UEFA Cup 14 & 15 Feb

Wednesday’s games

Russian champions CSKA Moscow will welcome Maccabi Haifa in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie. Haifa have been struggling domestically this season but a win last week will boost their confidence going into this match. CSKA are a strong side at home and I think the Israelis will struggle there. Have a two point bet on CSKA (-1) at 1.71 .

[CSKA drew 0-0]

Fenerbahce will host AZ Almaar in what could be an interesting match. AZ are only taking 16 players to the match as both injury and suspension has thinned their squad, they are particularly vulnerable at the back at the moment (Barry Opdam and David Mendes Da Silva are both suspended). Didulica is out with concussion, Schaars and Cziommer are both injured, and Arveladze is out through illness. For the home side Kezman and Senturk are both suspended but I think Fenerbahce are strong enough at home to beat AZ. Have a two point bet on Fenerbahce (-1/4) at 1.92.

[Fenerbahce drew 3-3]

None of the other games represent great value for me.

Thursday’s games

Celta Vigo will travel to Moscow, where they take on Spartak. The Spanish side have been struggling in La Liga and are currently sitting in the relegation zone. They have only one striker that will be fit for the match and I think they will struggle with the cold conditions in Moscow. The Russian season ended at the end of November but the Russians have since played a tournament in Israel in an attempt to stay fit. The match will be played on a synthetic surface that Spartak will be used to but Celta may struggle on. Have a one point bet on Spartak (-1/2) at 1.98.

[Spartak drew 1-1]

I was tempted to take Zulte Waregem (+1/2) at 2.00, but they are not doing great domestically (10th position) and will be missing a few of their regular players. The match will not be played at their home stadium and so the “home advantage” may be of dubious value. Newcastle are in good form, having beaten Liverpool last weekend and they seem to perform well when in Europe. Have a one point bet on Newcastle (-1/2) at 1.98.

[Newcastle won 3-1]

I was also thinking about Seville away to Steaua Bukarest as the Romanians may not be match fit and Seville are having a great season. However, Seville will be missing a number of players and their recent form in La Liga has dropped off. This match is a no bet for me.

The other two matches, Braga v Parma, and Lens v Panathinaikos are both very difficult to call and I will be keeping my money in my pocket for these games.