Champions League: Malaga and Udinese should prevail

22Aug 2012

Bajnokok Ligája

It's crunch time in the Champions League qualifying process as Christian Crowther predicts wins for Malaga and Udinese...

Braga v Udinese (Wednesday, 19:45) Match odds: Braga 2.2, Udinese 3.9, The Draw 3.3

Udinese were somewhat unlucky to be drawn against Arsenal in last year's Champions League qualifying stage but they are back again having finished third in Serie A, which is no mean feat given that they denied illustrious company like Inter and Napoli a crack at the competition. The Italians have a slightly more favourable draw this time around against Portugal's own third-place team Braga, who incidentally they have never met. Udinese certainly bring the better form into the game having finished last season with four straight wins whereas the hosts managed one win from their last six - losing four in that run. Braga's Estadio Municipal was not exactly a fortress in their Europa League campaign last year either as they won just two out of five at home, losing two more, before exiting to Besiktas.

Recommended Bet: Back Udinese to beat Braga @ 3.9

Malaga v Panathinaikos (Wednesday 19:45), Match odds: Malaga 1.76, Panathinaikos 5.6, The Draw 3.85

Malaga's pre-season troubles have been well-documented as their Qatari owner appears to be have suddenly lost interest and isapparently considering selling up. Star players such as Santi Carzola and last year's top goalscorer Salomon Rondon have since departed, however in16-year-old Fabrice Olinga, they may have uncovered a new gem. The Cameroonian teenager became La Liga's youngest ever scorer in Saturday's opening win over Celta Vigo. They should have too much at home for their Greek visitors here. Panathinaikos endured a miserable time in Europe last season; losing out in the Champions League qualifiers first round to little known OB of Denmark before getting dumped out of the Europa League in the play-off round by Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv. Malaga have won three of their last four home games to nil, drawing the other.

Recommended Bet: Back Malaga to win to nil @ 2.84