UEFA Cup Betting: Dutch masters do battle while Jewel sparkles in Itlay

Europa League / Richard Aikman / 26 November 2008 / 1 Comments

Marco Van Basten may be finding his feet at Ajax but Martin Jol can still outwit his legendary countrymen in the dugout, says Richard Aikman. And can the reborn wild child carry his goalscoring form into Sampdoria's UEFA Cup clash with a stuttering German side? Find out by watching the game on Betfair Live Video.

Hamburg v Ajax

Although Marco van Basten's methods are beginning to reap results at Ajax, it is difficult to expect anything other than a home win for Hamburg [1.96] on Thursday. After a shaky start to what has been an unexpected Eredivisie campaign so far this season, with the likes of NAC Breda, FC Groningen and AZ Alkmaar taking up the early running instead of the customary Big Three, Ajax returned to winning ways, weaving together a sequence of six straight victories, before their 2-0 submission at snowy Alkmaar this weekend.

The conditions were extreme as AZ completely outplayed Van Basten's side but the trip to northern Germany will be no less uncomfortable. Saturday's superb 2-1 over Werder Bremen will live long in the memory of striker Ivica Olic, whose wondrous long range winner avenged last season's assault by Werder goalkeeper Tim Wiese, who on that occasion almost took his head off with a kung-fu kick.

More importantly, though, the win underlined the strength of Martin Jol's side at home. Their record since beating MŠK Žilina in the Uefa Cup is hardly the paradigm of consistency (it reads LWLWLW) but those successes all came at the Hamburg Arena, where they remain undefeated this season. It's also worth noting that six of the Bundesliga side's last seven matches have produced three goals, while Ajax have scored nine in their last three matches.

Over 2.5 goals at [2.16] also suggests itself for two attack-minded sides in need of a second group win to all but secure a place in the next round.

Verdict: 3pts Hamburg to win @ [1.96]; 2pts over 2.5 goals @ [2.16]

Sampdoria v Stuttgart

Sampdoria are another side who have an enviable home record in Serie A. Even Inter Milan and Juve have failed to dent the Blucerchiati's impregnable form at fortress Marassi, where Antonio Cassano has become reborn. The former Roma and Real Madrid forward's chequered career appeared doomed when he fell from grace in Spain, but the self-confessed wild child has rediscovered scintillating form at Doria.

Three goals in the last two matches is testament that the Jewel of Bari is sparkling again. Cassano clearly revels in the adulation his sumptuous skills have afforded him in Genova, where he has helped his side accrue five wins on the spin. Samp's away form is another matter, but that is of little consequence, as the visitors on Thursday are stuttering Stuttgart.

The only thing that could bring Sampdoria rare home discomfort is new manager syndrome. The 2007 Bundesliga champions sacked coach Armind Veh at the weekend and Markus Babbel has taken charge on a rolling contract. The former Liverpool defender knows that he will need results to come quickly if he is to keep his job, while his players will want to make a good impression on their new boss.

However, given that the appointment has come from within, (Babbel was Veh's assistant manager) a sudden U-turn is unlikely for a side who were thrashed 4-1 at the weekend and have mustered just one away win in the Bundesliga. The fine form of Cassano and fellow forward Claudio Bellucci will more than likely prove a baptism of fire for Babbel.

Verdict: 2pts Sampdoria to win @ [1.91]

Olympiacos v Benfica

Although they appear to be the strongest side on paper Benfia's away record does little to inspire confidence in the side this column tipped to Back to Lay earlier this season. With José Antonio Reyes, Pablo Aimar, Nuno Gomez, David Suazo and Óscar Cardozo in the side, the Eagles, who are just a point off the top of the Portuguese Liga following four consecutive wins, should be flying higher than they currently are in Europe.

More worryingly, Benfica have not won in their last four road trips in Europe and Angel Di María's leg break has not helped their cause. Olympiacos, meanwhile, have not lost in their last seven home matches in Europe - including last year' Champions League campaign - are unbeaten this season at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium and have conceded just four goals in the league and Uefa Cup.

The draw is attractively-priced at [3.35] considering it is the most likely outcome, while Benfica's poor away record combined with Olympiacos's impressive defence makes Under 2.5 goals an absolute steal at [1.82].

Verdict: 3pts under 2.5 goals @ [1.82]; 1pt draw @ [3.35].

Comments (1)

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