Champions League Picks - Juventus vs. FC Girondins de Bordeaux

The opening Champions League Group A fixture between Juventus and FC Girondins de Bordeaux is set to kick off late Tuesday evening at Stadio Olimpico in Turin, Italy. Ciro Ferrara, a UEFA Champions League winner with Juventus as a player, makes his debut in the competition as coach of the Bianconeri when they host FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Juventus currently lead the Italia Serie A table with nine points after three rounds. Given the positive start to the domestic season, they will be optimistic about their chances. Yet coach Ciro Ferrara realizes Champions League is a completely different ball game and to reach the knock out phase it is a question of X’s and O’s, maintaining extreme focus throughout and avoiding unnecessary errors.

The French have been inextricably drawn to rival Italian clubs these last few seasons. Last year they fell into the same group as Roma and failed to reach the second phase. With Juventus in their midst’s, advancing into the knockout round promises to be even harder this time around if Juventus maintain their good form in the competition.

Soccer Betting Line:

Juventus -1 -105 -185 2½ O +105 U -125 Draw +265
Bordeaux +1 -115 +500 2½ O +105 U -125 Draw +265

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday September 15, 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis: Juventus enter this match as the solid favourites to win outright, listed at BetUS Sportsbook at -185. Soccer betting fans looking to back Juventus can find evidence of their value in the domestic form. They are on a three-match winning streak, level on points with Genoa at the top of the table. They won 2:0 over Lazio, 3:1 over Roma and 1:0 of Chievo. Juventus will certainly aim to continue their winning ways on the European front.

Girondins de Bordeaux are also enjoying a great start in Ligue 1. They are at the top of the table with 13 points after five cycles. They are undefeated, going 4-1-0. The smudge on their record was a scoreless draw against Olympique de Marseille on August 30. In spite of their near perfect start on the domestic front, bookies tip Bordeaux long, at +500 to win outright on the away.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Ferrara has asked for maximum concentration of his players. He is anxious to get his European debut off on the right foot. He took the precaution of resting key players Iaquinta and Cannavaro in the match against Lazo so they will be in fine fettle for their opening Champions League fixture. He will be missing Del Piero and Diego, which might prove to be significant.

Bordeaux are typically more threatening on home patch but that is certainly no reason to underestimate them. That they have been thwarted in the past was because of poor away form. If Bordeaux hope to have a better Champions outing this year it follows, they have to start winning more away matches. Why not against Juventus? Yes, I know. Easier said than done. Still at +500 they are an enticing bet don’t you think?

Soccer Free Picks: This is the opening match of the Champions League an exciting moment for both Juventus and Bordeaux as their competition to bid to be the best in Europe gets underway. The euphoria, the thrill, the honour is so moving to inspire great feats and in some cases surprise results. Juventus at -185 is the smart play but with the unpredictability of the occasion – opening match that is – Bordeaux is an enticing option at +500. Not convinced, well then go with the totals: the under 2.5 goals at -125 is a good play. Both sides will not want to risk anything, especially coach Ferrara, from the start so this could be a cautious affair. Bordeaux to cover the spread at +1 -115.