CL 27 & 28 Sept

It's a tricky night's punting in the Champions League and not one I want to be investing too much money on.

All the clever professional money today has been for Ajax, who will face a weakened Arsenal side. With Henry out, most people would agree that the Gunners are a much weaker side and they have plenty of other absentees - Bergkamp and van Persie are the most obvious - which mean they are easily avoided. With most bookies offering Ajax as slight outsiders, you can see why the punters have decided to back the home team as there is a big home advantage in European competitions. Off a level handicap you could only back one side but I was unimpressed by Ajax in their 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague and so am happy to leave this contest alone.

There has also been plenty of money for Benfica with a 1 1/4 goal start against Manchester United and I think this is a better bet. Sir Alex's side are in the middle of a mini crisis and they aren't playing with any confidence. They have looked poor so far this season and opposition sides seem to know how to exploit their weaknesses. Benfica are no mugs, as they showed against Lille, and the start just looks too big a price for me. I won't be having a big bet but one point on Benfica +1 1/4 at 2.05 looks very fair.

I won't be having any other bets tonight but I was tempted by Udinese with a 1 1/2 goal start against a Barca side that has not really got into gear this season. I also thought Villareal could be a little bit of value with a 1/4 goal start at 1.78 against Lille.

Wednesday's picks

Clearly the most interesting match of the night is the Liverpool vs Chelsea game but it looks tough from a betting point of view. Chelsea are unbeaten so far this season but they are a very short price at 2.25 in a game in which Liverpool will certainly be playing for a draw. On form however you cannot take Liverpool, even with a 1/4 goal start at home, and it looks like a very difficult match for bettors. If you feel forced to have a bet, the draw at 3.20 looks okay but I won't be investing on this game.

I think Inter will destroy Rangers but with no home crowd they may lack some sparkle and they generally do not score too many goals, so it's probably a game best avoided on the handicaps.

Best bet of the night is Schalke, who have gone eight games without losing in their domestic league. With a 1/4 goal start at home against a Milan side that definitely looked below par against Fenerbahce and relied on Kaka for the win. Schalke are the value bet and are worth a one point bet (+1/4) at 1.91.

No other games look worth punting on.