UEFA Cup 28 Sept

I am not usually one to get too excited about betting on UEFA Cup games but there are two games tonight that look too good to miss.

The first of these is to back Wisla Krakow with a ½ goal start against Greek unknows Iraklis. The Greek side went to Poland and won 1-0 in the first leg, a feat that ensured Krakow’s manager, Dan Petrescu, was sacked. But on all known form Wisla are a better side than that result suggests and they have gone 12 games unbeaten in the Polish league. Four of their players are in the national side and last year they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League. By contrast Iraklis are bottom of the Greek domestic league, have not won in the last five games and are missing midfielder Epalle, who is suspended after being sent off in Krakow. I think the bookies have got the odds wrong on this match and I suggest a three point bet on Wisla Krakow (+ ½ ) at 1.77 and a one point bet on them to win the match at 3.50 (5/2) with Victor Chandler.

[Wislaw Krakow won 1-0 in 90 minutes and won the match 2-0 in extra time]

The bookies have got a bit carried away by making Newcastle two goal favourites over Levadia at St James’ Park tonight. Sure, Newcastle are the better side but the Estonians are not at all bad. With a 1-0 loss in Tallinn they showed that they could mix it with a mid Premiership side and I would guess that Newcastle will simply be content to grind out another 1-0 win tonight or even take a draw. The Toon are not great at winning by a long way in Europe and often make it hard for themselves. Levadia are a good, solid team who play with the confidence of a side that is used to winning, albeit in the Estonian league where they have won 25 of their 29 games this season. Have a two point bet on Levadia (+2) at 1.87 to not be humiliated on their trip to the north east of England.

[Newcastle won 2-1]

No other games stand out as ‘must bet’ material.