Bayern Munich the team to beat in the UEFA Cup

Europa League / Alsy / 18 December 2007 / Leave a Comment

Morgan in the driving seat - Allsy considers the betting options in the UEFA Cup now that the Champions League "rejects" join in the fun

European club competitions football has been completely redesigned to provide more games for a gargantuan number of teams. With preliminary, group and knock-out rounds to negotiate the eventual winners will have to play far more games than their counterparts ten years ago.

This expansive approach to football may appear egalitarian but in reality Europe's elite clubs continue to dominate. More games mean more television revenues while every recent rule changes ensures that Europe's top clubs get the opportunity to play as often as possible.

The Champions League may have entered a critical knock-out phase but after months of competition (involving many clubs unfamiliar to the most battle-hardened sports hack) the Uefa Cup currently offers a bloated group phase (still involving many clubs unfamiliar to the most battle-hardened sports hack). Every team left in the knock-out stages of the Champions League will fancy their chances over two-legged fixtures. In the Uefa Cup Brann, Larissa, Braga and Aris Thessalonik's best chance of success lies with opposition teams failing to locate their respective stadiums on the map of Europe.

To muddy the Uefa Cup waters further Marseille, Rosenborg, Werder Bremen, Benfica, Rangers, Sporting Lisbon, PSV and Slavia Prague have all been parachuted into the competition. Their reward for mediocre performances in the Champions League is another handful of televised games and the chance to win a coveted European trophy.

Last year Sevilla won the competition for a second year running. For richer clubs winning the Uefa Cup offers the chance to win all-important silverware after spending the GDP of a small nation on new players in the off season.

Favourites Bayern Munich [5], Tottenham [11.5] and Athletico Madrid [10.5] have all spent more money on new recruits than most sides remaining in the Champions League. Many of the clubs finishing third in their Champions League groups, like Rosenborg, Marseille, Rangers and Werder Bremen should eventually fall to these clubs who have already built up a head of steam in the competition.

Of the Champions League rejects PSV [38], Benfica [32] and Sporting Lisbon [32] look best equipped to mount a serious challenge. All experienced campaigners in Europe, they will expect to reach the quarter-finals of the competition but, just as they did in the Champions League, I expect them to be edged out by a stronger German team... but not Werder Bremen.

Despite early optimism Bremen [20] has been a total disappointment in Europe only mustering two victories in a Champions League group that included Olympiakos and a woefully poor Lazio. Conversely Glasgow Rangers [55] performed well in a tough group but the team that wins the Uefa Cup will need the ability to win away against resolute opposition.

While Rangers will justifiably fancy their chances against any side at Ibrox they don't look strong enough to go all the way in this tournament.

Bayern [5] has spent heavily and look by far the strongest side in the competition. They enjoy a culture of domestic dominance and, unlike their Uefa rivals, expect to win the competition. They also have a formidable European record at the highest level and a host of experienced star players including Toni, van Bommel, Klose and Ribéry.

Of the British teams only Spurs [11.5] look like serious contenders. Like thousands of British tourists on holiday in Spain, Aberdeen and Bolton will enjoy the continental distraction from domestic drudgery for as long as possible. They'd like to stay on longer but understand that it's only a fleeting excursion. Everton [14.5] are talented but they lack of experience and concede far too many goals.

Despite a shocking start to the season, and one of the most embarrassing managerial switches in the history of English football, Tottenham has players and a manager who can compete at this level. If the North London team builds up a head of steam then Bayern should be wary. Is it too soon for Spurs this year? Let me know who you think might get the better of Bayern?