Europa League
There are still three English teams involved in the Europa League at the last sixteen stage, and it appears that they will be involved in two cracking ties.
Liverpool against Man Utd is one the most anticipated matches of every season and it is the first time they have been drawn to play each other in European competition. With the first leg an Anfield tonight and the return at Old Trafford next Thursday, it promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Utd have had the upper hand in the league this season, winning both of the matches. The most recent game at Anfield saw a real smash and grab as Utd were completely outplayed, but managed to grab the solitary goal and hold out. Liverpool's form has started to pick up over the past month and it is no coincidence that they have an almost fully fit squad to choose from now. The return of Daniel Sturridge has been an excellent boost and if they are to progress to the quarter finals, they will need him on top goal scoring form.
Utd have had an up and down season and were beaten one nil by West Brom at the weekend. They had been on a good run prior to that, including a very good win against Arsenal, however they always appear one game away from another slump and I think they would be happy to go back to Old Trafford with a score draw.
Despite the tie being played over two legs, I expect Liverpool to come out of the blocks at a ferocious pace and get right at Utd in the hope that they can get an early goal or two. If Utd can withstand the early onslaught, then they should be able to grow into the game themselves. I can see Liverpool getting the important early goal however, and if they do I think they will have too much for this Utd team and go on to win by a couple of goals. They are priced at 16/5 to win minus one on the handicap and that if worth a play.
Spurs travel to Germany to play Borussia Dortmund in what is probably the toughest tie they could have been given. If they can come away from the Westfalenstadion with a score draw then I am sure they will be very happy. The Germans currently sit in second place in the Bundesliga, just five points behind champins Bayern Munich, which shows the task at hand for Spurs.
Over the two legs I expect Dortmund to prevail as they are a class outfit, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them win by a couple of goals this evening.
Today's Selections
Liverpool v Man Utd - Liverpool minus one - 2 points @ 16/5
Borussia Dortmund v Spurs - Dortmund minus one - 2 points @ 13/8
Double of the above - 1 point