Champions League Group B: Manchester United vs. VfL Wolfsburg

Joint group B leaders Manchester United and VfL Wolfsburg, each with three points after winning their opening fixture, are set to collide Wednesday night on match day 2 of UEFA Champions League group action. Manchester United will host VfL Wolfsburg at the Old Trafford in this match between reigning domestic titleholders.

Unlike other notorious German clubs, renowned for their experience at both the domestic and club level, Wolfsburg are the new-kids-on-the-block – so to speak – making their away debut in UEFA Champions League group stage. That the Old Trafford is considered one of the most intimidating stadiums in Premier League has been dismissed by Armin Veh as a non-issue. He is confident his men will be undaunted by the atmosphere.

Soccer Betting Line:

Manchester United -1½ +110 -275 3 O +115 U -135 2 O -135 U +105 Draw +350
Wolfsburg +1½ -130 +850 3 O +115 U -135 ½ O -140 U +110 Draw +350

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday September 30 2009
Venue: Old Trafford – Manchester – England

Soccer Betting Verdict: Manchester United are enjoying a seven-match winning streak in all competitions, which definitely makes them favourites over the debutants to win outright on the money line. BetOnline Sportsbook is offering odds at -275 on Man U for the home win.

Man U detractors point to an inherent weakness in the team’s defence and feel it is a cause for concern especially against bigger clubs. Interestingly, their offence is strong even now that they are without their star striker Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney, Berbatov and Owen have stepped it up for the Devils and seemingly find the net with ease. As such, the Over 2 goals -135 for Man U as a team is a banker.

Wolfsburg are oscillating between impressive to average results in Bundesliga right now. They are sixth in the table on the heels of mixed form , which makes them rather unpredictable. They are led by a front pair of Grafite and Edin Dzeko who are more than capable of wrecking havoc with Man U’s defence. Given that the Devils are weaker in the back many circles are of the opinion that we will see the visitors slot at least one into the net. The Over ½ -140 for Wolfsburg team totals is then a good play.

Soccer Free Picks: Man U will be looking to take maximum points in this match while Wolfsburg will aim to put forward a respectable performance and at the very best share in the spoils – so is the notion in the market. That is all fine and dandy and depending on which side of the coin you feel is more plausible – the Man U win or the draw – then that is where to bet your money. For my part, I recognize Man U are the more likely to win but I cannot for a second agree with the idea that Wolfsburg who are Bundesliga champions and deservedly so would come to the Old Trafford with as little to hope for as a point. Fiorentina only yesterday shocked Liverpool – granted it wasn’t at Anfield Stadium but still they played their little puppy hearts out against the much-favoured Liverpool and reaped the rewards for it. Just saying. Bundesliga clubs are always tough opponents and I wouldn’t underestimate them so quickly. Torn? Stick with the Overs an Unders.