UEFA Cup 24th of April

[heniek31]

Thursday 24 April 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Bayern München v Zenit (19:45BST)	1.44	4.50	9.80	102%
Hide « Bayern München v Zenit
Rangers v Fiorentina (19:45BST)	2.76	3.10	2.90	103%

[WHUPUNTER]

Hope Munich cruise through this as ive backed them for trophy but wouldnt touch them at these odds. They struggled past Getafe and only drew 1-1 at home and Zenit won 1-4 in Germany in the quarter finals so a no bet for me.

[WHUPUNTER]

Would also leave the Rangers game alone as they are a decent side but Fiorentina are no pushovers. Think it will probably be a 0-0 draw but no bet once again.

[jakeruston]

Rangers and Bayern I would put my money on, both are the better teams in the matches I should think.

[alexmac]

Before it starts... lets just make sure we keep all the 'banter' in the Old Firm thread...

[nicko]

At these odds backing Bayern looks insane to me. It is at home that they made many punters lose in this Cup, except a convincing win vs the Greeks late in the groups, I do not remember a good game from them in UEFA at Allianz. The DFB Pokal was just another example that betting on Bayern -1 EH or higher is far too risky. In a game they almost fully controlled simply couldn't score a second, which would have killed Dortmund. And IMO Dortmund were far from being decent rival. Vs Getafe in the first 20 mins it could have been 5-0 to Bayern, then little by little Getafe levelled the game and Bayern were lucky with that draw. Not to mentioned the second leg!!! Take Franck Ribbery out and it is Zenith who should be considered favourites. Not to mention van Bommel who steps on the pitch with a yellow card, Schweinsteiger who is miles away from last season, Ze Roberto who only shines rarely now, etc, etc...The problem with Bayern is the Manager imo, he has the names and the class in the team, but he is far too old-fashioned for the modern game. The fact is Bayern look better away except in Cottbus , but somehow they lose control later in the games both home and away, the Getafe game an exception. To get things worst we all had few examples of toothless Bayern at home ( some 0-0 draws ) OR WORSE - teams like Bochum taking the lead. INSANE TO BACK BAYERN AT THESE ODDS is conservative, it should be FOLKS, DO NOT BACK THEM !!!
Saw Zenith 3 times in the Cup and a couple of times in their League, none of the games was enough to make up my mind how good they are. Still, the ease with which they thrashed Leverkusen was frightening, every counter was a goal opportunity! Great pace, one-touch play, massive confidence, skillful enough...
I am looking at backing Zenith somehow on +1,25 or 1,5, depends on odds, this season had plenty of examples that names don't count that much anymore - Inter, Valencia, not to mention domestic leagues where great teams are fighting relegation. It is easy to follow Bayern, but if there is any football logic and if stats and current displays matter, Zenith can get away with a good result here. They will probably lose, but I can't see them losing with a great margin. It is another story if they will get through to the Final....

[Football-Tipper]

Both games can be seen here live and free

LINK

[stuart]

Originally Posted by nicko

At these odds backing Bayern looks insane to me. It is at home that they made many punters lose in this Cup, except a convincing win vs the Greeks late in the groups, I do not remember a good game from them in UEFA at Allianz. The DFB Pokal was just another prove that betting on Bayern -1 EH or higher is far too risky. In a game they almost fully controlled simply couldn't score a second, which would have killed Dortmund. And IMO Dortmund were far from being decent rival. Vs Getafe in the first 20 mins it could have been 5-0 to Bayern, then little by little Getave levelled the game and Bayern were lucky with that draw. Not to mentioned the second leg!!! Take Franck Ribbery out and it is Zenith who should be considered favourites. Not to mention van Bommel who steps on the pitch with a yellow card, Schweinsteiger who is miles away from last season, Ze Roberto who only shines rarely now, etc, etc...The problem with Bayern is the Manager imo, he has the names and the class in the team, but he is far too old-fashioned for the modern game. The fact is Bayern look better away except in Cottbus , but somehow they lose control later in the game, the Getafe game an exception.
Saw Zenith 3 times in the Cup and a couple of times in their League, none of the games was enough to make up my mind how good they are. Still, the ease with which they thrashed Leverkusen was frightening, every counter was a goal opportunity! Great pace, one-touch play, massive confidence, skillful enough...
I am looking at backing Zenith somehow on +1,25 or 1,5, depends on odds, this season had plenty of examples that names don't count that much anymore - Inter, Valencia, not to mention domestic leagues where great teams are fighting relegation. It is easy to follow Bayern, but if there is any football logic and if stats and current displays matter, Zenith can get away with a good result here. It is another story if they will get through to the Final....

I wholeheartedly agree. Although bayern did turn aberdeen over at home in the last 32, and lets face it, zenit are no aberdeen

If i bet on this I think I'd back zenit plus a couple of goals or maybe DNB, but to be honest i think i'll just stay away.

[nicko]

Originally Posted by alexmac

Before it starts... lets just make sure we keep all the 'banter' in the Old Firm thread...

, still must admit deep inside I was hoping for another quick educational on different tribes..

[MartyMcG_1967]

Totally agree with nicko here, can't believe the odds on Bayern. They should really be out this competition but somehow managed to score two goals in extra time against Getafe to force their way into the semi final. Ive only seen Zenit against Leverkusen and thought they looked a terrific counter-attacking side and backed them at 6.6 after that game. They have knocked out Villarreal, Marseille and Leverkusen now and Bayern have certainly looked vulnerable in this competition and Zenit +1 or +1.5 could be a shrewd bet here.

[ScottishBhoy87]

Originally Posted by alexmac

Before it starts... lets just make sure we keep all the 'banter' in the Old Firm thread...

Now who is paranoid big man.......?

[nicko]

Originally Posted by MartyMcG_1967

Totally agree with nicko here, can't believe the odds on Bayern. They should really be out this competition but somehow managed to score two goals in extra time against Getafe to force their way into the semi final. Ive only seen Zenit against Leverkusen and thought they looked a terrific counter-attacking side and backed them at 6.6 after that game. They have knocked out Villarreal, Marseille and Leverkusen now and Bayern have certainly looked vulnerable in this competition and Zenit +1 or +1.5 could be a shrewd bet here.

How did Bayern manage those two late goals in Getafe...Some will call it luck, but truth is the Getafe goalkeeper simply made a pathetic mistake for 2-3, and was too slow to come out for otherwise a wasted cross from a free kick for 3-3. No wonder he was on the bench in the Copa Final. On the other hand Bayern despite being outplayed during most of the game, never really surrendered, to the Germans the game is over with the final whistle. They deserve all credit for that. Still, this doesn't change my mind, they are shaky at home, Zenith are very good, odds for Bayern are a joke - to me either no bet or Zenith +1,25, otherwise I see no point risking my money...
Good luck

[Oasis]

Fiorentina 13/8 Ladbrokes!! Get on lads!!

Rangers luck has got to run out soon,they will be found out here.There running on empty at the moment and missing key players..

[JCtips]

Originally Posted by nicko

At these odds backing Bayern looks insane to me. It is at home that they made many punters lose in this Cup, except a convincing win vs the Greeks late in the groups, I do not remember a good game from them in UEFA at Allianz. The DFB Pokal was just another example that betting on Bayern -1 EH or higher is far too risky. In a game they almost fully controlled simply couldn't score a second, which would have killed Dortmund. And IMO Dortmund were far from being decent rival. Vs Getafe in the first 20 mins it could have been 5-0 to Bayern, then little by little Getafe levelled the game and Bayern were lucky with that draw. Not to mentioned the second leg!!! Take Franck Ribbery out and it is Zenith who should be considered favourites. Not to mention van Bommel who steps on the pitch with a yellow card, Schweinsteiger who is miles away from last season, Ze Roberto who only shines rarely now, etc, etc...The problem with Bayern is the Manager imo, he has the names and the class in the team, but he is far too old-fashioned for the modern game. The fact is Bayern look better away except in Cottbus , but somehow they lose control later in the games both home and away, the Getafe game an exception. To get things worst we all had few examples of toothless Bayern at home ( some 0-0 draws ) OR WORSE - teams like Bochum taking the lead. INSANE TO BACK BAYERN AT THESE ODDS is conservative, it should be FOLKS, DO NOT BACK THEM !!!
Saw Zenith 3 times in the Cup and a couple of times in their League, none of the games was enough to make up my mind how good they are. Still, the ease with which they thrashed Leverkusen was frightening, every counter was a goal opportunity! Great pace, one-touch play, massive confidence, skillful enough...
I am looking at backing Zenith somehow on +1,25 or 1,5, depends on odds, this season had plenty of examples that names don't count that much anymore - Inter, Valencia, not to mention domestic leagues where great teams are fighting relegation. It is easy to follow Bayern, but if there is any football logic and if stats and current displays matter, Zenith can get away with a good result here. They will probably lose, but I can't see them losing with a great margin. It is another story if they will get through to the Final....

Fully agree Nicko !



JC

[JCtips]

My bets for tomorrow:

Bayern-Zenit P.
Bayern has some big names but they're surely over rated here.
We have to remember that the lines/odds are made to balance the action on both sides (odds makers goal) as much as possible and no doubt that Bayern is a "public team" here vs what many people might consider as a poor Russian side.
IMO Bayern is the favorite of course, I'm just not so sure it will be that easy.
Bayern's last 3 home UEFA Cup games:
win against Aris Salonica 6-0
draw against Bolton 2-2
draw against Getafe 1-1

Zenit's last 3 away UEFA Cup games
lost 1-0 at Everton
won 2-3 at Larissa
won 1-4 at Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern played and won in extra time the German Cup last weekend, meaning it was a tough game that lasted 120 minutes.
Zenit is very dangerous on the counter attack as they showed last time out against Bayer Leverkusen.
My pick: away +1 AH (Asian Handicap);

G. Rangers-Fiorentina
According to reports, Rangers will be without 9 first team regulars tomorrow.
They are not a very offensive team and with so many players missing I think their main concern will be not to allow the Italians to score.
We all know how most Italian teams play. Tight at the back and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake in order to get something from the game. That resulted in 3 draws in Fiorentina's last 3 away UEFA Cup games (1-1 at Villareal, 1-1 at AEK Athens and also at Everton).
I expect a tight game with little scoring opportunities and will risk the draw.
My pick: draw;

Good luck!

JC

[theboybroon]

Originally Posted by JCtips

My bets for tomorrow:

Bayern-Zenit P.
Bayern has some big names but they're surely over rated here.
We have to remember that the lines/odds are made to balance the action on both sides (odds makers goal) as much as possible and no doubt that Bayern is a "public team" here vs what many people might consider as a poor Russian side.
IMO Bayern is the favorite of course, I'm just not so sure it will be that easy.
Bayern's last 3 home UEFA Cup games:
win against Aris Salonica 6-0
draw against Bolton 2-2
draw against Getafe 1-1

Zenit's last 3 away UEFA Cup games
lost 1-0 at Everton
won 2-3 at Larissa
won 1-4 at Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern played and won in extra time the German Cup last weekend, meaning it was a tough game that lasted 120 minutes.
Zenit is very dangerous on the counter attack as they showed last time out against Bayer Leverkusen.
My pick: away +1 AH (Asian Handicap);

G. Rangers-Fiorentina
According to reports, Rangers will be without 9 first team regulars tomorrow.
They are not a very offensive team and with so many players missing I think their main concern will be not to allow the Italians to score.
We all know how most Italian teams play. Tight at the back and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake in order to get something from the game. That resulted in 3 draws in Fiorentina's last 3 away UEFA Cup games (1-1 at Villareal, 1-1 at AEK Athens and also at Everton).
I expect a tight game with little scoring opportunities and will risk the draw.
My pick: draw;

Good luck!

JC

JC A. few corrections to some of your stats mate just incase.


BAYERN'S LAST 3 UEFA CUP HOME TIES

1/4 Bayern 1-1 Getafe 1st leg
1/8 Bayern 1-2 Anderlecht 2nd leg(won 1st 5-0)
1/16 Bayern 5-1 Aberdeen 2nd leg

ZENIT'S LAST 3 UEFA CUP AWAY TIES

1/4 Leverkusen 1-4 Zenit
1/8 Marseille 3-1 Zenit
1/16 Villareal 2-1 Zenit

FIORENTINA'S LAST 3 UEFA CUP AWAY TIES

1/4 Psv 0-2 Fiorentina
1/8 Everton 2-0 Fiorentina
1/16 Rosenborg 0-1 Fiorentina


Early thinking is overs in the Bayern game. For a semi-final i can see this being a really open game with zenit looking for that all important away goal they surely feel they must need, to have any chance of progressing to the final. You have to fancy Bayern to get a goal or two and with zenit's fast flowing style they are more than capable of getting on the scoresheet themselves.

Rangers certainly do not have their problems to seek with injuries, suspensions and dare i say it fatigue setting in. With captain Barry ferguson out, Rangers imo are not the same team and i think they will struggle against an in-form fiorentina side who should come into this game full of confidence and looking to sneek a narrow win. That said Rangers have an impressive home record, and will cetainly be no pushovers but with 9 players out a draw could be the best they will get. Another tight game in prospect. Probable No bet for me on this one but unders could be the one.

[Sir Fernando]

Rangers VS Fiorentina

Rangers are beginning to look a bit tired and jaded,not sure how much they've got left in the tank, due their fixture pile up. This looks to be a step to far in whats been a solid European campaign, big losses tonight with the Keeper, McCulloch, Thompson and perhaps most importantly the skipper Ferguson all out, i watched Fiorentina 0-2 win against PSV and was very impressed, not many teams go to Eindhoven and win in such emphatic style, their midfield creates alot of chances and with the experienced forward Vieri, they have a focal point to build their attacks around, Mutu however will be the keyman tonight, he will have to be marked out the game if Rangers want a result, Mutu's comments about going to Ibrox for the win are encouraging at least.

GL,


Pick : AWAY WIN.

[pedja_srb]

20:45 Rangers – Fiorentina
Pick: Under 2.5
Pick: Draw
Pick:Under 1.5

Rangers is very good this season. They are 1^st in Scotland Premier League and they play in semi final of UEFA cup. They play in UEFA cup because they was 3^rd in their group in Champions League (1^st was Barca and 2^nd was Lyon). In 1/16 finale of UEFA cup they played against Panathinaikos. Both times were draw (0-0 at Ibrox Park and 1-1 in Greek.After that they played with Werder Bremen. At home they won 2-0 and in Germany it was 1-0 for Werder. In ¼ finale they played against Sporting. At home they played 0-0,but in Lisabon they won 2-0. As home team they are very good. They have just two lost matches (in Premier league they lost 1-0 against Hibernian and i Champions League they lost 3-0 against Lyon). At Ibrox Park they play very hard,in UEFA cup they score just 2 goals and dont recieve any. But tonight they are without 7 players: Steven Naismith, DaMarcus Beasley, Charlie Adam, Lee McCulloch, Barry Ferguson (captain), Kevin Thomson, Chris Burke and Allan McGregor (goalkeeper).
Line-up:
Rangers : Alexander- Whittaker, Cuellar, McMillan, S. Smith - Davis, Hemdani, Dailly, Buffel - Novo, Cousin

Away team today is Fiorentina. Fiorentina play good this season,they are 4^th in Seria A and they have 4 points more then 5^th Milan. Four round of Seria A until the end of the season so they will fight until the end for the place which go in Champions League. I think they are more interesting to go to Champions League then to win UEFA cup. For now they have only one lost game in UEFA cup (2-0 against Everton at Liverpool). In group they was 2^nd with 8 points (2 less then the 1^st Villareal). In 1/16 finale they play with Rosenborg and they won both matches (1-0 as away team and 2-1 at home). Than they played with Everton and go in ¼ finale because Frey was excellent. They were better then PSV (1-1 at home and they won 2-0 as away team). Today they are without Donadel and Ujfalusi.
Line-up:
Fiorentina : Frey - Dainelli, Gamberini, Pasqual - Jorgensen, Liverani, Montolivo, Kuzmanovic - Santana, Mutu, Pazini

I think this will be veru hard match with little goals. Rangers is without many players. So my pick:
Draw
Under 2.5
Under 1.5

[ScottishBhoy87]

Originally Posted by JCtips;

G. Rangers-Fiorentina
According to reports, Rangers will be without 9 first team regulars tomorrow.
They are not a very offensive team and with so many players missing I think their main concern will be not to allow the Italians to score.
We all know how most Italian teams play. Tight at the back and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake in order to get something from the game. That resulted in 3 draws in Fiorentina's last 3 away UEFA Cup games (1-1 at Villareal, 1-1 at AEK Athens and also at Everton).
I expect a tight game with little scoring opportunities and will risk the draw.
[B

My pick: draw;[/b]

Good luck!

JC

Hi JC,

Just a few points to make here, Rangers do not have 9 first team regulars out, the only first team regulers that would be guranteed to start tonight if fit would be Ferguson, Thompson, McGregor (keeper) and possibly McGregor.

The rest that are out are squad players, whom only come in now and again.

However I do feel that the absence of Ferguson will be a big blow for Rangers tonight.

I can see the typical game that we have come to expect at Ibrox this season, 4-5-1 defensive formation from the home team, few or no goals and the visitors probably happy to have loads of possession but have no ugency to turn it into goals.

My picks therefore are : UNDER 2.5 goals
Small stakes on a Fiorentina win and the draw



All the best with your bets.

[theboybroon]

Originally Posted by ScottishBhoy87

Hi JC,

Just a few points to make here, Rangers do not have 9 first team regulars out, the only first team regulers that would be guranteed to start tonight if fit would be Ferguson, Thompson, McGregor (keeper) and possibly McGregor.

The rest that are out are squad players, whom only come in now and again.

However I do feel that the absence of Ferguson will be a big blow for Rangers tonight.

I can see the typical game that we have come to expect at Ibrox this season, 4-5-1 defensive formation from the home team, few or no goals and the visitors probably happy to have loads of possession but have no ugency to turn it into goals.

My picks therefore are : UNDER 2.5 goals
Small stakes on a Fiorentina win and the draw



All the best with your bets.

Not that it makes much difference, but McCulloch would almost certainly start if fit as he has done in nearly all of Rangers bigger matches this season. Not a favourite of mine but certainly one of smith's.