19-02-2008 UEFA Cup Betting - Last 32 Knockout: 2nd Legs

The chance of a British UEFA Cup winner, for the first time since Liverpool in 2001, remains a strong possibility with all five Scottish and English sides unbeaten after the first leg of the UEFA Cup knockout phase. All the return legs conclude this Thursday, giving punters a third day of European action, following on from the excitement of the midweek Champions League fixtures. Go to PinnacleSports.com and get up to 60% better UEFA Cup betting odds.

Both Aberdeen and Rangers may rue the opportunities lost in their first leg UEFA Cup home fixtures. The Dons twice led Bayern Munich at Pittodrie, but were pegged back to 2-2, and now face an uphill struggle at the Allianz Arena. Aberdeen’s battling performance was against disappointing recent domestic form, which continued on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat at Hibernian. They now need to produce a real shock without several key players as coach, Jimmy Calderwood, is missing Jamie Smith, Derek Young, Jackie McNamara and Richie Byrne. In contrast Bayern Munich produced an impressive 3-0 away win at Hannover on Saturday, cementing their place at the top of the Bundesliga, with all goals from Italian international, Luca Toni. PinnacleSports.com make Bayern Munich favourites 2.010 (-2 & -2.5)* with Aberdeen 1.917 (+2 & +2.5)*.

Rangers maintained their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League winning 2-0 at Kilmarnock on Sunday, but coach, Walter Smith, was disappointed the win wasn’t more comfortable. "We need extra sharpness up front, and hopefully we can start to show more of a killer instinct in front of goal." The Gers were unable to find the net at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against, Panathinaikos, despite creating plenty of chances. At least they prevented the Greek league leaders from gaining a valuable away goal but the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium is a tough place for any team to get a result. Their aggregate score in three home games for this UEFA Cup campaign totals 8-0, including against another SPL side, Aberdeen. PinnacleSports.com make Panathinaikos favourites 1.980 (-0.5)* with Rangers 1.943 (+0.5)*.

Three Premiership Sides Defending First Leg Leads

The Premiership’s three representatives in the UEFA Cup all hold the advantage going into the second legs of the first stage of the knock-out phase on Thursday night. Bolton have the toughest task taking a slim 1-0 lead to the Vicente Calderon Stadium, where Atletico Madrid have won all five European ties this season. The Spaniards lie fourth in La Liga, but lost on Sunday at home to Atheltico Bilbao, while the Trotters had a free weekend to prepare because of the FA Cup. The Indios are handicapped by the suspension to star Argentine striker, Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, after a red card in the heated first leg at the Rebbok. There are likely to be plenty more cards in the return leg, where PinnacleSports.com make Atletico Madrid favourites 1.877 (-1)* with Bolton 2.050 (+1)*.

Everton and Tottenham should have straight forward tasks having won their first legs on the road. The Toffees hold a two goal advantage over SK Brann, and Spurs should really have beaten Slavia Prague by the same scoreline, but for a dreadful error by goalkeeper, Radek Cerny. Both Premiership sides are strong favourites with PinnacleSports.com, pricing UEFA Cup fixtures to under 102%.

*All odds subject to change

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