Thursday, November 23, 2006

UEFA CUP


Two losers yesterday, no complaints about the Roma result, they went looking for the draw and paid the penalty. However, felt that Chelsea should at least have earned a point, anyway, all in the past now.

I am going to quickly discuss the two early kick offs today, both taking place in the Czech Republic.

My strongest selection is for Ajax to collect the three points. Sparta have very little chance to progress in the competition and will concentrate on the domestic league, where they face a three way battle with Liberec and Mlada.

Money tends to talk in these group fixtures and I think it is significant, that every Czech bookmaker slashed the odds on the visitors yesterday. There has been continued support on the asian handicap this morning and the 2.10 available on the exchanges might not last too long.

Ajax have been rebuilding, once again, they are close to being a very good team and are fielding their strongest available eleven tonight, looking for the win that should virtually seal their progress.

In the other tie, Slovan Liberec host Grasshoppers, given the group standings and the remaining fixtures, the draw will have very little benefit to either side. Under the circumstances the 2.16 available for the home win looks too big to pass.

Liberec are strong at home, losing only once in 24 league starts and even the potent Seville attack, could not score against them in the opening group tie. They have lost only a quarter of some 40+ european ties and came within 11 minutes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Following a very difficult run of fixtures, they may well see tonight as a welcome distraction and a relaxed Slovan can defeat the Swiss side, who are lacking in experience and conceded 5 goals at home to AZ in their earlier outing.

3 points Liberec -1/2 ball 2.16 betfair.
5 points Ajax -1/2 ball 2.10 betfair.

Back later.

Good Luck.

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