The Italian side having a rather dismal form in their Seria A with low strike rate and inconsistent play. The recent 3 goals thriller, away draw to Florentina got nothing to cheer about, leaking some late goals easily and losing 2 vital points.

The Spainards, highly motivated and inspired by their recent 5-2 advantage is riding high at this moment. Going into today match, not to hold ground but prefer to bank on their 1st leg advantage and venture forward to secure some goals.

The Lazion is expected to mount a D-Day all out attack but do not have the luxury of letting in any goal which may prove to be diasterous should this happened. It's game over for the Italian side.

Do not underestimate the intelligence of Valencia, they do know what game they are in and the great advantage they had on their hand.

I really can't see a 2-0 win by Lazio in this match and can forget about the 3 goal with clean sheet required for the Semi qualification. The last Italian side is definately out of this Champions League and a draw or the most a narrow 1-0 Lazio win.

My Pick :Draw, Valencia . Lazio is not qualify to give a 1 goal handicap to a on form visiting side at this moment in regardless of how desperate they may be. The Spainard's is no Chelsea team and sitting duck, remembered 1-2 Lazio away win over Chelsea? It's wiser to side Valencia.

Today, we see the Champions league's favourite Barcelona against Vialli's multi national "star studded" team.

Vialli self proclaimed as underdog is unlikely to physco the Blues against the might of Barca. The Blues has create their wreath by losing 2-1 at home to the Italian side Lazio in their previous qualifying game in which a win would have given them a tremendous confidence boost and touted them as Cup's contender instead of underdog, thus avoiding tournament favourite Barca today.

Barcelona imperial march into this Quarters without losing a game and excellent strike rate is likely to move on to the 2nd leg easily without any hitch.

The Blues recent domestic leagues 2-1 win over Leeds and too many draws match is not impressive enough to consider of any upset here. Probably a stalemate will be fine for Vialli but it highly impossible if you play against the attacking-styled Barca. Chelsea will be without the suspended Lebouef in an otherwise full squad.

My Pick : Barcelona to win .With the handicap at 1/4 to Chelsea, needless to say Barcelona is a wiser choice.

Lazio, one of the tournaments favourite with a good defensive record in the competition has a firm edge over the Spanish side if they were to perform the same attacking ability against Chelsea with more accuracy.

Lazio currently 2nd on the Italian Seria A below leader Juventus, is zoning in for their domestice leagues title as well. The last win 1-0 over Juve cannot come at any correct timing and the last Italian representive is too fired up for today vital game.

Valencia, recent 3-0 lose to Barcelona in the Spanish has indeed dampened some of their confidence.

Kiev having lost five games in this comp, 3 of them home defeats and their current forms may not see them getting a win against the mighty German. However, they have gone 3 games unbeaten, taking their goals tally to 7 conceding the same number. They are performing much better now than they were in the earlier season game, drawing 2-2 with Real last week.

Kiev current domestic season is encouraging, maintaining their 12 point lead at the top of the table. Their home record overall is quite impressive, with 9 straight wins, 28 goals scored and only 3 conceded. Kiev can get a better result than the 2-1 defeat they suffered in Munich against the group leader this time around, as the German is going into this game, slightly under strength resting serveral key players.

For Bayern Munich, their momentum has accelerated at the correct time with nothing but excellence performance in their German League and in this Championship.

Kiev likely to be in full strength, must get a better result than Real Madrid. A draw for Kiev will only be good enough if Real lose to Rosenborg which is highly unlikely. Kiev have no choice but to go for a all out win.

My Pick : NO BET! Draw . The German intention to field the subs to clear the way for their Q-Final berth and it's rather disappointing, so unlikely of the German pride which I have known. They may fall to the meadow Kiev, but well I expect them to put on a decent show to hold Kiev. A training session for Bayern Munich, the 1/2 goal handicap going to the Group Leader is very attractive but my advise is to stay out, the fact is Kiev is too desperate and fired up anything can happen.

Rosenborg, already out for this comp having lost their last four Champions League games in a row will be trying to salvage some pride and to keep their home fans enetertained. Real will be without suspended missing in action striker Nicolas Anelka, "a unfortunate setback" for them in an otherwise comfortable lineup.

My Pick : Real Madrid for a win . A exciting encounter but I expect Real to breeze into the Q-Final by 2 goals, the only fear is Real defence which may at times fallen asleep when their attacking hot-up.

Lazio shock defeat to Verona in their recent domestic league ties drifting further 9 points from leaders Juventus see their hope of Italian League Champion title diminishing and coupled with their dismal performance in this Champions League. A last minute embarassing defeat at home to Feyenoord and a draw away to the Dutchmen has made Lazio confidence down sliding but last week's 5-1 win over Marseille has given them a "thin rope" life line for this Q-Final.

Lazio will be without captain and central defender Alessandro Nesta who has a thigh injury and Fernando Couto standing in. Upfront in attack, Simone Inzaghi, who scored four against Marseille, will partner Marcelo Salas, with Alen Boksic warming the bench.

Chelsea with a otherwise full team will be without Captain Wise and long term injury left back Graeme Le Saux. On the domestic front, Vialli's side is all not that bright dropping to fifth in the premier league following two consecutive draw.

The Blues will go into this game requiring at least a draw so they can top the group and avoid the other stronger group leader for the quarter-final pairings and having the advantage of playing their home Q-final second. The London side drew 1-1 the away tie with Lazio earlier and are going in as favourite with Zola and Flo both hitting the target in their 3-1 demolition of Feyenoord last week.

My Pick : NO BET, too close to call . Chelsea may be fielding the strongest possible eleven to secure their Group lead, but I'm not comfortable with Chelsea "too closely" associated Italian and Lazio connection. The 2 former Lazio player is doning Chelsea colour this time. With due respect to Vialli's Italian background, I'm not hinting of any fix-up but rather on my personal opinion, I would rather stay away.

Eliminated Marseille, resting a number of players for the more important crucial relegation fight against Racing Strasbourg on Saturday, is unlikely to go all the way out and will probably gift Feyenoord a smooth Q-Final passage.

The Dutch side will be without midfielder Patrick Paauwe, who is nursing an ankle injury. But Ivorian striker Bonaventure Kalou fit again lining up with Argentine Julio Cruz and Dane Jon Dahl Thomasson in a three-pronged 4-3-3 attack.

My Pick : Feyenoord to Win . Feyenoord giving 1/4 handicap to the "mindless" Marseille and their skeleton backup bones is indeed a good and safer bet. Furthermore, with Marseille Coach indirect hints that they have a much more important game ahead of them than this game , well expect the determined Dutch to go for a run down mission for their crucial match.

Porto will have a full squad with no injury problems and will be able to recall veteran central defender Aloisio Alves who was suspended for the previous game against Sparta Prague.

Hertha Berlin, already out from this comp is mainly playing for pride.

Hertha, 7th in their domestic league standings after drawing 1-1 with leaders Bayern Munich this weekend, with midfielders Michael Hartmann and Andreas Neuendorff will both suspended for this match. Sebastian Deisler should start on the bench.

My Pick : Porto narrow win . The level handicap are a excellent bet, Porto are all fired for this decisive game and I don't see why they can't win this game. Remember, this is their last chance.

Sparta Prague have no other option other than to go for an all-out attack when they face Barca. But even if they succeed in becoming the first team to beat Barcelona in this Championship this season, the victory alone will not be enough to see them into the Quarters. They have to depend on Porto, currently second with two more points, losing to Hertha Berlin. It's seems unlikely that Barca will do them a favour and willing to throw this game to a meadows.

Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal has decided to rest a couple of key players, including playmaker Pep Guardiola, who sustitute towards the end of Saturday's 2-1 league victory over Deportivo Coruna. Striker Luis Figo and defender Fernandez Abelardo are unavailable after deliberately receiving 2nd yellow card in their last 3-1 run-out against Hertha, to be clear for the next stage.

Barca are now eyeing a possible cup treble, and its seem like they will not lose this match either. The reserves is enough to secure at least a draw or a win.

My Pick : Barcelona for a win . But just some word of caution, stay away if you can, the level odds is definately attractive to side Barca, but for this match it's still carry some risk as Barca has already qualified.

Valencia require at least a draw to go thru' is unlikely to sit back, a lose here will enable Florentina to pit them for the last spot.

My Pick : Man U to win . The 1/4 handicap given to Man U carry some uncertainties and risk. Man U is likely to play a cautious game fearing the risk of any player injury, which may affect their Q-Final lineup and I don't see them doing Valencia any favour either, hoping to avoid Chelsea in the Q-Final. Stay away.

Florentina forms is rather erratic at this moment squandering their leads over Man U in their previous game and conceding defeat to the European Champ. A win here will still kick the Italian side out from this comp should Valencia beat Man U today.

The French Champions Bordeaux, already knock out for the Q-Final is likely to test their strength on the Italian side and is no easy meat.

My Pick : NO BET, highly risk! I urge you to stay out of this game, with the French and Italian connection, anything can happen !

My Pick : NO BET, Barcelona,narrow win. My advice is to stay away from this non important match. A training session for Barca to test out their reserves with sparing partner Hertha Berlin, with no pressure except for some pride and slim chance for the Germans, anything can happen. The Barca reserves against the Hertha Berlin determine squad has almost even out both the team strength with Barca having a slight edge. It's unlikely they will lose this game in their home crowd but still I can see the German is able to hold the Barca's.

On stats, Porto seems to be stronger, a 0-2 win in their previous encounter. Mentally, Porto is weakened by their desperatiion to win today, mounting with pressure and disappointment from Barcelona previous onslaught. The underdog Czech, with their nothing to lose but all to gain attitude if they win and still be in contention for qualifying by settling with Barcelona (hopefuly the reserves) at home for the last game. Porto still have to meet Hertha Berlin away for their last match, and it's indeed worrying for them cos' the German fortress is pretty strong holding Barcelona & Sprata Prague to draw previously.

My Pick : Porto narrow win. The Czechs is no push over tonight, physically and mentally prepared just like what all Spartans do, giving Porto a very hard time. Close call. The 1 goal handicap given to is not worth considering, should have been at least 1 1/4 "the bookie has chickened out, I guess". Take Sparta if you manage to get 1 1/4, if there's any????

Likewise, Florentina is not performing well either back home in their domestic and the recent last 2 Championship match, but bearing in mind, any teams playing against Man U home or away is likely to fire up, going for damages and hoping for a slice of the European Champion meat, I believe is somehow tastier. For Florentinian, a 2-0 home feasting on Man U in their previous game, will inspire them for more meat going into Man U home, desperate for a small piece this time.

Man U play better when they go for the continuous wave assault like Barcelona. What I have analysis in Man U recent games this season, they are too cautious and wary of their defence this season, especially after ex-GK Peter Schemnicael left. They have no confindence in defence in tight games against strong teams and hesitating to go for risk and all out attack. For this game, I can see they may repeat the mistake again by tightening up too much and on alert for any Batistuta surprise attack.

With both side fielding their best lineup, a close match this time. I don't see a big score margin but a narrow or draw, separating this two rivals. Expect a hot-tempered affair and don't expect the visitors to behave and pay tribute to the Champions.

My Pick : Man U tow win . Man U may be slightly stronger and with home advantage, but mentally they have the fear of Florentina and Batistuta curse. I still believe it's a tough and tight match for both team, closing up their defence. Florentina may be better prepared physologically this time around, the 3/4 to Florentina is a good bet. Take a small wager only.

My Pick : Valencia to win.

This is an important match for both team, which either side cannot afford to loose in order to progress to the Q-Final.

With Bayern Munich almost firm on the Q-Final, this last vacancy is still up for grab between this two. Dynamo Kiev will not be hoping for a draw here and asking the German for a favour on their remaining home match next week but would rather settle the anxiety tonight, that is by beating Real and going all the way out against the Germans.

Real Madrid seems to have a slight advantage today playing host againt the Ukranian, and the last away match against lowly Rosenborg next week.

To save the troubles for you guys for cracking your head, going thru' the mathamatical calculation, score tables, possibilities and analysis. To sum it up, the winner tonight stand a good chance of going thru',leaving their faith on their own hand rather than depending on this Group remaining games next week . A defeat tonight is going to make them speculating on the other teams last match outcome. Kiev, not having performs to expection so far but still scrap thru' all the stages against all odds. They have come this far and is unlikely to surrender now. Believe me, their mind is so focus believing they could over run Real's hive.

On stats, Real is rather a strong team with home advantage, and with both side cannot afford a draw or lose make this a very tight match. Real current form in this Championship is rather dismal, leaking in far too many goals in their last 2 defeat by Bayern Munich, home & away. Real domestic form is good laying 5th on the table, 47 equal in points with 3rd Barcelona & 4th Zaragoza, losing only 3 times this season at home, the last back on 4th Dec 1999 by Zaragoza 1-5. Their worst last away defeat was by Deportivo, a 5-2 trashing back on 6 Feb this year.

My Pick : Dynamo Kiev. having the 1 goal advantage. Do not write off Dynamo Kiev yet, it unlikely they will qualify for the Q-Final but somehow given a good opportunity this time around. There is no turning back after struggling for so long in this Championship in which they might as well have given up earlier. A defeat, will see their hard work going into the drain. I expect a very fiercely contested match with Kiev commandoes going for their so-called final do-or-die mission. A word of caution, it's either a narrow win or a big margin lose. Keep Away if you can! This match is swinging both way, but its wiser to take Dynamo Kiev with 1 up especially in such situation but the high risk is still there.

With the Germans spiring climb in their domestic league and this championship, the question here is how many goals can Bayern Munich put into the visitor net. A win or draw tonight can see them having enough time to prepare for Q-Final and concentrating on their own League back home, afford the luxury to rest as many players for next week last away games against Dynamo Kiev in regardless for results. A freak lose, which is highly unlikely will put them into unnecessary board room calculation and speculating on the mathematical and possiblities for 2nd posn qualifying assuming the outcome for the Real and Kiev match today end in draw.

My Pick : A Win for Bayern Munich . A unlikely chance draw is still possible and will still see them for Q-qualification also making the last away game to Kiev a non event. I see Bayern Munich going for it and maintaining their undefeated home and Group record which is needed more for the player & teams physocological boost to enable them in contention for the Cup Final Qualification. Take Bayern Munich and give 1 ball is a better choice.

Lazio form is going downhill steadilly without pausing for a break. Their early season forms in their domestic league and this Championship has so much in contrast, playing like the European Champions "Pretender" viaing in contention to lift this Cup to a miserable meadows now, having stage fright for every home and away match. Their confidence level has taken a dive. 'though still lodge at 2nd posn in their domestic but seems to be threatened as the closing season draw nearer. Their current froms for this Championship is very poor, losing to Feyernoord at home and a goalless draw away. Putting the blame on their recent tough domestic fixtures is not doing them any good, a true Champions definately have to look into this and Lazio has to pull up their socks. The player rotation system does not seems to be effective for them. What I see they do not have striking problem but defensively leaking in unnecessay goals.

Marseille, needless to say, sliding down to relegation in their league, losing to average teams but still performing much better for this Championship against a much stronger side. The French side play better in defends and going for counter, their ability to strike upfront is low. They desperately need this win to enable them for a mathematically chance for the Q-final, but I have reservation on this.

My Pick : Lazio for a 2 goals Win .Actually, I do not fancy betting on this Group of "D"eath but for this match, Marseille is likely to go for a upfront all out attack, leaving the defence open, in order to secure a win and stand a slim but better chance to beat Feyernoord back home next week. A draw here is not good enough for Q-Final and can forget the next home game. Marseille opting for an attacking rather than defensive role is likely to leave their defence weak and Lazio is definatley banging for it. It's a match that Marseille can't afford to play defensively. Backing Lazio giving 1 1/4 to Marseille favour is safer, but just be prepared to lose half if Lazio scrap thru' narrowly.

Both side, equal on points with only goal difference and in need of a win today for a safe passage to Q-Final. Chelsea with the "Star Player" outfit look capable of an upset here against Feyernoord, initial struggle during the earlier qualifying stage for this Championship.

My Pick : NO BET, Draw or either side by a solitary goal. "Unpredictable" Chelsea seems to have a slight edge this time, but Feyernoord last minute 1-2 win and holding on to Lazio for the last ties is sending a signal, not to sign them off yet. Close call, no bet.

My Pick : Bayern Munich to win. Real Madrid is likely to play a more cautious game especially from the last lesson learnt where their defence is a let down. For Bayern Munich on the high and is able to hold ground should the need arise but likely to go for the silent kill. The 1/4 given to Real Madrid is tempting, but I would risk it and sit back, Real Madrid can really defend if they want to, in away games if the ealier half see them going nowhere near the German net. They are unlikely to risk their Q-Final qualifying chance should they loss this game, with 6 points, 1 behind leader Bayern Munich at 7 and Dynamo Kiev at 3 creeping below with 2 game remaining. Close call !

My Pick : Draw, Take Dynamo Kiev. The 1/2 given to Kiev in this tight match is indeed attractive. Kiev with 3 points behind Real Madrid laying second still has a slim chance of Q Final berth, very difficult but I see they will be motivated to go for it. Rosenberg home record is still intact but they have to fight hard to go pass the determined Kiev this time around.

My Pick : NO BET, Stay Away. In this Group of "D"eath, anything can happen. The clash of the Titans will likely result in red cards and injuries. My advise is steer off and enjoyed watching the game and use this games to assess the 4 teams current strength before placing some confident bets on them next time. The points in this group is the closest so far. Their current unpredictable forms is too risky even with the attractive Asian handicap. Take a break or catch up with some sleep !!!

My Pick : Barcelona to Win by a goal or 2. Barca is having a bull run in their domestic games and Champion league. With no handicap, a very good bargain, better grab now before it go to 1/4 for Porto. Excellent bet !

My Pick :No Bet but Hertha Berlin to scrap thru' narrowly. The 1/4 advantage given to Hertha Berlin is attractive but still there's still danger for Sprata Prague win. Keep away !

My Pick :Man U to Win. With the French side average run in their own domestic league and Man U, well not on their best either but still top in their league and still scoring in below par matches, I have to side them giving the 1/4 to Bordeaux, safer!

My Pick :Florentina for a narrow away Win.With 1/2 advantage, making this wager a slightly less risk considering both are evenly match and Florentina top in their group posn and 1-0 win over Valencia in previous meeting. OK BET !

No Gimmicks ! US$10 FREE BET! No credit card number required! JUST your email address !!!