Manchester United travel to FC Basle tonight needing a point to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase. Fergie’s men are the hot odds-on 8/13 favourites to come away with the win, while the Swiss side can be backed at 9/2 for a shock victory that would see them progress through to the later stages of the competition. You can take advantage of the Paddy Power Champions League money back special – If Wayne Rooney scores the last goal, then they will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match.

United head into tonight’s crucial match plagued with suspensions and injuries, especially in attack where they will have to do without Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez, which means the pressure will be on Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck to deliver goals. It also gives Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf the opportunity to shine. The meeting between the sides at Old Trafford back in September was a six-goal thriller, with Ashley Young scoring a last minute goal to snatch a point for United. Even though a draw tonight would ensure progress to the next round, United will be going all out for the three points, and they are available at 8/1 to come away with a 2-0 win. They are also priced at 13/2 to win 2-1 and 12/1 to record a 3-1 win, as they did the last time they came to Basle in 2002. Alternatively a 1-1 draw can be found at 6/1.

Fergie will be hoping Wayne Rooney can find his goalscoring touch, with the striker is the 4/1 favourite to open the scoring and the same odds to score the game’s last goal. Danny Welbeck, who scored two in the home fixture, is available at 5/1 to score first, while Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda are priced at 7/1. Basle’s Alexander Frei, who also notched two goals in the previous meeting, can be backed at 8/1 to be the First Goalscorer while Marco Streller is available at 10/1.

Match Betting

• 9/2 – FC Basel
• 8/13 – Man Utd
• 14/5 – Draw

Correct Score

• 13/1 – FC Basel 1-0
• 25/1 – FC Basel 2-0
• 14/1 – FC Basel 2-1

• 11/2 – Man Utd 1-0
• 8/1 – Man Utd 2-0
• 13/2 – Man Utd 2-1
• 11/1 – Man Utd 3-0
• 12/1 – Man Utd 3-1

• 9/1 – Draw 0-0
• 6/1 – Draw 1-1
• 13/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer

• 4/1 – Wayne Rooney
• 5/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 13/2 – Nani
• 7/1 – Mame Biram Diouf
• 7/1 – Federico Macheda
• 8/1 – Ashley Young
• 8/1 – Alexander Frei
• 10/1 – Marco Streller

Odds supplied by Paddy Power

Chelsea and Arsenal will be looking to fly the flag for England in Europe tonight following disappointing performances by the two Manchester club’s on Tuesday. The London teams will battle it out with German opposition as they have the chance to win qualification to the knock-out stages. Ladbrokes will refund losing first goalscorer bets if your selection scores later in the game.

Chelsea currently top Group E and a win this evening could see them qualify for the next round, although this depends on the Valencia result. Boss Andre Villas-Boas heads into the match under pressure following Chelsea’s recent slump in form in the Premier League which has seen them lose three of their last four matches. Europe may come as a welcome distraction but it will by no means be an easy match as Leverkusen are just two points behind in the group and Chelsea have won just once in five previous trips to Germany. However, Ladbrokes have Chelsea as the 11/10 favourites for the win while the home side, who have beaten both Valencia and Genk at the BayArena this season, can be backed at 5/2 to make it three against Chelsea. A draw is available at 9/4.

Fernando Torres is the 5/1 favourite to open the scoring, while Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge are priced at 11/2. Frank Lampard is available at 7/1 to score first while Leverkusen’s Eren Derdiyok, Stefan Kiessling and Andre Schurrle can all be backed at 8/1. We expect this to be a tight game with a 1-1 draw a possible outcome at 6/1.

Two in-form teams meet at the Emirates stadium tonight as Arsenal’s take on Borussia Dortmund. While the Gunners have won ten of their last 12 matches, Dortmund have won seven in nine, with both teams showing great character to recover from slow starts to the season. Arsenal will be disappointed with their goalless draw at home to Marseille in their last Champions League match but will put that behind them tonight as a win will ensure they qualify for the knock-out stages. Their opponents will provide stiff competition and will be going for the win as a defeat could end their qualification hopes. They will also be fired up following their impressive win aagainst rivals Bayern Munich at the weekend. Ladbrokes have Arsenal as the evens favourites, while Dortmund are available at 13/5 to come away with another impressive away win. A draw can be found at 5/2. The simply outstanding Robin Van Persie is the 7/2 favourite to open the scoring tonight, while Marouane Chamakh is available at 6/1.

Bayer Leverkusen v Chelsea – First Goalscorer Odds

• 5/1 – Fernando Torres
• 11/2 – Didier Drogba
• 11/2 – Daniel Sturridge
• 6/1 – Nicolas Anelka
• 7/1 – Frank Lampard
• 7/1 – Juan Manuel Mata
• 8/1 – Eren Derdiyok
• 8/1 – Stefan Kiessling
• 8/1 – Andre Schurrle
• 8/1 – Salomon Kalou

Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund – First Goalscorer Odds

• 7/2 – Robin Van Persie
• 6/1 – Marouane Chamakh
• 7/1 – Andrei Arshavin
• 7/1 – Gervinho
• 7/1 – Park Chu Young
• 7/1 – Theo Walcott
• 8/1 – Lucas Barrios
• 8/1 – Robert Lewandowski

Odds supplied by Ladbrokes

Manchester United tackle Benfica tonight in the Champions League in a match that pits together the top teams in Group C.  Since their humiliating defeat at home to fierce rivals Manchester City, United have won five matches on the bounce without a conceding a single goal. They currently lead Group C but their qualification is by no means certain, with tonight’s opponents Benfica second only on goal difference and FC Basel just three points behind in third. If Basle lose to bottom side Otelul Galat tonight then United only need a draw to qualify, and with just one defeat in their last 34 home games in the competition Fergie’s men will certainly be confident. However, they come up against an in-form Benfica team who are undefeated in 20 matches this season and will be going all out for the win.

United are the 4/7 favourites with Paddy Power while Benfica have been handed odds of 11/2 to come away with a surprise win. Benfica will look to draw inspiration from Basel’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, with a draw priced at 11/4 tonight. Wayne Rooney can be backed at 7/2 to be the First Goalscorer tonight, while Javier Hernandez, who popped up at the weekend to score United’s winner against Swansea, is priced at 9/2 to score first. If Hernandez scores last, Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match. With four goals in his last three games Rodrigo looks like a very tempting 10/1 bet to open the scoring at Old Trafford.

Man City are also in action tonight as they travel to Napoli in search of a vital three points. Roberto Mancini’s men have recovered from a difficult start in the competition to record back-to-back wins against Villarreal. City are currently second in Group B and a win tonight would guarantee qualification to the next round. However, that task is much easier said than done, as City found out in their opening Champions League match when Napoli held them to a 1-1 draw. The Italian side are unbeaten in their last ten European home games and three points tonight would take them above City into third place and put them in a great position to qualify. Paddy Power have City as the 11/10 favourites for the win, while Napoli are priced at 13/5, with a draw available at 23/10.

Match Odds

• 4/7 – Man Utd
• 11/2 – Benfica
• 11/4 – Draw

Correct Score

• 11/2 – Man Utd 1-0
• 13/2 – Man Utd 2-0
• 13/2 – Man Utd 2-1
• 11/1 – Man Utd 3-0
• 11/1 – Man Utd 3-1

• 14/1 – Benfica 1-0
• 30/1 – Benfica 2-0
• 16/1 – Benfica 2-1

• 9/1 – Draw 0-0
• 6/1 – Draw 1-1
• 14/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer

• 7/2 – Wayne Rooney
• 9/2 – Javier Hernandez
• 5/1 – Dimitar Berbatov
• 5/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 6/1 – Mame Biram Diouf

• 8/1 – Oscar Cardozo
• 13/5 – Nolito
• 10/1 – Javier Saviola
• 10/1 – Rodrigo Moreno

Match Specials

• 2/1 – Man Utd to win and Javier Hernandez scores
• 4/1 – Red card in the match
• 66/1 – Draw 3-3

All odds provided by Paddy Power

Europe’s most lucrative football competition returns to our screens this week as we enter into the second-half of the Group Stages. On Tuesday in-form Arsenal entertain Marseille at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have shrugged off their wobbly start to the season with eight wins in their last nine matches, including a stunning 5-3 win at Chelsea on Sunday. Arsene Wenger’s men stunned Marseille in their previous meeting in October with a last gasp winner courtesy of Aaron Ramsey and they look like a good bet to come away with another win against the French side. The result in France propelled Arsenal to top spot with seven points, while Marseille are just a point behind in second. Arsenal should extend their lead on Tuesday night, with Paddy Power making them the odds-on 8/13 favourites, while Marseille are priced at 9/2 to come away with the three points.

If Robin Van Persie scores the last goal, Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on this match. The flying Dutchman scored a hat-trick at the weekend, taking his 2011 tally to an incredible 28 goals in 27 league games. The 28-year-old is the 7/2 favourite to open the scoring on Tuesday and is also available at 12/1 to score another hat-trick. Gervinho is available at 6/1 to be the game’s First Goalscorer while Theo Walcott has been handed odds of 7/1.

In contrast to their stunning league form Man City have struggled to get to grips with the Champions League this season. City are currently third in Group A and you feel that they must come away with a win against Villarreal if they are to challenge Bayern Munich for top spot. Paddy Power have installed Roberto Mancini’s men as the 8/13 favourites for the win, while Villarreal are 9/2 to record a much needed three points. Paddy Power are also running a money-back special on the game whereby if a goal is scored in the last five minutes, then they will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on this match. Sergio Aguero is the bookies favourite to open the scoring with odds of 9/2 while the in-form Edin Dzeko is available at 5/1 to score first. It will probably be a tight contest, with a 2-1 City win at 13/2 looking like a good bet.

Arsenal v Marseille Match Odds

• 8/13 – Arsenal
• 9/2 – Marseille
• 14/5 – Draw

Villarreal v Man City Match Odds

• 9/2 – Villarreal
• 8/13 – Man City
• 14/5 – Draw

Champions League Specials

• 12/1 – Robin Van Persie scores a hat-trick
• 13/2 – Arsenal win 2-0
• 11/5 – Man City win and Edin Dzeko scores

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Arsenal travel to France tonight to play Marseille in their third Group F Champions League match. The game promises to be an exciting encounter with Marseille currently sitting a point above The Gunners at the top of the group with six points. Therefore a win for Arsene Wenger’s men would propel them up to top spot and edge them closer to the knock-out stages. Paddy Power have installed Marseille as 11/8 favourites whileArsenal are priced at 21/20 to come away with the three points, with a draw available at odds of 11/5.

Paddy Power are offering a fantastic money-back special whereby if Robin Van Persie scores the last goal, then they will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match. The Dutchman scored two fine goals against Sunderland at the weekend and he is available at 11/2 to score the final goal of the match tonight. Van Persie has been priced at 4/1 to score in an Arsenal win, and the striker has also been handed odds of 12/1 to score two or more goals during the game. It will no doubt be a tight match with a 1-1 draw at 5/1 looking like a possible outcome.

Chelsea are also in European action tonight at home to Genk. Chelsea are currently top of Group E and Paddy Power have them as the heavy 1/8 favourites to win and extend their lead at the top, while Genk have long odds of 22/1 to snatch an unlikely win at Stamford Bridge, with a draw priced at 7/1. Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres are both available at 3/1 to open the scoring.

Marseille v Arsenal Match Odds

• 11/8 – Marseille
• 21/20 – Arsenal
• 11/5 – Draw

Correct Score

• 13/2 – Marseille 1-0
• 10/1 – Marseille 2-0
• 15/2 – Marseille 2-1
• 20/1 – Marseille 3-0
• 17/1 – Marseille 3-1

• 17/2 – Arsenal 1-0
• 14/1 – Arsenal 2-0
• 12/1 – Arsenal 2-1
• 35/1 – Arsenal 3-0
• 25/1 – Arsenal 3-1

• 8/1 – Draw 0-0
• 5/1 – Draw 1-1
• 12/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer Odds

• 6/1 – Loic Remy
• 13/2 – Andre-Pierre Gignac
• 13/2 – Jordan Ayew
• 8/1 – Lucho

• 11/2 – Robin Van Persie
• 15/2 – Gervinho
• 8/1 – Marouane Chamakh
• 9/1 – Amdrey Arshavin

Match Specials

• 4/1 – Arsenal to win and Robin Van Persie to score
• 11/1 – Arsenal to win both halves
• 12/1 – Robin Van Persie to score two or more goals
• 21/10 – Penalty awarded

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

The Champions League returns to our screens on Tuesday with both Manchester clubs aiming to get back on track following slow starts. Both teams have relatively straight forward matches with bookmakers’ Ladbrokes offering a money-back special on the Manchester City v Villarrreal game. Ladbrokes will refund losing First Goalscorer bets on the match, if Edin Dzeko scores at any time. Dzeko was rested in City’s 4-1 win at the weekend which means he will be refreshed and ready to rumble on Tuesday. The Bosnian international can currently be found with odds of evens to score at any point during the match.

In contrast to their excellent league form Man City have struggled to get to grips with the Champions League. They were surprisingly held at home in their opening match against a battling Napoli and then they were totally outclassed in their last outing away to Bayern Munich. That match of course will be remembered for the whole Carlos Tevez saga but City have a good chance to put that behind them and kick-start their European dreams by getting their first win in the competition at home to Spanish side Villarreal, who are pointless after two matches. Ladbrokes have City as the odds on 1/3 favourites while Villarreal have been priced at 9/1, with a draw available at 4/1.

City have been scoring for fun at home this season and they look set to run out comfortable winners on Tuesday, with a 3-1 scoreline at 10/1 looking like a tempting bet.  Providing he is back to match fitness the in-form Sergio Aguero is the 7/2 favourite to open the scoring, while his strike partner Edin Dzeko is priced at 4/1 to score first. Midfield duo Samir Nasri and David Silva have both been handed odds of 7/1 to be the First Goalscorer while Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is available at 9/1.

City’s fierce neighbours Manchester United are also in action on Tuesday with a trip to little known Romanian side Otelul Galati. Like City, Man Utd have had a disappointing start to the Champions League, failing to win in both of their games so far. However, last year’s runners up should simply be too strong for Galatic, whom themselves have yet to register a point in their debut season in the competition. Ladbrokes are United at short odds of 1/5 to come away with the three points, while the home side are the huge 14/1 outsiders. Wayne Rooney is the 5/2 favourite to open the scoring.

Man City v Villarreal Match Odds

• 1/3 – Manchester City
• 9/1 – Villarreal
• 4/1 – Draw

Correct score Odds

• 6/1 – Man City 1-0
• 11/2 – Man City 2-0
• 8/1 – Man City 2-1
• 9/1 – Man City 3-0
• 10/1 – Man City 3-1
• 25/1 – Man City 3-2
• 16/1 – Man City 4-0
• 16/1 – Man City 4-1

• 14/1 – Draw 0-0
• 8/1 – Draw 1-1
• 20/1 – Draw 2-2

• 16/1 – Villarreal 1-0
• 22/1 – Villarreal 2-1
• 40/1 – Villarreal 2-1

First Goalscorer Betting

• 7/2 – Sergio Agüero
• 4/1 – Edin Dzeko
• 7/1 – Samir Nasri
• 7/1 – David Silva
• 9/1 – Adam Johnson
• 9/1 – Giuseppe Rossi
• 11/1 – Yaya Touré

All odds supplied by Ladbrokes

Chelsea face a tricky encounter with Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on Wednesday in their second Champions League Group E match. Chelsea may be the 7/5 favourites to win the game but they will certainly be made to work for the three points. At 2/1 Valencia represent good value and with home advantage they will be difficult to beat. Paddy Power have a fantastic Money-Back Special available for the match whereby if there are more than four goals in the game, Paddy Power will refund all losing First/Last Goalscorer, Correct Score & Scorecast singles on the match.

Fernando Torres has two goals in his last two league games and will no doubt be eager to bounce back following his sending off against Swansea City. The Spaniard has had a mixed season so far but is still the 5/1 favourite to open the scoring. His strike partner Didier Drogba marked his return to action with a neat goal at the weekend and can be found with odds of 11/2 to score the first goal on Wednesday, while the former Valencia midfielder Juan Mata is available at 8/1. Valencia’s Roberto Soldado is priced at 11/2 to open the scoring while Aritz Aduriz is available at 7/1.

Chelsea have lost just one of the last seven away games in Europe and in four Champions League meetings with Valencia they are yet to experience defeat, winning two and drawing two. Furthermore Chelsea have won both of their last two visits to the Mestalla by a 2-1 scoreline and are priced at 8/1 to come away with the same result. We think it will be a tight game, with both teams likely to settle for a share of the points, with a 1-1 draw looking a favourable result at odds of 5/1.

Match Odds

• 2/1 – Valencia
• 7/5 – Chelsea
• 9/4 – Draw

First Goalscorer Odds

• 5/1 – Fernando Torres
• 11/2 – Didier Drogba
• 6/1 – Nicolas Anelka
• 7/1 – Daniel Sturridge
• 8/1 – Juan Mata

•  11/2 – Roberto Soldado
• 7/1 – Aritz Aduriz
• 8/1 – Jonas Goncalves
• 9/1 – Pablo Piatti
• 9/1 – Sergio Canales

Correct Score Betting

• 13/2 – Chelsea 1 – 0
• 10/1 – Chelsea 2 – 0
• 8/1 – Chelsea 2 – 1

•  15/2 – Valencia 1 – 0
• 13/1 – Valencia 2 – 0
• 9/1 – Valencia 2 – 1

•  15/2 – Draw 0 – 0
• 5/1 – Draw 1 – 1
• 12/1 – Draw 2 – 2

Match Specials

• 11/4 – Chelsea to score in both halves
• 7/1 – Chelsea to win both halves
• 11/1 – Chelsea to come from behind and win

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Last year’s runners-up Man Utd are next in the running, and the leading English team, with odds of 7/1. United have suffered two Final defeats to Barcelona in the last three years and will be desperate to go one step better this time round. They have enjoyed a cracking start to the new Premier League season and have been handed a relatively straight forward group in Europe so they should make the knock-out stage with ease. Champions League new boys Man City have been priced at 10/1 to win at the first time of asking, while Chelsea are available at 11/1 and Arsenal are 25/1. If you are looking for an outside bet the 2004 Winners Porto are available at 33/1.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both in action on Tuesday against Bundesliga teams, with The Gunners travelling to Germany for a tricky game against Borussia Dortmund, and Chelsea hosting Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge. Man City get their first taste of the Champions League on Wednesday at home to Napoli while Man Utd are away to Benfica. Paddy Power have Sir Alex Ferguson’s men as the 13/8 favourites to finish as the Top English Team, while England are priced at 7/4 to be the Winning Nationality.

Champions League Outright Odds

• 15/8 – Barcelona
• 9/2 – Real Madrid
• 7/1 – Man Utd
• 10/1 – Man City
• 11/1 – Chelsea
• 20/1 – Bayern Munich
• 25/1 – Arsenal
• 25/1 – AC Milan
• 25/1 – Inter Milan
• 33/1 – Porto
• 33/1 – Borussia Dortmund

Top English Team

• 13/8 – Man Utd
• 12/5 – Man City
• 12/5 – Chelsea
• 11/2 – Arsenal

Winning Nationality

• 5/6 – Spanish Winner
• 7/4 – English Winner
• 11/1 – Italian Winner
• 11/1 – German Winner
• 22/1 – Portuguese Winner
• 40/1 – French Winner
• 80/1 – Russian Winner
• 33/1 – Any Other Winner

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Arsene Wenger will be under some serious pressure this year, something he is rapidly growing accustomed to following his side’s trophy drought. His previously concrete job as Arsenal manager will come under scrutiny this season if Arsenal fail to win a trophy for what would be the seventh consecutive season. Despite having a hugely talented, young squad, Arsenal evidently lack the experience and mental toughness to close out games, which cost them dear last season. In order to erase those bitter memories Wenger needs to invest in some high quality players while doing everything he can to hold onto his most valuable assets.

Two Arsenal players who are currently the centre of a transfer storm are captain Cesc Fabregas and their best player last season Samir Nasri. Arsenal fans will have everything crossed in the hope that these two stars will stay at the Emirates for at least another year. Fabregas is once again being heavily linked with Barcelona, but for the time being has remained stum over his future. The 24-year-old has extremely short odds of just 1/4 with William Hill to not be with the club after the transfer window, whilst the odds are 9/4 that he will stay. Nasri’s future is also up in the air and William Hill have installed Manchester City as the 8/13 odds-on favourites to get the talented Frenchman, with Man Utd available at 6/5 and Chelsea 8/1.

All Arsenal fans crave a bit of silverware, it doesn’t matter what shape or size, any will do at the moment. They came agonisingly close to winning the Carling Cup last season but choked in the final minute to gift Birmingham the trophy. Arsenal are currently 8/1 with William Hill to go one step better this year and win that trophy, while they are priced at 9/1 to win the FA Cup and 10/1 to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. For Multiple Trophy odds see below.

Arsenal Trophy Multiples:

• 1/6 – No Trophies
• 50/1 – Premier League/Carling Cup
• 50/1 – Premier League/FA Cup
• 50/1 – FA Cup/Carling Cup
• 100/1 – FA Cup/Champions League
• 100/1 – Carling Cup/Champions League
• 100/1 – Premier League/Champions League
• 500/1 – Premier League/FA Cup/Carling Cup
• 750/1 – FA Cup/Carling Cup/Champions League
• 750/1 – Premier League/Carling Cup/Champions League
• 750/1 – Premier League/FA Cup/Champions League
• 1500/1 – Premier League/FA Cup/Carling Cup/Champions League

All odds supplied by William Hill

Fergie will certainly take no consolation from his United side’s status as the second best team in Europe and he will be more determined than ever to close the gap between United and the Catalans next season. He has already made a few decent summer signings in order to bolster his squad, having borught in the highly rated England Under 21 defender Phil Jones and England regular Ashley Young, plus the talented young goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils are also on the lookout for a replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired last season, and at present have their eye on Arsenal’s Samir Nasri and Tottenham’s Luka Modric.

United are the 7/4 favourites with Betfred to retain their Premier League trophy, in what is already looking to be a very competitive and action-packed 2011/12 season. Fierce local rivals Manchester City will offer their sternest challenge yet, as they continue to bring in high calibre players, including defenders Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic. Chelsea have something to prove under their talented new manager Andre Villas-Boas, while Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool will provide a much tougher test than last season. If Arsenal and Tottenham can hold onto their best players and make some signings themselves then they will also be in with a shout come the end of the season.

Fergie’s men are available at 8/1 to win the Champions League, 11/2 for both the FA Cup and Carling Cup and 14/1 to win the Premier League and FA Cup double. They also have odds of 100/1 to repeat their historic treble winning season of 1998/99 by winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup next season.

Man Utd Specials Trophy Multiples Betting Odds

• 7/4 – Premier League
• 11/2 – FA Cup
• 11/2 – Carling Cup
• 8/1 – Champions League
• 14/1 – Premier League & FA Cup
• 14/1 – Premier League & Carling cup
• 18/1 – Premier League & Champions League
• 28/1 – FA Cup & Carling cup
• 40/1 – FA Cup & Champions League
• 40/1 – Carling cup & Champions League
• 80/1 – Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup
• 100/1 – Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup
• 100/1 – Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Carling Cup
• 150/1 – UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup
• 300/1 – Premiership FA Cup Carling Cup Champions League

All odds courtesy of Betfred