.

You hit the nail on the head.

[disposal bag]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) Ajax - Dortmund Can't tell you anything about the misses for Dortmund, the dutch media says Kehl will return in de starting eleven any info about that? Ajax played saturday against VVV and were not good, looked like the lacked motivation and were already with there head at this game. They won 2-0 after a free kick of boerrigter and a good goal from the young striker Hoessen. Vermeer and Alderweireld both will return in the starting eleven and that's good for the experience. Babel is still out for another 3 a 4 weeks. The young talented fischer is replacing him but not sure De Boer already wants to play with him in Champions L Think the bookmakers still are underestimating ajax they played a ok game in Dortmund and deserved a draw. Both Ajax and Dortmund will be happy with a draw for dortmund this means qualification and ajax is happy with the third place in the poule and a draw gives them a big chance if man city doesn't win. Probarly line up Ajax Vermeer V Rhijn-Alderweireld-Moisander-Blind Schone-Poulsen-De jong Boerrigter-Eriksen-Fischer(lukoki) Bet DRAW Betfair odds 4

[neilovan]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) I don't think Dortmund will play for a draw. Their soccer is 100 miles an hour, full of energy and running. Perhaps a little naive for champions league , but very entertaining nevertheless. I thought they were fantastic against Man City away (robbed by a ridic late penalty). They ran them off the pitch and dominated the game completely. Dortmund are also running into some form after a sluggish start in the Bundesliga. The game should bring goals aplenty and has a strong likely hood of a dortmund wn. Simply cannot see Ajax keeping them at bay. Can't really see ajax being happy with third place ( you're the best of the losers !!), so I reckon they will have to go for it in an open game and hope Man City cause an upset .... Dortmund win at 17/20 makes the most sense here .

[SuperImps]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) Both games to be both to score. Man city may have enough on the night to beat/draw with Madrid, Madrid have only won 2 out last 5 away championsh league games. against Apoel and Ajax My tip Man City/Draw 14/1 both to score Man City single 8/5? Ajax at 3/1 or bigger with some bookies underrated. playing at home,maybe already into next bit of champions league but will want that home win.

[kevshat]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) 4pts Man City vs Real Madrid - Over 3.5 goals 11/8 Coral I get the feeling from all I’ve heard and read coming out of the City camp that they haven’t thrown the towel in on this campaign and they are going to give this a real go possibly even sacrificing some defensive back up in the quest for goals so with Madrid’s pace and quality on the counter attack I expect to see goals in this game and plenty of them. There were 5 in the reverse fixture and with the quality on show here I can see a similar amount at the Etihad. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/man-city-vs-real-madrid-betting-man-city-s-plight-should-ensure-we-see-a-few-goals-at-the-etihad

[assange58]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

4pts Man City vs Real Madrid - Over 3.5 goals 11/8 Coral I get the feeling from all I’ve heard and read coming out of the City camp that they haven’t thrown the towel in on this campaign and they are going to give this a real go possibly even sacrificing some defensive back up in the quest for goals so with Madrid’s pace and quality on the counter attack I expect to see goals in this game and plenty of them. There were 5 in the reverse fixture and with the quality on show here I can see a similar amount at the Etihad. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/man-city-vs-real-madrid-betting-man-city-s-plight-should-ensure-we-see-a-few-goals-at-the-etihad

Adding to this, I also could see City starting to get their stride especially with the return of Silva. Because of this, I am extremely tempted to take Man City 0AH @ 2.41 (5dimes). I also took over 2.5 at not such a great price because I think its a banker.

[BetMan.UA]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

Ajax at 3/1 or bigger with some bookies underrated. playing at home,maybe already into next bit of champions league but will want that home win.

Agree Ajax at the own stadium won 12 out of 13 games against Bundesliga teams and never lost!!!

[disposal bag]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

I don't think Dortmund will play for a draw. Their soccer is 100 miles an hour, full of energy and running. Perhaps a little naive for champions league , but very entertaining nevertheless. I thought they were fantastic against Man City away (robbed by a ridic late penalty). They ran them off the pitch and dominated the game completely. Dortmund are also running into some form after a sluggish start in the Bundesliga. The game should bring goals aplenty and has a strong likely hood of a dortmund wn. Simply cannot see Ajax keeping them at bay. Can't really see ajax being happy with third place ( you're the best of the losers !!), so I reckon they will have to go for it in an open game and hope Man City cause an upset .... Dortmund win at 17/20 makes the most sense here .

Still think ajax will be happy with a third place, F de Boer said it will be good if they finished third. Agree that dortmund is stronger playing good football and is great in the counter attack on the value is with ajax. Dortmund at 1.85 represent no value for me.

[Aidymac]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) *Real Madrid WIN @ 5/4 Paddy Power* Real Madrid will look to secure qualification tonight, and will also try and top the group. Mourinho will be coming to the Etihad to win tonight, i have no doubt about that. City have a shocking record in the Champions League, they have 2 points from a possible 12 so far, they were completely outplayed by Dortmund at home, and were lucky to get a draw at home to Ajax. With Cristiano Ronaldo in your team, you know the opponents are in for a tough night. I am not sure how eager City will be tonight, as they are out of Europe. Not also sure how keen they would be on the Europa League, as it would take focus off of the Premier League. I fancy Madrid to take the spoils tonight, they are a class outfit.

[McNasara]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

Ajax - Dortmund Can't tell you anything about the misses for Dortmund, the dutch media says Kehl will return in de starting eleven any info about that? Probarly line up Ajax Vermeer V Rhijn-Alderweireld-Moisander-Blind Schone-Poulsen-De jong Boerrigter-Eriksen-Fischer(lukoki) Bet DRAW Betfair odds 4

I thought that Kehl will be the only absence for them. probably line up - Dortmund Weidenfeller Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer Bender, Gündogan Reus, Götze, Großkreutz Lewandowski

[disposal bag]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) Scheidsrechter: Pedro Proenca Opstelling Ajax: Vermeer, Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Moisander, Blind, Poulsen, Enoh, De Jong, Eriksen, Boerrigter, Lukoki. Wissels: Cillessen, Sana, Schöne, Hoesen, Veltman, Dijks, Fischer. Official ajax site Ajax is playing with an extra defensive midfielder enoh and not with regular schone. Lukoki is replacing fischer, lukoki great speed only lacks overview. Enoh is a guy that picks up yellow cards easily. So if you can bet on this higher than 3.5/4 looks like value.

[SpiritOfLisbon]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) Man City v Real Madrid I'm happy to take a punt on City here. They have been dreadful in the CL this season but there are signs that they are just starting to come into form with Silva back and fully fit and Aguero looking back to his best. There is no pressure on them tonight with them pretty much out and with an attacking line-up with Silva, Nasri, Aguero and Dzeko they should go for it. There are doubts over them defensively against the talent of Real but Joe Hart might feel he has a point to prove after recent criticism and is capable of a big performance. Real Madrid are a top side and are one of the favourites for the tournament but I don't think they look quite as impressive as season at this point and have conceded goals on their travels. Should be a great game. Over 2.5 goals @ 1/2 Man City to win @ 3.3 Betfair Aguero anytime scorer @ 3.25 StanJames

[neilovan]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

I don't think Dortmund will play for a draw. Their soccer is 100 miles an hour, full of energy and running. Perhaps a little naive for champions league , but very entertaining nevertheless. I thought they were fantastic against Man City away (robbed by a ridic late penalty). They ran them off the pitch and dominated the game completely. Dortmund are also running into some form after a sluggish start in the Bundesliga. The game should bring goals aplenty and has a strong likely hood of a dortmund wn. Simply cannot see Ajax keeping them at bay. Can't really see ajax being happy with third place ( you're the best of the losers !!), so I reckon they will have to go for it in an open game and hope Man City cause an upset .... Dortmund win at 17/20 makes the most sense here .

Last one out, switch the lights off :welcome:cigar

[HastGill1]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax)

Man City v Real Madrid Well I don't think I will be alone in finding some value on Madrid, City have underwhelmed us in the CL again and Madrid have hardly been firing on all cylinders but have shown in recent weeks that they are returning to top form. Khedira and Benzema returned against Bilbao on Sat, and Benzema looked pretty sharp. I'm expecting a pretty open game, the group has seen plenty of goals and City don't have anything to lose, they are probably out but this is still a big game and Mancini can't afford hammerings in any game he needs to get them performing in Europe. The first game ended 3-2 which was harsh on City but you always had the feeling Madrid would step it up when required, as they did and they dominated most of the game to be fair. City started that game with just 1 real striker up top, as a result they were able to close down space in the midfield as Mancini was worried about being overrun. It worked but City had little attacking threat until they went with two up front, you could argue that Silva and Nasri are hardly defensive midfielders but they were certainly more defensive than they would normally play, I expect City will be far more attacking at home as they simply have to win the game to stand any chance of going through. I expect Madrid to be pretty attacking they will line-up with a familiar 4-3-3, Benzema will be the focal point. Would be fair to let Callejon start as he has been playing well although Di Maria might get the nod. ------------------------------------------Casillas------------------------------------------- --Arbeloa------------------Pepe-------------------------Ramos-------------------Coentrao-- -------------------------------Khedira---------------Alonso--------------------------------- -------Callejon/Di Maria----------------------Kaka/Ozil--------------------------Ronaldo----- ------------------------------------------Benzema----------------------------------------- It more difficult to know how City will line up, as I said I think they will be attacking - they don't have much choice and they are unbeaten in 19 home games in Europe which should be respected, even though its fair to say they were very lucky not to lose to Dortmund. I won't bother trying to predict the line-up as I wouldn't even be 100% sure what formation he will play, I don't see how Tevez and Aguero can be dropped after their 4 goals at the weekend but after Dzeko played well after coming off the bench in the first game Mancini might go for a more physical approach up front, Real concede quite a few goals in the air and Mancini might target this, Barry and Garcia might get the nod in the defensive midfielder roles but it will probably be Barry and Toure unless he wants to use Toure further forward. City have a big game away to Chelsea on Sunday but Chelsea have a similar match mid-week and I don't see either team resting players. I'm virtually certain both teams will score in this game, this has occured in 6 of Man City's last 8 CL games (all of last 4) and 7 of Real's last 8 (all of last 6). Neither side has a solid defence, not sure whats gone wrong with City's this season, in domestic and European games this season they have looked vulnerable. Real Madrid score tons of goals and are starting to hit top gear in La Liga after a dodgy start. As I said at the start I think there is a bit of value in the Madrid price and if you fancy it you should probably get on now as its starting to come in, I prefer to go for goals though..I've invested quite a lot in this one but taking into account both sides form and the requirements of both sides I think its well justified. Very strong play from me. Both Teams to Score - 1.5 - bet365 - 10 Points WIN Over 2.5 Goals - 1.575 - bet365 - 10 Points LOSS Over 3 Goals - 1.9 - bet365 - 5 Points LOSS Over 3.5 Goals - 2.5 - hills - 5 Points LOSS

Pretty terrible result for me. Made a profit for the night but I was desperate for another goal in this as it would have made a massive difference..Mancini is a total coward in Europe and his tactics were garbage, why start with a formation none of the players are used to playing? Real Madrid should have been 3 up at the break, every bloody chance they had seemed to go to Khedira! :lol, behind Casillas and Arbeloa the last player you want up there. Real didn't push at all second half yet still created more than City on the break. Mourinho obviously thought they could deal with whatever City threw at them and he was nearly right. City can have no complaints, they don't deserve to go through to the next round.

[Fedar]

Re: Group D > Nov 21 (Man City, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax) I know this is not the place to comment on football.....but after seeing another piece of Dormund, I just can't believe how a team with a small budget can be so freaking powerful and dominating in Champions League!