Champions League Round of 16 – Inter Milan vs Manchester United

After what seems like ages, but is only two months, Champions League betting is back on the books at BetOnline Sportsbook. It is the Round of 16. The knockout stages. Can anything be more exciting than these later stages of the most coveted European cup in soccer? A resounding: Not a chance!

So, given the momentous occasion we are about to be faced with this week, the first leg of the last 16, it is only fitting that we begin with the Premier League and defending European Champions of last season, Manchester United who have drawn archrivals Inter Milan.

The Red Devils are enjoying a magical season not only in Premier League but also on all fronts. They are on track for an unprecedented quintet. Can they sweep all five trophies though really? In a word, no. Most sports bettors would agree that is too much. However, imagine if they did run away with the lot.

Inter Milan will have ideas about stopping them in Champions League and they are in with a good shot. The Italian side lead the Italia Serie A table and they are also the domestic titleholders. Those would be all the similarities they share with Manchester United and that make this matchup one of the most anticipated derby’s of this round. However, where the similarity ends is on European form. The Italians have flattered to deceive in the past. In fact, the last two seasons saw them fall at this hurdle. So is the time now for Inter. They certainly hope so. Easier said than done when the opposing side is Manchester United though.

Soccer Betting Line:

Inter Milan pk -150 +140 2 O -120 U Ev 1 O -120 U -110 Draw +210

Manchester United pk +130 +210 2 O -120 U Ev 1 O Ev U -130 Draw +210

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday 24 February 2009

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – Milan – Italy

Soccer Betting Analysis

Inter Milan +140:

Road to Last 16: The Nerazzurri struggled to get to the last 16 finishing second to Panathinaikos FC after hauling eight points ( 2-2-2) in group action.

Current Form: The blight against Inter Milan in the marketplace is that they have not been impressive despite leading the Serie A table and owning a nine point lead over second placed Juventus.

Manchester United +210:

Road to Last 16: Manchester United moved into the last 16 undefeated with two wins and four draws. They hauled ten points and finished above Villarreal in Group E.

Current Form: Manchester United is in formidable form lately. They are undefeated in Premier League action, marred only by one draw, and are currently on top of the table, seven points clear of second placed Liverpool FC. They are confident and optimistic.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Ten years ago, Manchester United beat Inter Milan en route to winning the European crown. Inter Milan would like nothing better than to avenge that loss – though both teams are comprised of different players today, by virtue of wearing the club colours they claim the history of their respective clubs in this competition. [Insert shiver of anticipation here]. Added drama to this matchup comes in the renewal of coaching rivalries. Sir Alex Fergusson and Jose Mourinho locked horns in Premier League when Mourinho coached Chelsea FC. Mourinho is confident he can lead his charges to victory, owing to past successes with Chelsea, and two weeks from now, they will celebrate beating the European champions. The key would be patience for Inter Milan if they were to mastermind what will be the biggest upset of the tournament. And imagination. I would refer sports bettors to my earlier statement: Inter has not looked impressive in domestic action not to mention their struggles in group action. So I ask: how are they expected to outplay Man U? The first leg will solve nothing and it is largely expected to be a cautious affair with very little risked by both clubs. But I expect a focused and consummate performance by Man U. They will want to quash any hope Inter might entertain right off the bat. Mind, at lovely +210 odds (are you kidding me) surely betting on the Red Devils is a no brainer.

Soccer Betting Free Picks: Manchester United +210 | Over 2 -120

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetOnline.com Locker Room