UEFA Cup Winner Betting Tips

Although odds of 2/1 wouldn't be generally deemed as 'value', in the context of German side Schalke winning this season's UEFA Cup - a price which will contract significantly after this weeks quarter-final second legs take place on Thursday - the 2/1 Ladbrokes are offering really is very good value. Currently a respectable fourth in the Bundesliga, Schalke have looked by far the strongest outfit of those remaining in this tournament. Ralf Rangnick's charges were a tad unlucky not to progress in the Champions League after posting some solid efforts in their group, Group E, just missing out on second spot in the group to PSV. Schalke didn't lose any of their three home matches at the Parkstadion, holding the mighty AC Milan to a draw, and losing no caste in defeat when going down by 3-2 against the Italian giants back at the San Siro. Since joining this competition as one of the final thirty two, Schalke have impressed no end, scoring eleven times in five matches - an average of over two goals per game - and all their forwards, headed by German International Kevin Kuranyi, are capable of scoring at the highest level. As is reflected in the betting, Spanish side Seville, a top-priced 12/5 with Paddy Power, are the main dangers. They have scored nine times in their last five matches in this competition, including an impressive 4-1 hammering of Zenit St Petersburg in their quarter final first leg encounter at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Joaquin Caparros' men will be hard to beat, but in my opinion Schalke are the classier of the two sides and pound for pound technically, they boast a stronger squad. The last remaining hope for Britain in this event, Middlesbrough, shouldn't be overlooked if they can overcome the two goal deficit in their quarter final second leg with Basel, but like Seville I reckon that they wouldn't be up to the task of taming the lions of Schalke. #1 Betfair Bonus £25 Free Bet.#2 Ladbrokes £25 Free Bet.#3 Paddypower Bonus £20 Free Bet.#4 Bwin £20 Bonus.