Europa League Preview

Tottenham passed a tricky looking away test with flying colours as they saw off Dinamo Tbilisi 5-0 in their opener thanks to a brace from Roberto Soldado and goals from Andros Townsend, Paulinho and Danny Rose. You would think then the English side should have no problems seeing off the Georgian team at their own ground. Bookmakers agree making them as short as 1/4 (BETVICTOR/william hill) for victory. It would be a shock if they did not win here though it is hardly a price that inspires backing. You can enhance the price by taking Spurs to win to nil at 6/5 (BETVICTOR) or the 4/6 (bet365/BETVICTOR) on Tottenham HT/ Tottenham FT. If you think the Georgian side can spring the shock in the second leg then they can be backed at 14/1 (GENERAL) while the draw is available at 11/2 (GENERAL).

Those looking for an anytime scorer market will have to look out for the selections nearer to kick-off as Tottenham are likely to rest a number of players ahead of the North London derby at the weekend. It might be worth a little interest on Tom Carroll to get among the scoresheet as it was clear in the first game that the Georgian side struggled to pick up runners from midfield. Paulinho netted as did Andros Townsend in the first leg and Carroll could be value at 13/2 (TOTESPORT/betfred) in the anytime scorer market.

Swansea are another side who can afford to rest many first teamers ahead of their game with Petrolui Ploiesti on Thursday evening after a comfortable 5-1 victory in the first leg in Wales.

The Romanian side are 23/10 (william hill) for a second leg victory though it would take a brave person to back them after the way Swansea ripped them apart 5-1 in the first leg. Swansea though only drew away to Malmo in the last round when in a similar position of a big lead from the first leg so I would not be rushing to back them at 7/5 (BETVICTOR) while the draw is a 5/2 (BETVICTOR) chance. Team selection is important once more though when looking at goalscorers and I would swerve some of the first teamers who are likely to be rested here and look for someone like Pozuelo. The Spaniard has netted in two of the three European games so far and looks value at 5/1 (CORAL) in the anytime scorer market.

Another bet I like the look of is YES in the both teams to score market between St Etienne and Esjberg. I am surprised to see the price on this at 11/8 (ladbrokes/william hill). The first leg was a seven goal thriller with the Danish side coming on top 4-3. Esjberg have only failed to score in one of their last nine Europa League matches while St Etienne have conceded in three of their last four home games including two games where they conceded twice.

One final bet I like the look of is Slovan Liberec to get something from their game with Udinese. The Czech side beat the Italians 3-1 in Italy in the first leg yet you can still be backed at 10/11 (bet365) in the draw no bet market which looks the way to play it especially when you consider they are unbeaten in their last 15 competitive games at home.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Slovan Liberec/draw double chance 10/11, (bet365)
SILVER: YES in both teams to score St Etienne v Esjberg, 11/8 (ladbrokes/WILLIAM HILL)
BRONZE: Pozuelo to score anytime v Petrolui Ploiesti, 5/1 (CORAL)

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29/08/2013     © Frixo 2026