This week's best European second-tier ties
While the Championship has followed the Premier League in taking a two-week vacation because of the Euro 2012 qualifiers, there's no break for the second-tier footballers of Spain and Italy. To celebrate this, we've picked out the two tastiest ties in each and identified the best bets...
SPAIN
Las Palmas v Real Betis (Saturday, 5pm)
Real Betis were playing in the Champions League just five years ago, however this is their second straight season in the Segunda. A return to the big time could be on the cards soon as they've won five of their first six, though this is their first clash against a top-six side. Las Palmas, once a top-flight team themselves, are one of only two unbeaten clubs in the division so back the draw at [3.25].
Barcelona B v Tenerife (Sunday, 8pm)
Tenerife weren't relegated from La Liga until the final day last term but will suffer a second straight demotion far quicker if they don't improve. They earned their first point against Cartagena last week yet face a wait for the next as Barcelona B have won five on the spin at home, while Tenerife have lost seven in succession away. The hosts are [2.14] to do what the Barcelona first XI did in May.
ITALY
Triestina v Siena (Saturday, 5pm)
Siena have been the most impressive of the three Serie A dropouts and lead the way by four points after seven games. Only one of their five victories has come away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi though, against bottom side Piacenza, so the trip to Trieste could end Antonio Conte's men's four-match winning streak. With Triestina last defeated in August, the draw is the standout punt at [3.05].
Atalanta v Torino (Sunday, 5pm)
Both of these clubs have spent most of their existence in Serie A and both remain in a position to fight for promotion despite, in Torino's case, a disastrous start to the campaign. Flavour is added by the fact Stefano Colantuono, coach of recently relegated Atalanta, was in charge of Torino last year. With Torino's travelling record very patchy, he should get the better of his old employers at [2.16].
Planning any bets for these or any other European fixtures? Tell us below...
Published: 9 Oct 2010
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