Big Saturday Multiple: MTK eyeing final Europa League place

Jonno Turner casts his eye over action across the continent as he bids to select three value picks to make up his Big Saturday Multiple - at odds of 7s...

We're off to Scandinavia for our first pick of this three team multiple - and Landskrona host IK Brage at the Landskrona IP, looking to extend some impressive home form.

The home side line up for this clash sitting ninth in the Superettan,  but their recent results on their own patch somewhat belie that position - and they have lost just one of their last seven outings in front of their own fans.

Jorgen Pettersson's side have managed three clean sheets from five at home, and will be keen to maintain that strong defensive record as they face second bottom Brage.

The visitors go into this clash in miserable form, and have lost six of their last seven encounters home and away.

Conny Karlsson's charges are already a little but cut adrift from the rest of the division - and just five points from their opening five games this campaign suggests that the Borlange side could be in for a long, hard season.

They will be desperate to avoid recording a fourth consecutive defeat away from the Domnarvsvallen, but I reckon their hosts' momentum will be too much for them to handle.

Bet 1: Landskrona @ 1.75

Switching our attentions to Hungary now, and MTK Budapest welcome Debrecen to the Stadion Hidegkuti Nandor.

The hosts are in mixed form of late, and just two wins from their last eight sees them priced slightly bigger than usual here.

But their results on their own patch have been consistently impressive, and five wins from their last half a dozen in front of their own fans stands them in good stead this afternoon.

Four clean sheets from five at home indicates that Jozsef Garami's newly promoted side are adjusting well to life in the top tier, and they currently sit fifth in the table - just three points off third place, which would qualify them for European competition.

That makes this final home clash even more important for the Blue and Whites, and they'll be looking to burst out of the traps in this game.

Visitors Debrecen travel to Budapest sitting just one place behind their hosts, but suffering from inconsistency on the road, as is underlined by two wins from eight.

Elemer Kondas' won the title last year, but have struggled to repeat that success this year, and have missed out on the Europa League places this time around - which suggests that they may not have the motivation to match their hosts.

Bet 2: MTK Budapest @ 2.1

To the Swedish top tier now, and the Allsvenskan - as in-form Mjallby line up against bottom side Halmstads at the Strandvallen.

Anders Torstensson's side go into this clash sitting fifth in the table, and will be desperate to secure another three points in order to heap further pressure on the top four.

And four unbeaten on their own patch, consisting of three wins and a draw, will give the Hallevik side much confidence ahead of this encounter.

They have notched a whopping 10 goals in their last three games in front of their own fans, and that suggests that much of their their threat lies in the final third - particularly the likes of key attacking figures Kristian Haynes and Markus Ekenberg.

Visitors Halmstads travel to Blekinge County having won just one of their last 10 games, and that leaves them propping up the rest of the division - having accumulated eight points in that time.

Boss Jens Gustafsson will be feeling the pressure of life in the top tier following their promotion from the Superettan last campaign - and six without a win away from home suggests that HBK might struggle in this one.

Two 1-0 defeats on the bounce will have knocked confidence in the away dressing room, and a trip to free-scoring Mjallby would not be the choice of the visitors at the moment.

Bet 3: Mjallby @ 1.9

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Europa League Treble: Hapoel and Maccabi flying flag

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Europa League Odds: Betfair market keen on Tottenham's trophy chances

"Betfair punters are confident in Spurs’ ability to negotiate the San Siro test that awaits and make the north London club 4.57/2 to lift the trophy."

Spurs are in fine form under AVB and they head the Europa League winner market on Betfair ahead of this week's fixtures...

Tottenham are the Europa League favourites ahead of the second leg, last-16 fixtures this week. 

Holding a 3-0 lead from last Thursday's game at White Hart Lane, punters are confident in Spurs' ability to negotiate the San Siro test that awaits and make the north London club 4.57/2 to lift the trophy. Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas knows what it takes to win the tournament of course, having led Porto to the 2011 final where they beat Braga. Inter, once backed at 9.08/1, are out to 80.079/1 to win the tournament, 

Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at Steaua Buchares last week, but the Betfair market doesn't expect the Blues to encounter any trouble in the second leg. Rafa Benitez's side are the 6.611/2 second favourites to win the Amsterdam final. 

Newcastle pulled off a decent 0-0 draw to deny Anzhi an advantage from the first leg of their tie in Moscow but are unfancied in the market. Alan Pardew's side can be backed at 20.019/1 to win the Europa League while the mega money Russian opponents trade at 11.010/1.

Benfica are third favourites at 6.86/1 but go to Bordeaux with a slim 1-0 advantage after the first leg at the Estádio da Luz. The market doesn't hold much hope for the French side, who are trading at 55.054/1. 

Other likely contenders include Lazio, at 11.010/1, and Rubin Kazan (16.5n/a). 

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Europa League Treble: Bet on goals against Academica

"Atletico rested a few notable faces away at Hapoel Tel-Aviv on matchday one and still ran out very comfortable 3-0 winners."

Christian Crowther predicts a convincing win for Atletico Madrid and victories for Dnipro and Lazio...

Back Dnipro to beat Napoli @ 2.01/1
Dnipro's home form is nothing short of terrifying for would-be visitors this season, having triumphed in all eight games they've played at the Dnipro Arena. Furthermore, losing itself has become a rarity with just one defeat in their last 19 games in all competitions. Their most recent home victory came via a 2-1 win over Ukrainian Premier League rivals Dinamo Kiev, leaving them second only to Chelsea-slaying Shakthar. Visitors in this competition have been dealt harsh treatment too, most notably Napoli's previous conquerors PSV Eindhoven - so convincing in that 3-0 triumph - but beaten squarely 2-0 in the Ukraine. Napoli, who are involved in a title tilt in Italy, may rest players in this competition as they did in the Netherlands.

Back Lazio to win away to Panathinaikos @ 2.1211/10
Lazio are a team in form - winning their last four games in all competitions - including a substantial domestic triumph over AC Milan last time out. The Italians' intentions in this competition were made clear when they travelled to Tottenham with a full-strength team and a subsequent home win against Maribor has left them in a strong position in their group. German international Miroslav Klose is the main man for Lazio, having notched three in his last two starts. Greek side Panathinaikos are enduring a torrid season by contrast - without a home win to their name since early August - having only mustered one win in their last nine in all competitions, drawing six.

Back over 2.5 goals between Atletico Madrid and Academica @ 1.68/13
The holders Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in 2012/13 and since drawing their opening game of the season have overcome all that have crossed their path, a run stretching to ten games in all competitions. Chelsea felt the full force of the Atletico twister when they were blown away in the European Super Cup and the Spaniards don't look like touching down against Academica either. Atletico sit second in La Liga at present - joint on points with Barcelona - with the best home scoring record in the division. Atletico rested a few notable faces against Hapoel Tel-Aviv on matchday one and still ran out very comfortable 3-0 winners. Diego Simeone's reigning champs won all nine at home in this competition last season, while their visitors Academica conceded three away to Czech side Viktoria Plzen in their Europa League opener.

Odds of 6.56n/a can be found on the above treble using the new betting slip - click here for more information

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Europa League Betting: Back Hearts to trouble depleted Liverpool

Hearts have scored five goals in three games, and Liverpool have created chances in all of their games so far, so I'm surprised Over 2.5 Goals is priced up at a tasty 2.1211/10.

Liverpool are aiming to recover from a dreadful start to the Premier League season, but Kevin Hatchard suspects in-form Hearts may give Brendan Rodgers' men another rough ride.

Hearts vs Liverpool, Europa League playoff round first leg, Thu 19:45 BST, Live on ITV 4

Match Odds: Hearts 7.06/1, Liverpool 1.594/7, the draw 3.953/1

Liverpool suffered a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday, as they lost 3-0 at West Brom. The result should be given some context - Liverpool in general and Luis Suarez in particular wasted a host of chances before Zoltan Gera's stunning opener, and then Reds defender Daniel Agger was harshly sent off. That said, such a heavy reverse will be a psychological body-blow.

Liverpool are clearly taking time to adapt to new boss Brendan Rodgers' methods, with defenders like Martin Skrtel looking particularly uncomfortable with the new regime. Rodgers likes his teams to build patiently from the back, and this will inevitably cause early-season apprehension. In the previous round of the Europa League, Liverpool were extremely fortunate to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 first-leg win at Belarussian side Gomel, although their 3-0 win at Anfield in the second leg was more convincing.

Rodgers has elected to leave Suarez and Skrtel at home, with skipper Steven Gerrard and full-back Glen Johnson also omitted. Joe Cole and Jose Enrique are injured, while new signing Oussama Assaidi is ineligible.

That list of absentees will give encouragement to a Hearts side that is yet to taste defeat under new boss John McGlynn. The Jambos have won one and drawn two of their SPL matches so far, and their performances at Tynecastle have been encouraging. A solid 2-0 win against St Johnstone was followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Hearts were 2-0 up but let their lead slip, conceding a last-gasp equaliser.

Given Liverpool's weakened squad and their defensive shakiness, I think they are a bit too short at 1.594/7. Hearts have started the season confidently, and may be worth backing on the Asian Handicap with a one-goal start at 1.9520/21. Hearts have scored five goals in three games, but their collapse against Inverness showed some defensive frailty. Liverpool have created chances in all of their games so far, and so I'm surprised Over 2.5 Goals is priced up at a tasty 2.1211/10.

Recommended Bet: Back Hearts +1.0 goals on the Asian Handicap at 1.9520/21

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.1211/10

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Home And Away: Feyenoord to light up Europa League

Jonno Turner expects Newcastle to thrive on their European return and Feyenoord to be celebrating too...

It's GCSE results day today and like I said to my little sister this morning, if you fail, just remember two things: 1) you tried your best, and 2) yes, I'd like fries with that. I didn't get great results, but my excuse was that I took history, and that gets harder every year.

We're off to the Netherlands for the Europa League play-off round, as Feyenoord welcome Sparta Prague to De Kuip, looking to make home advantage count and secure passage into the group stage.

Ronald Koeman's side have lost just one of their last 13 on their own patch, and that will give them confidence as they welcome the Czechs to Rotterdam this evening.

A second-place finish in the Eredivisie last season was a remarkable achievement and Koeman will be desperate to regain momentum following their Champions League qualifying disappointment by chalking up another home victory.

Visitors Sparta Prague have won just two of their last five Europa League outings on the road, and that poor form indicates the size of the task awaiting them.

They are renowned for consistent domestic achievement, but have also been poor on their Czech Liga travels lately, winning just one of their last four. Another cause for concern is a run of one clean sheet in six.

Bet 1: Feyenoord (HOME) to win @ 1.758/11

Newcastle enjoyed a cracking start to the new Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win against Tottenham and Alan Pardew's side will aim to build on that as they travel to Greece to face Atromitos in the Europa League.

The Geordies really cemented their position as one of the country's big clubs last year, and look set to continue that this campaign as they eye this European trophy.

They go into this game on a cracking run, with eight wins in 11 competitive outings meaning that confidence is sky high. The Sports Direct Arena is known as a hard place to visit, but Pardew has got his side chalking up the results on the road too, and they could make it four wins in six tonight.

Hosts Atromitos are enduring a miserable run of results which has seen the Greeks take just one win in six in front of their fans.

Ex-boss Giorgios Donis led them to fourth in the Greek Super League last year, and was duly snapped up by PAOK, which means Dusan Bajevic is the man at the helm for this game, with this if first competitive test, and a big one at that.

The last time they played in Europe, they lost 6-1 on aggregate to Sevilla, and I think that this could also be a bridge too far in terms of quality.

Bet 2: Newcastle (AWAY) to win @ 2.6413/8

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Jonathan Wilson: Why Eto'o's Anzhi might have to wait for Europa glory

This evening, Anzhi face another Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar (they are 1.9420/21 to win; AZ 4.57/2). Given how impressively AZ have begun the season – with a draw at Ajax and then a 3-1 home win over Heracles, that may be a little long on them, and seems to assume the long trip will unsettled them. Laying Anzhi at 1.910/11 may be the call.

In recent years, Russian teams have thrived in the Europa League. All eyes are on are Anzhi Makhachkala this season but Jonathan Wilson reckons Guus Hiddink's big spenders might be thwarted this time...

One of the issues with the Europa League is that nobody is quite sure how seriously to take it. Once upon the time, the UEFA Cup was probably harder to win than the European Cup, featuring - as it did - all the best teams in Europe who hadn't won either the league or the cup. That created an odd situation in which the continent's premier competition was actually lesser than a supposedly secondary competition and so, while the present situation, in which the Champions League has primacy, is clearly more logical, it also seems to have provoked a nostalgia-driven revulsion for the new tournament.

The modern Europa League may not be of the same quality as the old UEFA Cup and, as Brian Phillips pointed out in The Blizzard Issue Four, it suffers from people not quite being able to define what it is: "The Second-Tier Distribution of Teams as Apportioned by Mathematical Coefficients Cup" just doesn't sound right. That is what it is, though, and you can't help but think everybody would be a lot happier if they could just accept it on those terms. It's not a competition for the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United: rather it's for the big teams from slight smaller nations (in a football sense) - the giants of Portugal, Ukraine and Russia, for instance - and the smaller teams from the big nations - the likes of Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Fulham.

In Russia and Ukraine, the successes of CSKA Moscow in 2005, Zenit St Petersburg in 2008 and Shakhtar Donetsk in 2009 were seen as major breakthroughs, evidence they could compete again against sides from the west. They helped dispel an inferiority complex that was always a slightly odd feature of Soviet football and that had intensified as state funding ran out following the break-up of the USSR in 1991.

The UEFA Cup was seen as giving a club validity and it's for that same reason that Anzhi Makhachkala will be taking the Europa League seriously. The club was founded in 1991 and, although it progressed from Dagestani local leagues to the Russian Premier League in only a decade, it is only since the billionaire Suleiman Kerimov took over in 2011 that it has become a major player. The signings of Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto'o and the appointment of Guus Hiddink as coach have won headlines but the issue now is to convert investment into achievement on the pitch.

Anzhi finished a disappointing fifth last season. Domestically they have begun this season with a stutter, a draw at Rostov and a defeat at CSKA leaving them fifth after five games, despite becoming the first side to take points off the champions Zenit with a 1-1 home daw at the weekend. In Europe, they have been a little more impressive, beating Honved 5-0 on aggregate in the second qualifying round of the Europa league before securing their place in the play-off round with 2-0 wins in both legs against Vitesse Arnhem.

This evening, Anzhi face another Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar (they are 1.9420/21 to win; AZ 4.57/2). Given how impressively AZ have begun the season - with a draw at Ajax and then a 3-1 home win over Heracles, that may be a little long on them, and seems to assume the long trip will unsettled them. Laying Anzhi at 1.910/11 may be the call.

Jozy Altidore has been in superb form, scoring four of AZ's five goals in those two matches. He presents the sort of mobile, muscular threat not often found in Russian football and to which, strangely, Hiddink teams have often been susceptible (think of Alan Shearer's performance against Holland at Euro 96, or Emile Heskey's against Russia at home in qualifying for Euro 2008). Christopher Samba, of course, is as well-equipped as any centre-back to deal with a physical threat but if AZ can isolate Altidore against Joao Carlos, Anzhi may struggle. The other option is to sit Georgy Gaboulov and Jucilei very deep in midfield to pick up knockdowns, but that would seem to hand the initiative to AZ.

Anzhi are a coming side, and will take the Europa League seriously, but given how difficult their play-off round is 30 looks far too short. AZ at 46.045/1, in fact, probably offer better value.

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Europa League Betting: Sporting Lisbon gunning to upset Spanish party

It’s a tall order, no doubt, but Sporting have defied poor league form to upset the odds before.

Sporting Lisbon are the Europa League's outsiders in every sense of the word but can the unfancied Portuguese side prevent an all-Spanish final?

It might have been another disappointing domestic campaign for Sporting but all will be forgiven if they somehow end up in a major European final. To do so, they will have to see off Manchester United's conquerors Athletic Bilbao, the 2.92/1 favourites to win the competition.

It's a tall order, no doubt, but Sporting have defied poor league form to upset the odds before. Ricardo Sa Pinto's men have already seen off Manchester City in this year's competition and if their performance at Eastlands is anything to go by, they aren't likely to be intimidated this time either.

After finishing a dispiriting 36 points behind champions Porto last season, Sporting had hoped for a new dawn with the appointment of Domingos Paciencia - who led Braga to last year's Europa League final.

But there was to be no dramatic turnaround. Paciencia was eventually dismissed after a run of just two wins in ten in all competitions proved too much to stomach. Following a revival, of sorts, Sporting are now fourth in Portugal's top flight, 13 points off the pace at the top.

They are by no means the first to find themselves gate crashing another country's party in the last four of Europe, though it hasn't always gone the way of the outsider. In last year's Europa League, Villarreal found themselves short of friends, with Braga, Porto and Benfica making up the final four. And on that occasion the Portuguese procession continued, with the Spaniards making way for a Braga v Porto final.

But there is precedent to inspire Sa Pinto's men. In 2008/09, Barcelona had three English clubs for company in the semi-finals of the Champions League. It didn't bother them one jot as they promptly beat Chelsea before seeing off Manchester United in the final. And just two years earlier AC Milan managed a similar feat, toppling Man United in the last four, prior to outgunning Liverpool in the final.

Sporting Lisbon are 7.87/1 to win the competition outright and perhaps a slightly more probable 2.82/1 to triumph in the first leg of their semi-final.

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Europa League Results: Manchester United wounded by Athletic Bilbao masterclass

Premier League / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 08 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Chris Smalling was subbed after aggravating a head wound but it was United who were delivered the body blows

"The final scoreline was backed at 140.0 and Bilbao go into the second leg as hot favourites to qualify given United will have to win by two clear goals or replicate a 3-2 away win to take them through to extra time."

Both Manchesters lost in the Europa League tonight but whereas City are still favourites to progress despite their 1-0 loss in Lisbon, United have it all to do after a 3-2 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao were matched at [28.0] on Betfair after going a goal down to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after Javier Hernandez's shot inside the box was parried into his path by Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz when it had been the Spanish outfit who had dominated the early exchanges. But Fernando Llorente, certain to be an important part of Spain's squad at Euro 2012 this summer headed them level after Phil Jones left him unmarked in the box. Oscar De Marcos put Bilbao ahead in the second half even though there was a hint of off-side and Iker Muniain added a third after reacting quicker than Rafael to a shot saved by David de Gea. Despite conceding three, United's goalkeeper was probably United's best player on the night, such was Bilbao's dominance and so high was the number of clear-cut chances they created.

But United were dealt a lifeline in injury-time when De Marcos handled in the box and Rooney scored his second of the night from the spot. He was matched at 6.6 to get two or more goals. The final scoreline was backed at [140.0] and Bilbao go into the second leg as hot favourites to qualify given United will have to win by two clear goals or replicate a 3-2 away win to take them through to extra time. United are [5.2] to qualify and out to [13.0] to win the Europa League, having been backed at a low of [3.7] on the same market. Bilbao are [7.4] to win this year's edition.

The tournament favourites are still Manchester City at [4.3]. They also lost tonight, 1-0 at the hands of Sporting Lisbon, but their task is far easier by virtue of the fact the return leg is at home and that the Portuguese outfit don't look nearly as impressive as the La Liga side. City lost their skipper Vincent Kompany early on to injury and never really recovered from the blow. Their football was predictable and in the absences of Yaya Toure (suspended) and Mario Balotelli (on as a late substitute) they never really got going. Sporting were matched at [6.0] to win the game and [17.0] to win 1-0 but City remain favourites to progress at [1.6].

Elsewhere, Valencia (matched at 1.78) are in a commanding position after beating PSV 4-2 at home, Atletico Madrid (1.42) got the better of Besiktas by 3-1 and Steve McClaren's Twente beat Schalke 1-0.

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Europa League Multiple: Plucky Plzen to make Schalke stumble

Europa League / Michael Lintorn / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Jubilant celebrations followed Plzen's recent draw at home to AC Milan

"Plzen have lost just two home league or European matches in the last 30 months."

Michael Lintorn has picked out three bets from this evening's less fashionable Europa League encounters that might be worth combining in a treble...

Lay Schalke away to Plzen @ [2.02]
For Plzen, there was no shame whatsoever in finishing third in a Champions League group featuring Barcelona and AC Milan, and they even claimed a point against the latter. The Czech champions have lost just two home league or European matches in the last 30 months, so it's difficult to escape the conclusion that Schalke, who have suffered three defeats in six on the road, are being overrated.

Back both teams to score @ [1.93] in Hannover v Club Brugge
Hannover's last eight Bundesliga fixtures all had under 2.5 goals, but four finished 1-1 to satisfy the above criteria, while their Europa League games have been more open, both sides netting in four of their last five. Club Brugge will crank up the entertainment value, having fired eight and leaked two in their last two domestic outings. Their last four away Europa League ties have featured 20 goals.

Back under 2.5 goals @ [1.73] in Wisla Krakow v Standard
Based on both group-stage performance and current form, there is appeal in backing the visitors at [3.05], however with multiples, caution is advisable and under 2.5 goals looks even likelier in Poland. For starters, Standard haven't conceded in any of their three away games in 2012, while six of their last seven have featured two or fewer. Five of Wisla's last six at home have contained just one goal.

A treble on those recommendations using the Betfair Coupon provides odds of [6.05], so for a £10 stake, you would record a £50.50 profit if they all deliver.

New Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has transformed the team's fortunes by revamping their playing style, and Kevin Hatchard thinks his work could bear fruit in the Italian capital....

Udinese have built this season's success on a miserly defence, but they've been far more generous of late, writes Kevin Hatchard....

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Europa League Betting: Crusaders v Fulham

Europa League / Michael Lintorn / 13 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

"They are yet to concede, have fired more than once in only one of their last nine away matches in Europe and had the joint-best travelling defence in the Premier League in 2010-11."

Fulham's relentless pre-season continues on Thursday with a Europa League qualifier in Northern Ireland against Crusaders. Michael Lintorn makes a case for laying the Cottagers....

It didn't receive too much attention because their 3-0 first-leg lead rendered it fairly irrelevant, but Fulham's failure to win or even score against NSI Runavik in the Faroe Islands was something of a shock given the latter's dreadful European home record.

The minnows had lost five of their previous six continental contests in front of their fans, conceding 15 times in the process, so their clean sheet against a team that reached the final of the competition in 2009-10 was a fairly significant upset despite the lack of pressure that was on the Cottagers.

Martin Jol's side will be as relaxed about the prospect of going to Belfast to face IFA Premiership runners-up Crusaders, a streak of six straight Europa League victories at Craven Cottage sure to breed confidence that they will get the job done there even if they fail to deliver in Northern Ireland.

On their run to the final two seasons ago, Fulham won just twice on the road from the group stage onwards, while their best domestic away campaign in seven years last term featured only three triumphs. That and the result in the Faroe Islands render their odds of [1.23] surprisingly short.

That indicates that another draw is an attractive proposition at [7.2], especially as four of Fulham's last six Europa League games outside of west London have been level after 90 minutes, and additionally because Crusaders have lost both legs of just two of their last six European ties.

For those that expect the visitors' class to shine through, another above-evens bet to look at is under 2.5 goals at [2.22]. They are yet to concede, have fired more than once in only one of their last nine away matches in Europe and had the joint-best travelling defence in the Premier League in 2010-11.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [2.22]
Other Recommended Bet: Lay Fulham @ [1.24]

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Europa League Betting: Braga v Dinamo Kiev

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 13 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Braga have a formidable home record in Europe this season

"They have won their last five league matches on the spin to hold on to third place in the Portuguese Liga, while Dinamo could only scramble a 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Metalurh Zaporyzha."

Not many would have given Braga a chance of making it this far but they're in the driving seat in this quarter-final tie and may make it through quite comfortably, says Richard Aikman.

Although the visitors were fortunate to cling on to Dinamo's coat-tails in the first leg, expect a very different story when Yuri Semin's men travel to fortress Braga.

Braga were lucky to cling on in Kiev and, after going behind to Andriy Yarmolenko's early opener, were grateful to both Oleh Gusev for scoring an own goal and Andriy Shevchenko for getting himself sent off, as they came away with a 1-1 draw.

Yet despite events in Kiev, it is Braga who are favourites to win the match at [2.48], while the Ukrainian outfit side are a long [3.25] to clinch an away win. Dinamo's failure to beat ten-man Manchester City at Eastlands in the last round will have prompted punters to side with Braga, even though it should be remembered that the Ukrainian outfit's two previous away games produced 4-1 routs at Besiktas and BATE Borisov.

That said, Braga are far more resilient opponents than either of the above and their home record merits respect. The Arsenalistas have won six of their seven European matches at the Estadio Municipal this season, winning 3-0 against Celtic and 2-0 against Arsenal and Partizan Belgrade (Champions League). They also beat Lech Poznan in this competition, before knocking out Liverpool thanks to Alan's solitary goal in Portugal.

They have won their last five league matches on the spin to hold on to third place in the Portuguese Liga, while Dinamo could only scramble a 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Metalurh Zaporyzha.

Semin has already said that he intends his side - who will be without the suspended Shevchenko - to attack Braga from the start, which may play into the hosts' hands, so adept are they at hitting sides on the counter-attack. Having won their last four home matches in Europe to nil - against decent sides - Braga's defence should see them through again.

Recommended bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ [1.72]; Back Braga to win to nil @ [4.2]

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Europa League Betting: Twente v Villarreal

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 13 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Brazil regular Nilmar is out of this match through suspension

"However, there are numerous factors that explain why Twente are [2.25] favourites to win the return leg."

Villarreal hammered the defending Dutch champs in the first leg and though the latter are unlikely to qualify from this position, there are good reasons to think they may win this match, says Richard Aikman.

Twente v Villarreal

It will take a miracle for Twente to overturn a 5-1 first-leg deficit but they should be able to muster a win against a Villarreal side still reeling from a five-goal thrashing of their own.

Along with Porto, Villarreal have been the most impressive side in the tournament and they showed how lethal they can be in the last leg when hammering the Eredivisie leaders 5-1 thanks to goals by Carlos Marchena, Borja Valero, and two Nilmar strikes that sandwiched a Giuseppe Rossi effort. Mark Janko's added-time header hardly softened the blow for the Dutch side.

However, there are numerous factors that explain why Twente are [2.25] favourites to win the return leg. Firstly, Villarreal [3.35] will be without their suspended striker Nilmar, secondly their captain Gonzalo was injured in the first leg and is out for the rest of the season and thirdly - without Gonzalo - Juan Carlos Garrido's side were whipped 5-0 by Valencia at the weekend.

Twente, who are unbeaten at home in Europe this term, will have drawn great encouragement from their opponents' recent hammering, as well as the Yellow Submarine's away form in Europe, which has produced two losses and a draw from five trips abroad. Villarreal tend to play more cagily away from home and doubtless Garrido will use the match as an exercise in reminding his side how to defend - (the draw is priced at [3.65]).

The Dutch side beat an impressive Zenit St Petersburg 3-0 at home in the last round (a repeat scoreline is a huge [29.0]) and they can be trusted to exploit a raw and weakened Spanish side in front of their own supporters on Thursday.

Recommended bet: Back Twente to win @ [2.25]; back HT/FT Draw/Twente @ [5.8].

Benfica are near certainties to make the semis after a fine 4-1 win in the first leg, PSV simply not looking like they have the firepower to find their way back into it. A draw looks the best bet for...

Not many would have given Braga a chance of making it this far but they're in the driving seat in this quarter-final tie and may make it through quite comfortably, says Richard Aikman....

Huge odds matched during three heavy home wins as favourites assert dominance in the Europa League...

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Europa League Betting: PSV v Benfica

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 13 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Javier Saviola (left) was one of PSV's chief tormentors in the first leg

"It is not so much that Benfica are in good form - they suffered their second successive 2-1 defeat in the league at the weekend and have managed only one away win in Europe this season at struggling Stuttgart- as the fact that PSV ([2.44]) are quite poor."

Benfica are near certainties to make the semis after a fine 4-1 win in the first leg, PSV simply not looking like they have the firepower to find their way back into it. A draw looks the best bet for the second leg, says Richard Aikman.

Benfica ([3.0]) have a foot in the semi-finals after a convincing 4-1 first-leg success and with no real pressure on them to win again, or expectations of a miraculous 3-0 win (available at [32.0]) for PSV) the best we can hope for is an open contest in Eindhoven.

Fuelled by the frustration of losing the Portuguese title at home to Porto days earlier, the Eagles simply swept aside the defensively abject visitors, who were indebted to Andreas Isaksson and the woodwork for keeping the score down to a mere four in Lisbon. Benfica's Argentinian trio of Pablo Aimar, Eduardo Salvio (who scored either side of half-time) and Javier Saviola, in added time, got the goals that rendered Zakaria Labyad's effort - and the outcome of the tie - academic.

It is not so much that Benfica are in good form - they suffered their second successive 2-1 defeat in the league at the weekend and have managed only one away win in Europe this season at struggling Stuttgart- as the fact that PSV ([2.44]) are quite poor. Though unbeaten at home in Europe this campaign, Fred Rutten's side have drawn three of those five matches (two 0-0, the other 1-1). In the league they have drawn another three of their last six matches, a last-gasp goal by Ola Toivonen earning a 2-2 draw against Herenveen.

PSV are not firing on all cylinders just now and, as Benfica are effectively already through, an honourable draw has to be the way to go here, with the half-time/full time price of Benfica/Draw also worth considering at [16].

Recommended bet: Back the draw @ [3.6]; back HT/FT Benfica/Draw @ [16}

Villarreal hammered the defending Dutch champs in the first leg and though the latter are unlikely to qualify from this position, there are good reasons to think they may win this match, says Richard Aikman....

Not many would have given Braga a chance of making it this far but they're in the driving seat in this quarter-final tie and may make it through quite comfortably, says Richard Aikman....

Huge odds matched during three heavy home wins as favourites assert dominance in the Europa League...

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Europa League Betting: Dinamo Kiev v Braga

European Leagues / Richard Aikman / 07 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Braga stop the Europa League's top scoring team?

"The Arsenalistas will attempt to park the bus in the Ukraine and snatch a return victory... "

Richard Aikman believes that Braga are this year's Europa League surprise package. But can they get past Kiev on Thursday?

Dinamo Kiev [1.61] have an impressive home record in Europe but Braga [7.0] can continue where they left off against Liverpool by holding the hosts to a draw [4.1] on Thursday.

There is always one surprise side that crops up in each European competition every year and this season Braga could be the Europa League's FC Schalke. After being pummelled 6-0 by Arsenal on matchday one they were expected to be summarily dismissed as Champions League cannon-fodder, but lessons were quickly learned and the Portuguese outfit, currently third in La Liga, were unlucky not to stay in that competition after three successive victories, including a 2-0 defeat of the Gunners.

Narrow aggregate wins against Lech Poznan (2-1) and Liverpool (1-0) have since shown that Domingos Pacienca's side are a tough nut to crack, although scoring on the road is not their forte - they have mustered just one away goal in Europe this term (at FK Partizan). The Arsenalistas will therefore attempt to park the bus in the Ukraine and snatch a return victory, which suggests that, if the visitors are successful, a low-scoring affair is in store.

That game-plan will, however, require denying the highest-scoring team in the competition. Dinamo are also unbeaten in seven European home games and have not lost at home in this competition since November 1992. Yuri Semin's side socked eight past Besiktas in February and beat Manchester City 2-1 on aggregate in the last round, but they will be without the injured Milos Ninkovic, and although the midfielder is not as important to Semin as Artem Milevskiy, who has scored five Europa League goals or Oleh Gusev (four), he will be missed.

The hosts lie 12 points behind Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian top-flight, lost 1-0 to Dnipro Donetsk recently and can be frustrated by obdurate Braga

Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ [4.1]
Back under 1.5 goals @ [3.25]

French football expert James Eastham says you should let our ante-post bet on Lille in the outright market run and run, and fancies lowly Caen to cause PSG problems on Saturday night....

The Dutch side should not be underestimated, even at El Madrigal, but Richard Aikman believes their Spanish opponents are one of the Europa League's strongest teams....

FC Porto wrapped up the Portuguese title under Andre Villas-Boas by beating deadly rivals Benfica in Lisbon and with domestic concerns now out of the way, the Europa League is next on the agenda....

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Europa League Betting: Bayer Leverkusen v Villarreal

Europa League / Kevin Hatchard / 09 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Marcos Senna will as ever be the heartbeat of Villarreal's midfield

"Bayer are finally performing well at home, and I expect them to edge a close one."

We'll probably see these two teams in the Champions League next season but for the time being they're fighting it out in the Europa League and its' likely to be first blood Bayer.

Both of these sides are comfortably on course to qualify for next season's Champions League, so they should be able to fully focus on winning this trophy.

Bayer are 12 points adrift of Bundesliga table-toppers Borussia Dortmund, but Jupp Heynckes' side have been in fine form since the winter break. They've won five out of eight league games, and they dismantled Metalist Kharkiv 6-0 on aggregate in the Europa League.

Wily old fox Heynckes has somehow managed to turn around Bayer's poor home form, which was holding them back earlier in the season. They have won their last four games at the BayArena, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Villarreal are an impressive fourth in La Liga, and their success has been based on excellent home form. The Yellow Submarine has been in murkier waters away from El Madrigal, with just four road wins in the league. In all competitions Villarreal have won just once in their last eight away games.

In the round-of-32 Villarreal ground out a 0-0 draw at Napoli before winning 2-1 at home. In Naples Villarreal boss Juan Carlos Garrido set his team up to defend deep and play on the counter, and I expect him to do the same in Germany.

RECOMMENDED BETS: Bayer are finally performing well at home, and I expect them to edge a close one. Back Bayer to win at [2.12] and back under 2.5 goals at [1.92]

Porto are flying at home and have looked very impressive in Europe. Conditions in Moscow are always daunting but there are good reasons to think the Portuguese outfit can actually win this one....

We'll probably see these two teams in the Champions League next season but for the time being they're fighting it out in the Europa League and its' likely to be first blood Bayer....

Rangers have been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and will be glad to be playing away from Glasgow. The bad news is that PSV look a strong and organised side and more than capable of taking...

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Europa League Betting: CSKA Moscow v Porto

Europa League / Kevin Hatchard / 09 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Incredible Hulk, incredible record. The Brazilian star has scored 19 goals in 20 league matches.

"CSKA’s record against Thursday’s opponents Porto is abysmal. In four matches the Army Men have failed to score, let alone win, and they’ve lost both home games against the Dragons."

Porto are flying at home and have looked very impressive in Europe. Conditions in Moscow are always daunting but there are good reasons to think the Portuguese outfit can actually win this one.

Because the Russian Premier League season ended in November, CSKA have played just six competitive games in three months. Understandably they had great difficulty disposing of PAOK Salonika in the previous round, only winning the tie with a goal ten minutes from the end of the second leg.

The Russian league resumes this weekend, and CSKA have had mixed fortunes in their two domestic games so far. They lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Zenit in the Russian Super Cup, but beat Shinnik 1-0 in the Russian Cup.

CSKA's record against Thursday's opponents Porto is abysmal. In four matches the Army Men have failed to score, let alone win, and they've lost both home games against the Dragons.

Porto are flying in the Portuguese league, and have a nine point lead at the top. Led by charismatic young coach Andre Villas Boas (a disciple of Jose Mourinho), Porto have won 20 out of 22 league matches, drawing the other two and conceding a miserly seven goals.

Their Europa League record is also eye-catching - in the group stage they won five and drew one, and they overcame Sevilla on away goals. Porto boast the tournament's top scorer in Radamel Falcao (seven goals), and strike partner Hulk has scored 19 goals in 20 league matches.

RECOMMENDED BET: CSKA's season is just starting, and Porto have won on their last two trips to the Russian capital. Back Porto to win at [2.96]

Porto are flying at home and have looked very impressive in Europe. Conditions in Moscow are always daunting but there are good reasons to think the Portuguese outfit can actually win this one....

We'll probably see these two teams in the Champions League next season but for the time being they're fighting it out in the Europa League and its' likely to be first blood Bayer....

Rangers have been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently and will be glad to be playing away from Glasgow. The bad news is that PSV look a strong and organised side and more than capable of taking...

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Europa League Betting: PSV Eindhoven v Lille

Europa League / Editor / 23 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Star striker Gervinho (left) may be rested by Rudi Garcia tonight if the manager decides the Europa League isn't a priority

Add to that the consideration that Lille, who are [4.1] to win in Eindhoven, have not won in eight European away games and PSV ([1.97]) are unbeaten in ten (including eight wins) and it is difficult to look beyond the Eredivisie leaders.

The first leg was turned on its head in a couple of minutes and now it's Lille who have it all to do. But with the French outfit looking to win their domestic league, this one should only go one way...

With Lille more concerned about defending their Ligue 1 lead, PSV are ready to take full advantage in Eindhoven on Thursday.

When a side is faring unexpectedly well on the home front at the business end of the season it is never easy to work out just how hard they will try in Europe. Lille have surprised even themselves by taking Ligue 1 by storm and at this stage of the campaign you wonder whether Rudi Garcia perceives the Europa League as a boon or a bind.

The French side have the quality to easily sweep aside PSV, but two away goals conceded in the last ten minutes of the first leg has left them needing a win in Holland. Lille looked in control when Idrissa Gueye and Tulio De Melo scored in the opening half-hour at the Stade Métropole, but two late goals in a minute by Wilfried Bouma and Ola Toivonen turned the tie on its head.

That setback was subsequently compounded by Lille's first league defeat - at Montpellier - in 14 matches. With Lyon and Marseille up next in Ligue 1, Garcia must be more concerned about how to preserve his side's two-point lead - rather than negotiating potentially seven more matches before reaching a European final.

Add to that the consideration that Lille, who are [4.1] to win in Eindhoven, have not won in eight European away games and PSV ([1.97]) are unbeaten in ten (including eight wins) and it is difficult to look beyond the Eredivisie leaders.

Lille have bigger fish to fry and to be honest if they cannot beat Vaslui (0-0), Gent (1-1) Levski Sofia (2-2) or Sporting Lisbon (0-1) on their travels why should they beat a PSV side in rich goalscoring form? The draw, incidentally, is available at [3.75].

Recommended bet: Lay Lille @ [4.1]; HT/FT Draw/PSV @ [5.1]

A goalless draw in the first leg means this tie is perfectly poised but a repeat of the goal drought is very unlikely with Villarreal at home and Napoli often more adventurous when they're away from the San Paolo. Over...

The first leg was turned on its head in a couple of minutes and now it's Lille who have it all to do. But with the French outfit looking to win their domestic league, this one should only go one...

Porto are very much in the driving seat after winning the first leg in Spain and Sevilla will have no option but to go for it. All of which means goals should be on the cards again......

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Europa League Betting: Villarreal v Napoli

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 23 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Edinson Cavani will try to make sure that if he does score in the second leg, it actually stands this time

"Away from home in Europe, though, Napoli ([4.7]) tend to leave themselves more exposed than Cicciolina. Walter Mazzari’s men have not won in three European away games since beating Elfsborg 2-0 in the play-offs and have conceded three goals in their last three games on their travels..."

A goalless draw in the first leg means this tie is perfectly poised but a repeat of the goal drought is very unlikely with Villarreal at home and Napoli often more adventurous when they're away from the San Paolo. Over 2.5 goals it is, says Richard Aikman.

Had Edinson Cavani's goal not been disallowed for offside in Naples, the Partenopei would be going to Spain with a 1-0 lead. As it is, the match is delicately-poised and hard to call, although we can expect goals to flow in an open game at El Madrigal.

The chief reason for the goalless stalemate in Italy, was Villarreal's defensive set up. Normally so expansive on the wings, Joan Capdevila and Mario Gaspar sat back so as not to get exposed from the flanks, from where Cavani is so often serviced by Christian Maggio and Andrea Dossena.

But the experienced Spaniards, who are [1.85] to win, will be more forthright in front of their own supporters if Capdevila is to be believed. "You'll see a much more attacking Villarreal and I think it'll be a very open game, with lots of scoring chances," he said. Dossena is thinking along the same lines, saying: "Villarreal will have to leave themselves a little more exposed compared to in Naples."

Away from home in Europe, though, Napoli ([4.7]) tend to leave themselves more exposed than Cicciolina. Walter Mazzari's men have not won in three European away games since beating Elfsborg 2-0 in the play-offs and have conceded three goals in their last three games on their travels - albeit two of those matches ended in 3-3 draws. (Another 3-3 draw is priced at [85.0]). The Vesuviani also have Salvatore Aronica suspended, following his added-time dismissal for a foul on Nilmar, although both Paolo Cannavaro and new signing Victor Ruiz can deputise.

Villarreal's confidence will be based on having won all four of their European home games this season, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once at El Madrigal. Those games though were against Dinamo Zagreb, FC Bruges, PAOK and Dnepr Mogilev; not the side sitting second in Serie A, who might just do enough to get a draw in a high-scoring match.

Recommended bet: Draw @ [3.9]; Over 2.5 goals @ [2.08]; Correct score 3-3 @ [85].

A goalless draw in the first leg means this tie is perfectly poised but a repeat of the goal drought is very unlikely with Villarreal at home and Napoli often more adventurous when they're away from the San Paolo. Over...

The first leg was turned on its head in a couple of minutes and now it's Lille who have it all to do. But with the French outfit looking to win their domestic league, this one should only go one...

Porto are very much in the driving seat after winning the first leg in Spain and Sevilla will have no option but to go for it. All of which means goals should be on the cards again......

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Europa League: Porto v Sevilla

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 22 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Falcao will return from injury to give Sevilla even more headaches

"While seventh-placed Liga side Sevilla were sweating over a 1-0 over Hercules, Porto’s players were rested up over the weekend and also expect to welcome back the competition’s top marksman, Falcao, whose knee injury absented him in Andalucia."

Porto are very much in the driving seat after winning the first leg in Spain and Sevilla will have no option but to go for it. All of which means goals should be on the cards again...

After a close-run first leg, these two outgoing European sides are likely to dish up more goalmouth action in Portugal, with the hosts edging past the luckless Andalucians.

When Freddie Kanouté scored his fifth goal in the competition to cancel out Rolando's opener, the Spanish side looked a good bet to win the match. Indeed, had the Mali striker not missed an open goal, we might have been talking about Sevilla, rather than Porto winning 2-1.

As it was Kanouté inexplicably fluffed his lines and a subsequent mistake in midfield led to Fredy Guarin's late winner. Now Porto are [1.11] to qualify, while the Rojiblancos need an [8.6] miracle to get through to the round of 16.

"The draw would have probably been the fairest result," admitted Porto coach André Villas-Boas, whose side have lost just once since 21 March. "But when Sevilla looked for the second goal, we had the chance to counterrattack."

With Gregorio Manzano's charges in need of at least two goals at the Estadio Dragao, a similar gameplan can be expected from Porto, who are eight points clear in the Portuguese standings. Their European record this term reads: WWWWWDWWW.

While seventh-placed Liga side Sevilla were sweating over a 1-0 over Hercules, Porto's players were rested up over the weekend and also expect to welcome back the competition's top marksman, Falcao, whose knee injury absented him in Andalucia.

Expect the improving visitors, who are [4.8] to win, to come at Porto ([1.82]) - they have to - and for the wily Portuguese, who only need a draw to go through, to pick them off (a repeat of the 1-1 draw they managed against Besiktas in the group stage is priced at [8.6]).

Recommended bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [1.79]; Back the Draw @ [4.0];

Porto are very much in the driving seat after winning the first leg in Spain and Sevilla will have no option but to go for it. All of which means goals should be on the cards again......

The away side are tremendous value and should be backed to heap more misery on a struggling Seville outfit, says Richard Aikman...

Once serious challengers for Europe's top prize, Anderlecht and Ajax are now left to battle it out for a place in the next round of the Europa League. But you could do worse than watch plenty of exciting young talent...

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