16th Dec 2011 | Football
Champions League/Europa League Odds
All five English sides left in continental action might have enjoyed kinder draws for the knockout stages.
Friday’s draw for the last 16 of the Champions League sends both remaining English teams off to Italy. The glamour tie of the round sees Arsenal face AC Milan with the first leg played at the San Siro on 15 February. The Gunners have drifted to a best price 25/1(VictorChandler) for the trophy, but their opponents are even longer at 28/1 (Boylesports).
Chelsea head to Naples to face a Napoli side who took four points off Manchester City to trigger their exit from the competition. AVB’s team are 14/1 (Ladbrokes) fourth favourites to finally claim Champions League glory. The Italians have eased to 50/1 (Boylesports) as a result of the draw.
Meanwhile in the Europa League any notion that the Manchester sides would get a soft route to the final has been quickly dispelled. City are 5/1 (Betfred) favourites despite facing defending champions Porto (28/1 Skybet) early next year. United (15/2 Ladbrokes) square up to another one of Europe’s big names, Ajax, who find themselves massive underdogs at 66/1 (StanJames) for the trophy.
Life may be even tougher for Stoke who clash with Spanish outfit Valencia, who are third in La Liga. The Potters are 50/1 (Coral) to go all the way, while their opponents are much fancied at 14/1 (Skybet).
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:31 16th Dec, 2011 but subject to change