Champions League

Only one from three here, but still, an inspired call from Tom Allen to back Celtic on the handicap as the Bhoys finished 90 minutes all sqaure with AC Milan.

The second legs of the last sixteen ties in the Champions League this week and all five British clubs will fancy their chances of progressing to the quarter finals. Manchester United and Liverpool are in pole position entering their return matches on home soil and while Arsenal and Celtic are both up against it, they will still fancy their chances of progressing.

United edged a fiery encounter with Lille in France and the fallout from Ryan Giggs goal is sure to make for fascinating viewing at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, fresh from two dramatic victories in the Premiership, are overwhelming favourites to advance and that’s the way I see it going. Likewise for Chelsea who should be able to get the better of Porto at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool’s victory in the Nou Camp a fortnight ago was thoroughly deserved and having witnessed their luckless efforts to get the better of Man Utd on Saturday I thoroughly expect them to gain at least the draw the need to reach the last eight against Barcelona. The La Liga side were very poor in the first encounter and even worse when they imploded against Seville on the weekend. Samuel Eto’o is back but I am not sure that is enough to make a difference and a lay of the away side at around 2.6 on Betfair looks a terrific bet. The 2005 Champions are formidable on home soil and know how to prevail in Europe.

Another side more than capable of gaining the required result in European football are Italian giants Inter Milan and I think they have enough about them to avoid defeat in Valencia.

The home side hold the advantage following a 2-2 draw in the San Siro but that could play into the hands of the Serie A leaders. They have been almost faultless this season and remain unbeaten on their travels domestically. I watched the hosts limp past Celta Vigo on the weekend and although they are sure to raise their game on Tuesday, the Spanish looks opposable at 2.70. Lay them at that price.

While Inter have impressed this season their city rivals AC have struggled. Way off the pace in Serie A, disregarding their seven point penalty, Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked distinctly average during the first leg and have also failed to impress in their subsequent league games.

Celtic, coasting to the title in Scotland, more than held their own in Glasgow and I see no reason why they cannot put up a really good show on Wednesday night. Their away record in Europe over recent season’s is poor but that have been unlucky on several occasions and just maybe they can cause a shock. Back them receiving a goal on the handicaps at odds against and also have a dabble on them winning the game.