Mark O’Haire’s Champions League Tips – Tuesday’s Matches

Both these sides emerged from Matchday 1 with defeats but it was Arsenal’s shock loss to Dinamo Zagreb that could prove a lot more costly.

Arsenal v Olympiakos, Tuesday 29th September 2015, 19.45, BT Sport Europe
We could see a reaction here at The Emirates.

Olympiakos beat both Juventus and Atletico Madrid at home in the group stages last season and there were many that felt they could be a stubborn opponent in Greece for Bayern Munich. Sadly for Marco Silva’s side they (like many) found it too tough against Bayern and were beaten comfortably 3-0.

BoyleSports have Arsenal at 4/11 to win this match but there’s much better value dipping into the goal markets. Over 3.5 Goals at 8/5 looks tremendous value; Arsenal will be eager to right the wrongs of their defeat two weeks ago while Olympiakos can certainly contribute to the party.

The Greeks have smashed in 16 goals already this season in their five league matches and tend to punch above their weight in this competition.

They’ve also faced Arsenal in this competition six times since 2009 and have scored on five of those occasions. Olympiakos’ performances in last season’s group stage indicate that they hold no fear in these type of matches and this could be a goal laden game.

Recommended Bet:
Over 3.5 Goals @ 8/5

Porto v Chelsea, Tuesday 29th September 2015, 19.45, BT Sport Europe
Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Saturday was another stark reminder that things aren’t tickety-boo at Stamford Bridge just yet and that’s certainly reflected in the prices at BoyleSports with the Blues priced at 19/10 to take the three points.

Porto have become something of a fixture in the Champions League and performed with immense credit last season when winning their group, dismantling Basel in the Last 16 and then giving Bayern Munich a huge fright in the quarter-finals.

The shadow of Jose Mourinho will hang over this match and the former Porto coach will be desperate to come away from his old stomping ground at Estadio do Dragao with something to show for the Londoners’ efforts.

On Matchday 1, Porto went to Kiev and were just minutes away from an excellent win; Vitaliy Buyalskyi’s 89th minute equaliser ruined the Porto party and they’ll feel they have big claims in this match. Unlike Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui’s side have started their domestic campaign in typically strong fashion with four wins from their six matches. Those wins include an impressive victory over Benfica.

The draw in this encounter appeals the most at the prices. Defeat could be very costly for Chelsea and they’ve proved in recent times how resilient they are on Champions League away days. Sporting Lisbon and Schalke were both amongst their victims last season in the group stages and they can acquire a draw here in Portugal at 21/10.

Recommended Bet:
Draw @ 21/10

*Prices correct at time of publication