The long wait for the Champions League knockout stage to commence is almost over and some cracking ties to look forward to in the coming weeks.
One clash which might not leap off the page, but certainly represents the best betting opportunity of the four matches taking place this week, is the fixture between Gent and Wolfsburg in Belgium and the prices look all wrong to me.
It is the Bundesliga side that are deemed favourites to establish a first leg advantage but one has to wonder why. Wolfsburg were recording their first win in eight matches on the weekend, a 2-0 triumph over struggling Ingolstadt, while their upcoming hosts have lost just once in 22 Pro League matches at the Ghelamco Arena since December 2014.
It was Gent’s excellent efforts on home soil in the Champions League group stage that saw them qualify for the last 16, taking seven points from matches against Zenit, Valencia and Lyon in front of their own fans, and they will have nothing to fear from a visiting team that doesn’t look like a step up in class from any of those opponents.
Wolfsburg reached this stage of the competition thanks to some stellar home form themselves but their results on the road have been wretched and Dieter Hecking’s men really struggle to find the net.
Only six goals have been scored in 10 top flight away matches so far this term and Wolfsburg were beaten in Manchester and Eindhoven too. None of that bodes well facing a side high on confidence right now and free-scoring Gent appear to have been underestimated.
Goal difference is the only factor preventing them from topping their domestic standings and while the cream of the Bundesliga is clearly a cut above, Wolfsburg are languishing in eighth position.
On the drift all the time as sense prevails somewhat, Wolfsburg still need to be opposed while they are favoured and I will be doing so in the draw no bet market at which the selection can be backed at 11/10.
4pts Back Gent (Draw No Bet, vs. Wolfsburg) @ 11/10 (various)