Chelsea has a fully fit squad for today’s UEFA Champions Pick while Olympiakos has two of their key players out, Luciano Galletti and Lamona Lua Lua. Chelsea gets to play this match at home, Stanford Bridge, where they haven’t lost a match yet. The first match if the knockout round ended in a 0-0 draw, at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Athens. For a bettor who likes underdogs, this is for you! Bodog has Olympiakos as +900 underdogs over Chelsea. Get your UEFA Champions League pick in now!
Chelsea is coming off three straight draws, Portsmouth, Liverpool and Olympiakos. They were less than impressive in the first leg against Olympiakos; Chelsea will need to come out strong with a must goal in the first half. They don’t want to feel pressured if they go down a goal, Olympiakos will not be playing defensively, and they’re going to bring everything they have. Defense will be just as important for Chelsea because if they go down a goal, that means they need two to advance. They will more than likely opt for a 4-4-2 lineup. Chelsea has averaged 1.8 GAG in their last five games at home and they mostly score between the start and the 75th minute of the match. They have no goals after the 75th minute. The do, however, allow the majority of goals against in the first half hour of the match. They only have won two games by two goals all year. Chelsea has made three semi-finals in four years, which is why Chelsea is -300 odds favorite to beat Olympiakos. Didier Drogba is Chelsea’s go to guy with four Champions League goals.
Olympiakos won an impressive road game in the Champions League after they defeated Werder Bremen 3-1. They’ve also won at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio and managed 7 goals in their 3 away group stage games. They know they can advance with a win or a draw at Stamford Bridge. They were reasonably satisfied with the performance they put up in the first leg, but were left regretting missed chances after largely dominating possession and looking the more likely of the two sides to score. Olympiakos is 0-7 SU when playing teams in England. Antonios Nikopolidis is set to become the Greek footballer with the most UEFA Champions League appearances to his name. Wednesday should see him play his 53rd game in the competition.
Chelsea vs Olympiakos
Kickoff: Wed, Mar 5 2008 2:45 PM ET
Line: Bodog
Pick: Olympiakos +900
Bottom Line: Chelsea had a poor showing against the tough Olympiakos team and they’ve only won two games by two goals. A tie will put Olympiakos through and Chelsea will be out of the Champions League, just like how they got knocked out of the FA Cup. Get your UEFA Champions League Pick in now!
