WEDNESDAY'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GAMES

Tonight's fixtures have a lopsided look, with some pretty short favourites. The main British interest is Linfield who travel to Rosenborg. The odds of 18/1 for an unlikley away win is indicative of the Irish chances.

One game that look interesting on an uninspiring list is Partizan Belgrade's match. The Serbian champions took a tentative step towards the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after well-taken goals from Nemanja Tomiæ, Almani Moreira and Cléo earned a 3-1 home win against FC Pyunik.

The Serbian titleholders were massive favourites coming into the match and looked good for their billing when Tomiæ broke the deadlock with a stunning 29th-minute free-kick. Yet they would not have it all their own way. Within 60 seconds Artak Yedigaryan made it 1-1 after a defensive mix-up. Moreira restored the advantage on half-time, with Cléo's strike before the hour meaning they take a two-goal lead to Armenia on wednesday.

It is perhaps tighter than coach Aleksandar Stanojeviæ may have expected, especially after a bright opening that should have yielded better reward than poor efforts from Moreira and Marko Šæepanoviæ. There was nothing disappointing about Tomiæ's free-kick, however, rifled high into the net only for a defensive lapse to let Yedigaryan in. It would be a lesson the hosts failed to learn.

Moreira latched onto a brilliant Saša Iliæ pass to make it 2-1 before the interval but again the good work was almost undone immediately as Gevorg Ghazaryan was allowed to get a shot away. Radiša Iliæ saved well, and Partizan were grateful for the breathing space afforded by Cléo's goal, chipped over Artur Lesko. But for the goalkeeper the home side may have extended their lead; instead they travel to Armenia knowing there is still much to do.

Belgrade - a top price 8/11 for the away win look worth avoiding. The home side may get a draw, and Skybet's stand out 11/4 about that result looks about teh best bet on the whole coupon. Even then, it's nothing to get too involved in, but if you need an interest tonight that should be the bet.

Published 21-07-2010

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