Wednesday's Europa League Tips: Schalke and Stoke to get results away from home, and Klose to be on target
There is still plenty to play for in this week's ties. After some good form with his European picks, Ed Malyon is back with some tasty prices
Dec 14, 2011 3:00:00 PM
By Ed Malyon
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Lazio vs Sporting Lisbon
The hosts have made a bit of a mess of what should have been a straightforward group, while their visitors have waltzed through despite a slip-up against Vaslui. With qualification secured, Sporting have named some second-string players in their squad, and they are also dealing with some injuries to key players.
Given that Lazio also need to win this game to guarantee progress, they seem the wise choice to back, although 1.53 is not a big price. If you want something meatier, back Miroslav Klose to score first at 5.00.
Tip: Miroslav Klose to score first at 5.00 (4/1) with Bet365
Besiktas vs Stoke City
There's no doubt that Tony Pulis' men are in for a tough time playing in front of the intensely passionate fans at the Inonu Stadium. The hosts have a very good record there, including winning both of their Europa League group games there this season. A win would take the Turkish side to the top of the group, but Stoke - who have already qualified - won't be lying down, as they also want to win the section and ensure a potentially easier tie in the next round.
Despite resting players on Sunday against Tottenham, the Potters still secured a 2-1 victory and will be high on confidence. They will also boast fresh faces such as Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant. If the visitors show the resilience they did against Dynamo Kiev, they will continue their fine European form and come away with a draw. The price is 3.5
Tip: Draw at 3.5 (5/2) with Bet365
Maccabi Haifa vs Schalke
The Bundesliga's third-placed club, Schalke, travel to Israel with a host of top names rested and their coach absent due to family reasons. Having already qualified for the next round as group winners, there is little incentive for them against Maccabi, but they will still have plenty of very able players on show.
The Greens will go for it from the first minute, and circumstances mean they are now favourites to win this one. If they do, then they know they will qualify as runners-up in the group. We will, however, back Schalke's strength in depth over the Israeli's desperation. Their side is expected to contain Timo Hildebrand, Juan Manuel Jurado and Ciprian Marica as well as a host of youngsters looking to stake a first-team claim, and they should have enough about them. Therefore, we look to the Asian Handicap and get the draw and away win on our side with Schalke +0.5 at 2.050
Tip: Schalke +0.5 AH at 2.050 (21/20) with Bet365
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet of up to £200!
Ed Malyon is a freelance sports writer focusing on the football betting markets. His personal website Valderramarama.com can be accessed here.
The hosts have made a bit of a mess of what should have been a straightforward group, while their visitors have waltzed through despite a slip-up against Vaslui. With qualification secured, Sporting have named some second-string players in their squad, and they are also dealing with some injuries to key players. Given that Lazio also need to win this game to guarantee progress, they seem the wise choice to back, although 1.53 is not a big price. If you want something meatier, back Miroslav Klose to score first at 5.00.
Tip: Miroslav Klose to score first at 5.00 (4/1) with Bet365
Besiktas vs Stoke City
There's no doubt that Tony Pulis' men are in for a tough time playing in front of the intensely passionate fans at the Inonu Stadium. The hosts have a very good record there, including winning both of their Europa League group games there this season. A win would take the Turkish side to the top of the group, but Stoke - who have already qualified - won't be lying down, as they also want to win the section and ensure a potentially easier tie in the next round. Despite resting players on Sunday against Tottenham, the Potters still secured a 2-1 victory and will be high on confidence. They will also boast fresh faces such as Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant. If the visitors show the resilience they did against Dynamo Kiev, they will continue their fine European form and come away with a draw. The price is 3.5
Tip: Draw at 3.5 (5/2) with Bet365
Maccabi Haifa vs Schalke
The Bundesliga's third-placed club, Schalke, travel to Israel with a host of top names rested and their coach absent due to family reasons. Having already qualified for the next round as group winners, there is little incentive for them against Maccabi, but they will still have plenty of very able players on show. The Greens will go for it from the first minute, and circumstances mean they are now favourites to win this one. If they do, then they know they will qualify as runners-up in the group. We will, however, back Schalke's strength in depth over the Israeli's desperation. Their side is expected to contain Timo Hildebrand, Juan Manuel Jurado and Ciprian Marica as well as a host of youngsters looking to stake a first-team claim, and they should have enough about them. Therefore, we look to the Asian Handicap and get the draw and away win on our side with Schalke +0.5 at 2.050
Tip: Schalke +0.5 AH at 2.050 (21/20) with Bet365
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet of up to £200!
Ed Malyon is a freelance sports writer focusing on the football betting markets. His personal website Valderramarama.com can be accessed here.
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