UEFA Cup Thursday

Its going to have to be a quick one tonight as the games kick off sharpish.

Interesting to note a shift in odds in the Panathanaikos v Rangers match tonight. Gers fans must be feeling confident (maybe it was Celtic managing to get within a goal of Barca last night! ) but the money seems to be coming in for them to get a win in Athens. Over the course of the day the odds have drifted in from around 7/2 to best priced 3/1 (Bet365, Paddy Power, Totesport), whilst the home win has understandably lengthened, with Panathanaikos now backable on the right side of evens (11/10) at PartyBets. After the first leg I’d have strongly fancied the Greeks – Rangers didn’t do enough at Ibrox to merit the win. But Panathanaikos looked a bit toothless too, but surely they’ll be a tougher proposition at home. I wouldn’t be backing the Gers to win this one – remember a score draw will do them. Personally I’ll be going with the home win, but if you really must back Rangers then take them on the Asian Handicap with +0.5 goals of a start at 85/100 with BetDirect or Stan James – that way if they get the draw you’re still quids in.

Aberdeen pulled of a great result last Thursday in holding German giants Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. They’ll find it much tougher this week at the Allianz Arena. I don’t have much hope for them I’m afraid and think Bayern will win comfortably. 1/7 (Betfred, BetInternet, Coral, William Hill) makes them virtually unbackable though but the 8/15 at Paddy Power on Bayern to win without conceding a goal might be a better bet.

All 3 English teams lead from the first leg in their ties but it’s Bolton who are most likely to come a cropper as they face a difficult tie again Athletico Madrid. On paper Madrid have a good squad and have serious ambitions of challenging for this trophy in Manchester in May. Gary Megson has made Bolton a difficult team to break down but Athletico should at the very least manage a win (11/20 Canbet) but Bolton might sneak an way goal that will see them through.

Elsewhere I fancy Helsingborgs might spring a minor surprise against PSV and at 53/20 (Centrebet) the home win has its appeal. And I would have tipped up Spartak to beat Marseille but it kicked off at 4.30 so I’ve missed the boat on that one!

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