Tag Archives: Europa

Big boys join Europa race

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The Europa League third qualifying round gets underway on Thursday and several of Europe’s sleeping giants will be searching for a stress-free passage to the play-off round, where a place in the group stages will be at stake.

Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool face Belarussian outfit FK Gomel, who set up the plum tie with the 2004/05 Champions League winners with a narrow win over FK Renova of Macedonia.

Attacking threats for Gomel include former BATE Borisov hitman Aleksandr Alumona and new signing Andrey Sherakow, who arrived from Minsk, though there is a very definite lack of big-match experience in the squad.

Unsurprisingly, Gomel are priced as 7/1 outsiders to take anything from their home leg against the Reds, with Rodgers’ men a near-certainty at 1/3 to take an advantage with them back to Anfield.

Elsewhere, another former Champions League winner, Inter Milan, will aim to move a step closer to qualification for the Europa League when they take on Hajduk Split.

The Croatian outfit’s finest moment in Europe came in the 1994/95 season, when they reached the quarter final of the Champions League, though recent years have been tinged with frustration, having finished as runner-up in the Prva Liga for the last four years.

They take on a team who topped their Champions League group last season only to be eliminated in the second round, and fail to produce the goods in Serie A, finishing a distant sixth and well out of the title race.

But Inter Milan’s hopes of staging a comeback in the upcoming season are high, and, at 4/11 to fit into place the first piece of the jigsaw and win this first leg clash, they are expected to have too much of Hajduk Split.

Meanwhile, La Liga side Athletic Bilbao should be far too strong for NK Slaven Belupo when the two sides meet for the first of two legs tomorrow evening. The Croats have a habit of starting games strongly in Europe, but will struggle in the Spanish heat.

Bilbao’s 1/10 price tells you all you need to know about this game, but a 10/1 price on a 5-0 win for the Spaniards represents extremely good value, as does a 6-0 scoreline, which is available at 16/1.

Further British interest at this stage of the competition is represented by Dundee United, who welcome Dynamo Moscow to Tannadice Park tomorrow evening, and who will rightly fancy their chances of defying their 10/3 price and taking a lead with them into the away leg.

Dynamo are available at 7/10 to escape with the win, but Peter Houston’s men will be feeling far from charitable, and a siege mentality from the hosts could force the Russians to settle for a draw, which is available at a rather generous 23/10.

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Premier lacks Europa League passion

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The 2012/13 Europa League gets underway this week with a host of qualifying matches taking place so it’s an ideal time to assess which teams have a realistic chance of lifting the trophy in Amsterdam next May.

Chelsea’s Champions League success last season will no doubt spur on the strong Premier League contingent in this term’s Europa League with the likes of Tottenham (12/1 – Winner) and Liverpool (also 12/1) well fancied to go far, while Newcastle at 25s should not be discounted following their impressive campaign.

The main problem with English clubs is they tend to see the Europa League as a hindrance to their domestic aspirations which sees respective managers opting to risk fielding weakened teams in order to rest key men for big Premier League games as the battle for the title and Champions League qualification takes precedence.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City epitomised this when sweeping changes to their line-ups resulted in exits at the hands of Athletic Bilbao and Sporting Lisbon respectively last term.

Therefore, with new Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas no doubt being tasked with the job of getting the Londoners into the Champions League via a top-four Premier League finish, don’t expect him to roll out the big guns for their matches in Europe.

It will be the same story at Anfield where Brendan Rodgers will be focused on dragging Liverpool back into the fight for a place at the top table of European football.

Newcastle’s fifth-placed finish was one of the surprises of last season’s Premier League campaign and boss Alan Pardew will probably be mulling over whether to lower his sights in the league to make a fist of winning the Europa League or use the matches to blood youngsters and give his fringe men a chance to shine.

The majority of English clubs simply do not have the capabilities to consistently fight it out at the top end of the Premier League and enjoy a sustained run in European competition so something will have to give – and it’s usually the Europa League.

Therefore, while we expect Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle to at least progress beyond the group stages, it is unlikely the trio will go all the way and win the tournament.

Clubs in Spain have enjoyed the greatest success in this competition with Atletico Madrid (12/1 – Winner) winning two of the last three finals, while Sevilla won in 2006 and 2007, and Valencia picked up the then UEFA Cup trophy in 2004.

Atletico and last season’s beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao (14/1) , who comprehensively dispatched Manchester United from last season’s tournament, are both back for the 2012/13 campaign and are capable of lifting the trophy.

Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow have been relatively recent winners so big-spending Anzhi Makhachakala are worthy of consideration at 20/1 as they will look to put their stamp on European football.

The other big threat is certain to come from Italy as 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan (12/1) are in the Europa League this term and they will be looking to win this trophy for a record fourth time in their history.

Napoli (20/1) join Inter from Serie A and having impressed in last season’s Champions League against both Manchester City and eventual winners Chelsea, it would be pure folly to discount the men from Naples.

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Spain dominates Europa semis

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It’s business time in the football season, both at home and in Europe, and on Thursday it’s the Europa League that takes centre stage with two big semi-final match-ups to look forward to.

Atletico Madrid v Valencia

It may be cast as the Champions League’s less-important little brother, but try telling these two Spanish sides that the Europa League is a ‘mickey mouse’ competition ahead of this tie at the Vicente Calderon.

Undoubtedly, both clubs want to be back in the main event soon but, for now, more glory in the Europa League will suffice and this really is a clash to whet the appetite.

Both have impressed in the competition so far and obviously know each other pretty well from their domestic endeavours.

Totesport have Atletico Madrid, unsurprisingly given home advantage, as the favourites at 11/10 to win this first leg on Thursday as they look to take a good lead to the Mestalla. These two met at the quarter-final stage of this same competition three years ago and Atletico triumphed on their way to winning the trophy when they beat Fulham in the final.

That is a good omen for Atletico but it will not be a straightforward night for them, despite the fact they have the potential matchwinner, and one of the continent’s true rising star’s in Radamel Falcao, in their ranks (Falcao 6/1 to score two or more).

Expect the home side to come out on top but Valencia (5/2, draw 5/2) will approach the game with confidence as they have had a decent league campaign so far, sitting in third place – five above their semi-final opponents.

They have also edged the league matches between them, winning 1-0 at the Mestalla in the league and drawing 0-0 away – a result, if they can match it here, that they would grab with both hands if it were offered pre-kick-off.

Atletico have won four of their last six going into this game and we see another victory for them, despite their lower league position. Valencia, who were beaten 4-0 at Espanyol on Sunday, will have other ideas but look like having it all to do come the second leg.

Prediction – Atletico 2-0 Valencia (7/1).

Sporting Lisbon v Athletic Bilbao

Perhaps the more attractive of the ties, however, is this Portuguese-Spanish affair which pits in-form Sporting (13/8 in the match betting) against the conquerers of Manchester United earlier in the competition.

Sporting have won every single home game since coach Ricardo Sa Pinto took charge in February – a fabulous run in anyone’s books – but don’t expect that to necessarily continue when an attack-minded, confident Bilbao (7/4, draw 23/10) visit on Thursday.

The La Liga side average exactly two goals a game in this competition so far and have won four of their six away games in the Europa League since the start of the group stage.

The memorable win over Premier League leaders United was the pivotal moment and appears to have given them the belief to think they can go all the way in the competition.

For that reason, they can take the game to Sporting and, unlike the Portuguese sides who have visited the capital recently, they will head there with absolutely no fear.

Totesport have Sporting favourites to edge the first leg but 7/4 on the away win looks tempting as well, given Bilbao’s appetite for the competition this term. All things considered, we are going to sit on the fence here and say a draw is the value at 23/10.

Expect plenty of drama, though, and no shortage of goals in this one. We see a high-scoring 2-2 scoreline as the outcome to leave Bilbao very much in the driving seat for the return leg back in Spain.

Prediction – Sporting 2-2 Bilbao (14/1).

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Europa semi spots up for grabs

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Bet on La LigaAttention turns to the Europa League on Thursday and, after four superb first legs, it could be yet another great evening of football, with the likes of Athletic Bilbao (15/8 favourites Europa League outright) and Atletico Madrid (11/4 outright) looking to seal their place in the semi-finals. Here we preview the return games (First leg scores in brackets).

Athletic Bilbao v Schalke (4-2)

The aforementioned Athletic are involved in what could turn out to be the most exciting game of the night when they take on Schalke at the San Mames (Bilbao 10/11, draw 11/4, Schalke 11/4).

The two sides played out one of the most entertaining games of the campaign last week, with Marcelo Bielsa’s men claiming a 4-2 victory in Gelsenkirchen. Bilbao are undoubtedly the favourites to go through and, with the likes of Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain likely to be in their line-up, they will be confident of their chances of continuing their run.

However, it won’t be easy and Schalke certainly come with European pedigree, having reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. They also have European football’s highest scorer in Raul and he will be relishing the prospect of playing in his homeland again.

Despite this, Bilbao should have enough and expect them to win in another high-scoring match.

Hannover v Atletico Madrid (1-2)

The second of the three Spanish sides still left in the competition are Atletico, who travel to Germany to face Hannover 96 (Hannover 15/8, draw 13/5, Atletico 13/10).

Diego Simeone’s men grabbed a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon but, with the German side scoring a crucial away goal, there’s still plenty to play for. Both teams are in good form in their respective domestic leagues and this promises to be an open and exciting game.

However, Madrid have previous experience of winning this competition, having defeated Fulham in the final in 2010, and this extra know-how should see them through by a single goal.

Valencia v AZ Alkmaar (1-2)

The third Spanish team still in the tournament are Valencia, who are currently 2-1 down to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar after the first leg (Valencia 4/9, draw 10/3, AZ 13/2).

‘Los Che’ are currently on a poor run of form which has led to a number of fans calling for boss Unai Emery to be sacked from his job. However, with the likes of Roberto Soldado in their squad they are always dangerous and Alkmaar will need to be on their guard.

AZ have also slumped in the league recently and now sit second in the Eredivisie table behind Ajax. Despite this, they will not be afraid of going to the Mestalla and look out for Swedish international Rasmus Elm to make an impact.

With the tie so evenly balanced, it is hard to pick a winner in this one, but with Valencia’s current form they will not be confident and AZ could just nick it with an away draw.

Metalist v Sporting (1-2)

The final game sees another intriguing clash with Metalist Kharkiv hosting Sporting Lisbon in a tie which, like two of the other matches, is currently separated by a single goal following Sa Pinto’s men sneaking the first match at home (Metalist evens, draw 12/5, Sporting 11/4).

Kharkiv have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament but don’t be fooled by their lack of experience as, on home soil, they can beat anyone and their away goal in Portugal could make all the difference in this one.

Sporting overcame Man City in the last round and impressed with their stylish attacking play but it is their defending that seems to constantly cause them problems. They can be brilliant going forward and the combination of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Matias Fernandez could prove vital.

However, home advantage should  end up proving to the difference in this one and the Ukrainian side will be confident of progressing to their first European semi-final.

Prediction: Bilbao, Athletico, AZ and Metalist all to go through to semis.

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Home rule in Europa quarters

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Following the drama of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s the Europa League last eight ties that take centre stage on Thursday. Here we preview the four first-leg matches.
Despite no English involvement, there is still plenty for punters to consider in Europe’s second tier competition as it nears its conclusion, with veteran European campaigners Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Schalke and Sporting all still involved, while Manchester United’s conquerors Athletic Bilbao will be hoping to build on that famous triumph at Old Trafford.

AZ Alkmaar v Valencia

AZ remain, along with German underdogs Hannover, the outsiders to go on and win the Europa League (both 16/1 outright) but they will fancy their chances of at least holding Spanish giants Valencia at home in the first leg.

The in-form Dutch side are an attractive 13/8 to come out on top on Thursday, with Los Che available at 17/10 and the draw 9/4. That maybe just the astute bet here but a home win is the prediction.
AZ have had a superb season so far, and are currently top of the Eredivisie, losing just five league games all season, while they are unbeaten in six domestically. Add to that the fact they saw off a talented Udinese side in the last round and Valencia have plenty to fear ahead of this intriguing clash.

Prediction – Home win.

Atletico Madrid v Hannover

This is the home banker of the four games on Thursday and it’s hard to look past a comfortable win for the Spanish side (take 2-0 at 11/2).

The German outfit have exceeded expectations to get this far in the tournament and are a creditable eighth in the Bundesliga but will surely find it tough going in the intimidating Vicente Calderon.

Atletico are odds-on (1/2) to win the first leg while Hannover (6/1) are rightly the outsiders. However, recent form has been good with two impressive wins over Cologne and Standard Liege (4-1 and 4-0) before a narrow 2-1 defeat at in-form Bayern Munich last time out.

That will give the visitors hope of causing an upset on Thursday and it’s likely to be tight in the first half but Atletico should ultimately prevail (HT/FT – Draw/Atletico – 10/3).

Prediction – Home win.

Schalke v Athletic Bilbao

Bilbao will be bouyant following the superb deserved two-leg triumph over United and will rightly now fancy their chances of progressing even further in the competition. They can be backed at a value 10/3 to win the Europa League outright and they have the talent to go to Schalke and win this week (Bilbao 23/10, Schalke 23/20, draw 12/5).

The Gelsenkirchen-based side emphatically beat FC Twente 4-1 last time out in the competition to book their last-eight place so will again be difficult to beat in front of a passionate home support and they go into the game on the back of a three-game winning in the Bundesliga. However, we fancy an away win here to keep the Bilbao bandwagon on course.

Prediction – Away win.

Sporting Lisbon v Metalist

Another home win looks on the cards in this one as Portuguese giants Sporting host the Ukrainian underdogs (Sporting EVENS, Metalist 11/4, draw 12/5).

Sporting produced their best performances of the season to see off Manchester City in the last round and they now take on a weaker Metalist for a place in the semi-finals. They will not underestimate their opponents and a disappointing domestic campaign to date, which has left them fifth in the table, points to the fact all is not well at the club, but don’t be surprised to see a comfortable home win here.

Metalist are third in the up-and-coming Ukraine league (behind the traditional big two of Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk) and were extremely impressive when seeing off Salzburg 8-1 on aggregate in the last round but this is another test completely and first-leg disappointment looms for the visitors.

Prediction – Home win.

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Manchester eyes Europa progress

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Manchester City (11/4 Outright) and Manchester United (10/3) will continue their quest for Europa League success on Thursday evening as they look to secure positive results in their respective last-16, first-leg ties against Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao respectively.

City are up first as they make the trip to Portugal to face Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium with a 6pm kick-off. Roberto Mancini’s men booked their place against Sporting thanks to a 4-0 home win against holders FC Porto in the previous round, although they were trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal which will no doubt give the hosts hope of emulating their league leaders going into this game.

However, City are in strong form having won their last six games, conceding just one goal in the process, so will be optimistic of making life easier for themselves in this round. Mancini is set to hand Sergio Aguero and David Silva starting roles after resting them for Saturday’s 2-0 win against Bolton, while James Milner and Edin Dzeko are set to start having only played minor roles in that game.

Kolo Toure is likely to play at right-back due to injuries to Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta, with Nigel de Jong set to replace the suspended Yaya Toure.

Sporting go into the game on the back of their first defeat under new coach Ricardo Sa Pinto, 1-0 away at Vitoria Setubal on Saturday, having won the previous three to occupy fourth spot in the Portuguese league.

However, they have been strong on home soil in Europe, having won every tie played in front of their own fans so far this season, which is a stern warning to City that they should not turn up and be complacent for this test.

Sporting have been hit by the loss of top scorer Ricky van Wolfswinkel due to injury so Matias Fernandez and Andre Carillo will fight it out to feature, with Uruguayan Sebastian Ribas ineligible to play.

The two sides have not faced each other competitively, but with Sporting boasting a formidable record at home and City in a rich run of form, they could well cancel each other out.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 5/2
Value Bet: Sporting/Draw HT/Ft @ 12/1

Manchester United get their last-16 clash with Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao underway at Old Trafford at 8.05pm looking to shake off their uncertain home form of one win in four games in European competition this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage after dropping points on home soil to the likes of Basel and Benfica, while a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Ajax at the Theatre of Dreams almost ended their Europa League bid after they had won the first leg 2-0 in Amsterdam.

However, the Red Devils’ form has been on the up in the Premier League since that defeat, with successive wins at Norwich and Tottenham keeping them within two points of league leaders Manchester City.

And they will be looking to avoid any more problems against Athletic Bilbao as Ferguson will want a comfortable lead to take to Spain for the second leg.

United do have problems on the injury front as Paul Scholes sat out training on Wednesday, while Michael Owen was also absent and Antonio Valencia trained on his own as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.

Ferguson blamed a lack of experience for the defeat to Ajax and will want to inject some older heads into the starting XI to ensure they do not have to travel in a week’s time chasing the tie against a Bilbao side with a strong home record in Europe.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa has guided the side to within a point of the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot in La Liga courtesy of a 2-0 Basque derby win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, while they have won three and drawn one of their home games in the Europa League when looking ahead to the second leg.

Midfielder Ander Herrera is adamant that his side are making the trip to Old Trafford to come back as winners, while towering frontman Fernando Llorente (15/2 – First Goalscorer) is a player who could pose a real threat to the United goal if he is not carefully marshalled.

It looks set to be an open tie and with United knowing they could do with a win to take to Spain next week, expect a few goals and the hosts to come out on top.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 1/2
 Value Bet: United To Win 3-1 Correct Score @ 9/1

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Italians set for Europa glory

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The surprise inclusion of Champions League flops Manchester United and Manchester City may dominate the Europea League headlines but there are plenty of other contenders for the top prize and Serie A is well represented in the last-32 stage.

Lazio host Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid on Thursday night and both sides are likely to rest some key players for Europe, with league commitments the more pressing priority for the two clubs.

Lazio are currently third in Serie A and on course to book a spot in the Champions League, while Atletico Madrid are off the pace in their own hunt for a top-four finish and will be keen to keep their key men fresh for domestic action.

However, Lazio have an impressive record in Rome, both in Serie A and Europe, and could well be too strong for a weakened Atletico side, who managed just one win away from the Vicente Calderon in the Europa League group stages.

Lazio are 13/10 to secure the win, while the draw can be backed at 9/4 and Atletico Madrid are 21/10 to pick up a victory in the Italian capital.

Udinese are in the hunt for Champions League qualification and the Serie A side have also made changes for their European fixtures to date in the current campaign, opting to rest men for their midweek Europa fixtures.

However, despite the changes made by boss Francesco Guidolin for their European ties, Udinese remain unbeaten at home in Europe and have won 10 of their 12 Serie A fixtures to date at the Stadio Friuli.

Udinese host Greek side PAOK on Thursday and should be able to seal the victory which is priced at 8/11.  The draw is available at 5/2 and a PAOK win is 4/1.

Lokomotiv Moscow are a tough side to beat on home soil and the Russian outfit host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Bilbao have taken their European commitments seriously this season, naming strong squads throughout the group stages, but Moscow is always a tricky place to go regardless of which side you happen to be facing. It should be a tight contest but home advantage could well be crucial and Lokomotiv can be backed at 7/5 to secure the win.

However, while Lokomotiv could win at home the second leg is a different matter all together and over the course of 180 minutes Bilbao should come out on top, with Athletic Bilbao 1/2 to qualify for the next round.

German side Schalke boast an unbeaten away record in Europe this season and the Bundesliga outfit travel to FC Viktoria Plzen, who failed to qualify from a Champions League group that included AC Milan and Barcelona.

Plzen are in the Europa League as they finished third in Group H ahead of BATE Borisov but they managed just one victory in their Champions League campaign and will struggle against Schalke.

Schalke are 6/5 to seal the victory and take an advantage back to Germany for the second leg, while a draw is priced at 11/5 and a home win is available at 12/5.

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England trio begin Europa tilt

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The European adventure continues for England’s top two clubs although not in the competition that either would have liked as they get their Europa League campaigns underway on Thursday, while surprise package Stoke are also in action, looking to put their poor domestic run behind them.

Big spending Manchester City head the outright betting at 5/1 for Europa League glory in Bucharest in May, which is hardly a surprise given the riches at manager Roberto Mancini’s disposal.

However, the question is how seriously will the Premier League leaders be taking this competition, given the way their season has gone so far.

When they were banging in goals for fun and thumping title challengers Manchester United and Spurs away, the talk was about winning every competition they were in.

However, they have been knocked out of the Champions League at the first opportunity, albeit from a tough looking group, were knocked out of the FA Cup (again as early as possible) while they fell at the semi-final stage in the Carling Cup.

Despite a magnificent start to the Premier League campaign, the Citizens have not run away with it as yet, particularly as they have been far from consistent in 2012.

Mancini’s men take on defending champions FC Porto in the first leg of their last-32 clash at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday, with the Portuguese giants as, if not more, disappointed that they failed to make it further in the Champions League.

Porto’s home form was the principal reason for their failure to get out of Group G, just one win and two draws to finish behind APOEL FC and Zenit St Petersburg.

This is perhaps reflected in the match betting with both sides available at 13/8 to take a first-leg advantage, while the draw is on offer at 23/10.

Mancini will have the Toure brothers back from African Nations Cup duty to bolster the ranks, while Mario Balotelli is available despite his domestic ban.

But whether the Italian tactician decides to go with his fringe players remains to be seen, although his squad is arguably the strongest in Europe.

However, indifferent away form has been the problem of late and Porto are likely to go all out for the win to maintain the defence of their trophy, with Hulk (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) leading the charge up front.

United, 7/1 outright second favourites, have named a strong-looking squad as they make their bow in Europe’s second tier competition, although Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra have been left at home.

The Red Devils did not appear to have the toughest of groups in the Champions League but still failed to progress with a 2-1 defeat in Basel condemning them to a place in the Europa League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take on another Champions League drop-out, although Ajax were far from disgraced in their failure to progress, only losing out on goal difference to Lyon in a group which also included Real Madrid.

The betting suggests that this is a foregone conclusion with United odds on favourites at 5/6 to win at the Amsterdam Arena, with Ajax available at 10/3 and the draw at 5/2.

United have improved their form of late to remain in Premier League contention but it is still taking something of a chance backing them at the prices, given only one away victory in Europe this year – and that was 2-0 at group whipping boys Otelul Galati.

Ajax are not the force they once were but, with the draw of United, the players will no doubt be up for this one and it is set to be a tight affair.

Stoke have surprised a few in getting this far and their reward is a tough draw against Spanish giants Valencia, who consolidated third place in La Liga with a 4-0 demotion of Sporting Gijon.

Stoke’s form has been poor of late, losing their last three games, but they did enjoy dominance at the Britannia in Europe before Christmas, winning two and drawing one in Group E.

Valencia’s form on their travels in the Champions League cost them progression but they have enjoyed previous success in this competition and, as the third best side in Spain, obviously are no mugs.

It will be a real contrast of styles and although Valencia have been installed as the 6/4 favourites in the match betting, Stoke (7/4) can take something into the second leg – albeit a draw, priced at 23/10.

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Crunch time in Europa League

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Stoke City are to be joined by Manchester City and Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League round of 32, but 19 other teams will compete for the remaining nine places on Wednesday and Thursday.

City and United are two of eight teams transferring from the Uefa Champions League – also included are FC Porto, Trabzonspor, Ajax, Valencia, Olympiacos and FC Viktoria Plzen – and join 15 teams already assured of a place in the next round.

Tottenham, Fulham and Birmingham City and Celtic await their fate in what promises to be a compelling week of European action.

The road to progress from Group A for Tottenham is not so straight-forward given the fact that PAOK are already qualified and Shamrock Rovers cannot make it through.

To qualify the north Londoners must win in Dublin, hope Rubin Kazan lose away to PAOK and make up a goal difference deficit which currently stands at five. If the two teams finish exactly level on goal difference and goals scored, Tottenham will qualify due to their higher coefficient.

Shamrock Rovers 6/1 draw 7/2 Tottenham 4/9 – match prices

In Group K, Twente have won the section and Odense are out, while Fulham are a point ahead of Wisla Krakow and have a superior head-to-head.

To finish second, Wisla must win against the Eredivisie side and hope that Martin Jol’s men lose to their Danish visitors.

Fulham 1/5 draw 5/1 Odense 14/1 – match prices

Group H is extraordinarily tight, although Braga are through as they have a superior head-to-head over Birmingham.

However, Chris Hughton’s Championship side can overtake Brugge with a victory against eliminated Maribor should the Belgian side lose because Blues have the superior head-to-head record.

Brugge won at Braga on match-day two so a draw in the return fixture would take them through as group winners.

Birmingham City 8/15 draw 3/1 Maribor 5/1 – match prices

In Group I, Atletico Madrid have qualified and a draw with already-eliminated Rennes would clinch first place.

Udinese are three points ahead of Celtic, who would go through on the head-to-head record with a victory in Italy. If the Serie A side draw they will finish second but will finish top with a win if Atletico lose.

Udinese 8/13 draw 11/4 Celtic 9/2 – match prices

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Rivals to forfeit Europa League?

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Both Manchester clubs have now slipped into the Europa League (City 5/1f Outright Winners) after their failure to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. The pair now head the market, but just how seriously will they take the competition?

They say that money talks in football and, generally, that is the case, as the ‘haves’ more often than not occupy the top places in the league and the ‘have-nots’ struggle to compete.

But try telling that to Basel, who defied the odds to dump Manchester United out of Europe’s elite club competition and resigned them to life in the Europa League in the New Year.

United are the first club that has previously reached the final to be knocked out in the group stage and it just the third time in 17 attempts that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has failed to reach the knockout stage.

The fall-out has already begun with Patrice Evra labelling the exit as “embarrassing” and “a catastrophe” and it remains to be seen just what sort of side Fergie actually fields when United begin their Europa League campaign.

There are still some big clubs in the second-tier tournament, with Valencia, Porto and Ajax also making an early Champions League exit, while Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Udinese look set to be in the draw for the next stage.

Ferguson will doubtless make all the right noises and pledge to put out a strong side in each match but, with Manchester City ( 4/7 Premier League Outright) currently topping the Premier League and challenging United’s domestic dominance, the fiery Scot will surely have one eye on Premier League matters when he next hands in a European team sheet.

But it could be that the Europa League is United’s best chance of silverware this term, as they have hardly pulled up any trees in the English top-flight and have been hanging onto City’s coattails all season with several 1-0 victories.

Their lack of a creative midfielder has haunted them right from the start of the season and they finally got found out in Switzerland, and the boss may well be forced to dip into the transfer market in January to try and address the problem or run the risk of the season tailing away over the next few months.

City will have also harboured ambitions of winning the Champions League this time with the money that has been spent on assembling their talented squad, but it has it be remembered that it was their first foray into the competition and they are still gelling as a unit.

It is true that they look world beaters in the Premier League but that might just add fuel to the argument that the English game is not as strong as we are all led to believe.

City finally won a trophy when lifting the FA Cup last season and any silverware will be welcomed at Eastlands, and it just might be that boss Roberto Mancini uses the Europa League as a stepping stone for nest season’s assault on the Champions League.

Both City and United have the squad to cope with European football throughout the season, but it would surprise nobody to see a few fringe players appear as the tournament progresses.

Manchester was rocked on Wednesday with the twin failures, but the scene is now set for the Premier League rivals to meet in Bucharest for the final on May 9. Whether they actually want to is open to debate.

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