The good, bad and barely acceptable
With 24 games every Europa League matchday, there's always plenty of competition for places in our good, bad and barely acceptable columns. Here's who won the battle this week...
THE GOOD
Stuttgart
What a strange season the Bundesliga's masters of the slow start are having - a point off the bottom domestically yet one of only three Europa League teams with a 100 per cent record. Their 3-0 dismantling of Getafe in Spain was hugely impressive and with qualification assured, they are [44.0] to win the competition.
Sevilla
The Rojiblancos' revival under Gregorio Manzano (ignoring their 5-0 hammering away to Barcelona!) continued with a 4-0 stroll past Group J whipping boys Karpaty Lviv, with all goals scored in the first 51 minutes. The 2005-06 and 2006-07 UEFA Cup winners now top the table and are [23.0] to go the distance.
THE BAD
Juventus
The Bianconeri have been to the San Siro twice this season and taken four points but beating Red Bull Salzburg in Europe - no chance! A goalless draw in Turin leaves them three points off second, though two victories will still see them top Group A. They've drawn all their games however, hence odds of [5.0].
Palermo
A fourth straight loss in all competitions should make Rosanero boss Delio Rossi a little nervous given his president Maurizio Zamparini's notoriously itchy fingers. Their 3-1 reverse against CSKA Moscow leaves them four points off the qualification pace. Serie A sides have now won a combined two of 16 in the group stage!
THE BARELY ACCEPTABLE
Porto
Such was our faith in the Portuguese leaders that we made them defeating Besiktas our Bet of the Day. The match finished 1-1 and was enough to see them into the knockout stages yet in the long run, the end of their 11-match winning streak at home may hurt them. They're [1.02] to finish first though.
Sporting Lisbon
Their late 3-1 loss to bottom club Gent saw their perfect record in Group C ended, but closest rivals Lille failed to capitalise, drawing 2-2 away to Levski Sofia, meaning that the Portuguese team boast a four-point advantage heading into their home tie with Lille. They're a [1.21] lay to miss out on top spot.
Disagree with our conclusions? Then shout us down in the box below...
Published: 5 Nov 2010
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