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    Champions League Betting preview - A low scoring game between Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona

    Barcelona are on offer at the initially tempting price of 4/9 (1.44) with Paddy Power to win away at the club currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga.

    Those odds may look generous, yet Barca's away form this season in La Liga has been exceptionally disappointing with Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Osasuna gifting Real Madrid a 10 point lead at the top of the table.

    While they will never admit it Barca may now have to concede the league is gone, and focus on their European endeavours.

    Leverkusen meantime are priced at 7/1 (8.00) to pull off what would still be an unlikely victory, despite Barca's poor recent form away from home. The draw is on offer at 16/5 (4.20).

    For Barca the potential goal scorers are numerous and well documented, but although it almost feels wrong saying so, Lionel Messi does not inspire a great deal of confidence at the moment.

    One goal in his last three games is hardly a scoring drought, but even when he has scored, he has missed chances that when on top form he would take without thinking. Instead of Messi then, take his fellow South American Alexis Sanchez to open the scoring at 9/2 (5.50).

    The Chilean is always a goal threat, and with eight goals in his last nine games, he is in exceptional form.

    Barcelona's away form has, as mentioned previously, been patchy at best, so this may not be a goal-fest. Paddy Power offer 6/5 (2.20) that the game will see less than three goals scored and that seems generous.

    Two out of Barca's last three away games have seen under 2.5 goals, while five out of Leverkusen's last eight games have gone under 2.5.

    The goal market seems to be the best value bet here, given that it is difficult to back Barca at the moment, but it always feels wrong to back against them. The first of a two-legged Champions League tie is usually a tight affair and this should be no different.

    Bet of the Day: Under 2.5 goals 6/5 (2.20) with Paddy Power

    Value Bet: Alexis Sanchez to score first at 9/2 (5.50) with Paddy Power

    Sign up with Paddy Power for free bets, money back specials and in-play markets


    Phil Kitromilides is a professional sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter

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