Bayern Leverkusen v Barcelona

The bookies take one look at Barcelona in the Champions League and make them tough to bet on for a straight victory at best odds of 4/9 (PaddyPower). But that price doesn’t reflect how tough it should be in Germany for the defending champions. Bayern Leverkusen won all three of their home games in the group stages - Chelsea and Valencia were among their victims.

Pep Guardiola isn’t having an easy time of things in Spain. His side have fallen 10 points behind Madrid in La Liga after a shock 3-2 defeat at Osasuna at the weekend. The boss saw his gamble backfire after leaving out Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas from the starting line-up. He clearly had one eye on Tuesday’s visit to the BayArena where the hosts have won seven of their last eight in Europe’s premier club competition.

However, German hopes of causing a major upset have been slightly tempered by the team news. The hugely experienced Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the first leg after suffering a calf injury in training.  Leverkusen will also be concerned about their own domestic form. Robin Dutt’s side have won only one of their last seven in all competitions and have slipped down to sixth in the Bundesliga.

With Guardiola seemingly putting all his eggs in the Champions League basket we can surely expect the away team to edge this one. The Catalans are determined to become the first back-to-back winners of the trophy since AC Milan in 1990.  Leverkusen won’t be helped by arguably the best team in the world having a point to prove after recent disappointments.

It won’t be easy, but a Barcelona victory by a one goal margin looks a solid bet at best odds of 11/4 (Boylesports).