European Leagues / Mike Norman / 21 October 2009 / Leave a comment

"Mystical" Mike Norman is of the opinion that both Fulham and Celtic will do well to gain wins over quality sides Roma and Hamburg respectively when the Europa League continues on Thursday. Who are we to disagree?

Fulham [3.0] v Roma [2.58]; The Draw [3.4]

Fulham have done well to collect four points from a possible six in what is a tough-looking Europe League Group E. Roy Hodgson's men now face unquestionably the best team in the group, and arguably the competition, when Roma - Francesco Totti and all - visit Craven Cottage.

Hodgson has tended to rest key players in previous European games this season and it will be interesting to see if he deploys the same selection policy here. If you're having a bet in the Match Odds market then wait until the starting line-ups are announced is my advice.

One position where I don't expect the Fulham boss to make changes is in attack. Andy Johnson has been struggling with a shoulder injury of late, whilst Danny Murphy came off injured during Monday nights 2-0 victory over Hull City. It's likely then that Bobby Zamora and Diamonsy Kamara will continue in tandem up front, having scored a goal apiece against Hull.

There will be too much class on show not to expect goals in this game and I'm definitely in the Over 2.5 Goals camp at [1.8] - if you disagree, then the Under 2.5 Goals option is available to back at [2.0].

I'm not going to play in the Correct Score market, simply because - just like deciding who I think will win the game - I'm going to wait for team news. But to point you readers to the options you're no doubt mulling over then the 1-1 scoreline is the favourite at [7.0], 2-1 to Fulham can be backed at [11.5], and the same scoreline to Roma is at [11.0]. One of my favourite options in this market when I fancy goals is the Any Unquoted score option. This time's it's available to back at [11.5] and could be worth a minimum 'fun-size' wager.

Incidentally, betting.betfair editor Jamie 'The Pacman' Pacheco is going to this match and he's promised me that if Totti scores the first goal of the game (available to back at around [6.5] when the market materialises), then he will run on to the pitch donning nothing but a 'Mystical' Mike crystal ball tied around his own crown jewels. Come on Totti!

Recommended Bets

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ [2.0]
Back Francesco Totti @ around [6.5] to score First Goal

Celtic [3.1] v Hamburg [2.5]; The Draw [3.5]

Celtic could hardly play Hamburg at a betting time; though the German club's long injury list doesn't mean a home victory is guaranteed.

The visitors will be without defenders Alex Silva, Colin Benjamin, Miroslav Stepanek and Bastian Reinhardt for this Europa League encounter, whilst strikers Paolo Guerrero and Mladen Petric are also likely to miss out. However Hamburg have been missing the majority of these players all season yet still lie second in the Bundesliga having gone nine games unbeaten.

Celtic's incredible home form in Europe is starting to gather cracks, and although they are the likeliest winners if there is be a winner, The Draw ([3.5]) is my recommendation.

Against Rapid Vienna in the previous round Tony Mowbray's men looked lacklustre in attack and a 1-1 draw was probably the fairest result. Hamburg will be more than happy to take a point tonight, and that 1-1 scoreline is available to back at [7.2] in the Correct Score market. A more exciting draw can be backed at [18.0] (2-2), whilst the dull 0-0 is available to back at [12.5].

I think it could be a tight low-scoring game with both teams putting the emphasis on not conceding, whilst trying to nick one at the other end. 1-0 to Celtic then can be backed at [12.0], whilst the 0-1 to Hamburg is available to back at [10.5].

I'm a little surprised that Over 2.5 Goals is the [1.94] favourite in that particular market, though Betfairians clearly believe the outcome is a virtual coin toss with Under 2.5 Goals being available to back at just [2.04].

In summary, this game isn't one to get overly involved in as it pits a poor-ish Celtic side against a better quality Hamburg outfit that will be weakened by injuries. Still, there's money to be made. Good luck.

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw @ [3.5]
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ [2.04]