UEFA Cup betting and odds preview

Europa League / Editor / 12 September 2007 / Leave a Comment

There are a number of big clubs with European pedigree in this season's UEFA Cup and betting punters face a tough decision over who will lift the trophy, with the competition looking wide open.

Sevilla have won the UEFA Cup in the last two seasons but the La Liga outfit start in the Champions League this time around, although those eyeing a bet should consider that some of the Champions League teams will end up in the UEFA Cup should they finish third in their group.

German giants Bayern Munich, who lifted the trophy in 1996, were pre-tournament betting favourites and the odds indicate that Ottmar Hitzfeld's men are the team to beat.

Three Spanish teams made the last four of the competition in 2007 and Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Real Zaragoza will be popular options in the betting.

English teams have won the UEFA Cup on ten occasions, but have not lifted the trophy since 2001 - when Liverpool defeated Alaves. The betting odds suggest though that they could enjoy a good run this season with Tottenham, Everton and Blackburn tipped to go close, especially with this season's final in Manchester.

It's been eight years since an Italian side were UEFA Cup winners, and those having a bet are likely to see Fiorentina offering the best chance of Serie A success. Sampdoria and Palermo may prove an attractive bet at bigger odds.

Those punters seeking an outside bet may want to consider a possible Russian success. CSKA Moscow won the trophy in 2005 and a flutter on Spartak and Lokomotiv Moscow could tempt betting punters.

Odds checkers should note that Spain lead the way for the most UEFA Cup victories with eleven, while of all the clubs starting this season's tournament, Spurs have the best record - winning it twice and finishing runners up on one other occasion.