Champions League Treble: Don't doubt Debrecen

Michael Lintorn
17 July 2012

The clubs clashing tonight are a long way off lifting the trophy

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Michael Lintorn picks out three bets for Tuesday's Champions League qualifiers that he recommends combining in a treble...

"Debrecen’s continental credentials have been enhanced by progress through to the group stage of competitions in their last two European campaigns."

Back Zilina to beat Hapoel Kiryat Shmona @ 2.111/10 (18:30)
Zilina's Champions League group stage experience in 2010/11 was so disheartening, losing all six games and conceding 19 goals along the way, that the prospect of returning might not inspire much excitement. Their qualifying results back then proved that they are a threat at this less frightful level though, winning three home legs by an aggregate score of 7-1. Their Slovakian title defence started with a 4-1 victory on Friday, and they should be able to overcome less European-savvy opponents.

Back Debrecen to win away to Skenderbeu @ 1.774/5 (19:30, Betfair Live Video)
Debrecen's continental credentials have been enhanced by progress through to the group stage of competitions in their last two European campaigns, and you have to scan back five years for the last example of them failing to get through a single round of a preliminary process. Albanian champions Skenderbeu by contrast had their first taste of such an environment last season and didn't manage to immediately assert themselves, slumping to a 6-0 aggregate defeat to the Cypriot side APOEL.

Back under 2.5 goals in Shamrock Rovers v Ekranas @ 1.774/5 (20:00)
Both of these teams chased the dream in the Champions League qualifiers 12 months ago, stretching their participation across two rounds before eventually falling to more Euro-tested clubs. Six of the eight combined matches that they played were notable though for featuring under 2.5 goals, the emphasis always placed on entering the second leg with hope of prevailing. A low-scoring first leg appears likely again, especially as Shamrock's last three home games have produced only five goals.

A £10 treble provides a £46.80 profit - click here for more information on Betfair multiples