Our football props column is delving back into the cards markets for one of Tuesday night’s Champions League games…
“Over 4.5 cards is offered at 5/6 which looks good considering the ref’s record.”
Dynamo Kiev v Benfica
Tuesday 14 September, 20:00
Live on BT Sport Extra 4
When it comes to cards betting, the referee always plays a big part in my decision-making process.
For this game, English official Anthony Taylor takes charge and he’s a man with little tolerance when it comes to European football.
His card average is much higher in his UEFA club appointments than it is in the Premier League and he’s now shown at least five cards in 17 of his last 22 such matches, including a red in seven of the last 20.
With Bayern Munich and Barcelona being the other teams in Group E, these two will know victory is crucial to their hopes of getting out of the pool so expect things to be competitive.
And if that’s the case, Taylor should be busy and cards forthcoming. After all, Dynamo are in mid-table of their domestic fair-play league, despite leading the division, while Benfica picked up eight yellows and a red across their two play-off legs in this competition.
Over 4.5 cards is offered at 5/6 which looks good considering the ref’s record, while there’s a specific player I’m keen to side with too.
Home midfielder Mykola Shaparenko has started five of Kiev’s six Russian Premier League games so far this season and has been booked four times.
Last season he collected two cards in his seven starts across the Champions and Europa League competitions. At 11/4 here, Shaparenko looks tempting to be booked.
Add the two legs together in a Bet Builder for odds of just over 5/1.
Over to you, Mr Taylor…
Source: BetFair Tips
