Rangers capable of further Europa heroics
Previews of Liverpool and Manchester City's Europa League round-of-16 ties can be found by clicking those links site but tonight is an absolute treat for European football fans with five of the eight games live on UK TV. Here's our verdict on the three others...
PSV v Rangers (6pm, ESPN)
Whereas Rangers' results in recent Old Firm derbies point to a team that struggle to raise their game for big occasions, their European exploits demonstrate the complete opposite, with draws earned away to Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon. Their latest opponents PSV top the Eredivisie and knocked out Ligue 1 leaders Lille in the last round, but have drawn two of their last four Europa League home ties and have never beaten the Gers. They therefore surely have to be laid at [1.56].
Bayer Leverkusen v Villarreal (6pm, ITV4)
Leverkusen's erratic record as Bundesliga hosts is a major reason why, despite impressing this year, they trail Borussia Dortmund by 12 points, however their BayArena form has been fine on their European return, only failing to defeat their other La Liga opponents, Atletico Madrid. The Spanish capital club overcame Villarreal at the weekend, meaning that the Yellow Submarine have now won just twice in eight, losing four of their last seven away, so Leverkusen have to be fancied at [1.98].
Ajax v Spartak Moscow (8.05pm, ESPN)
With CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg frighteningly good at times and Spartak Moscow having fared alright in the Champions League, Russia looks overpriced at [5.1] to provide the tournament winner. Rubin Kazan were felled by Dutch opponents though - FC Twente - so an Ajax side refocused by Frank de Boer's arrival as boss have reason to be confident. They are eight for eight under their former centre back at the Amsterdam ArenA and can be backed at [1.69] to extend that run tonight.
Like the look of those suggestions? A £10 treble laying PSV and backing Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax pays out £75.70 using the Betfair Coupon...
Published: 10 Mar 2011
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