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Thursdays Soccer – By Chris.

UEFA Cup

Bayer Leverkusen   -  Sparta Prague       1.50  -  7.50
I expect the home side to win this match (1.50). They have won their last four Bundesliga games and come with their strongest players for this fixture (Ramelow, Kiessling, Barbarez, Schneider and so on).

Sparta were quite superior to Spartak Moscow in their last group game. Players like Rezek, Slepicka and Kadlec all missed excellent scoring chances for the home team but at the end of the 90 minutes the 0-0 result stood firm. Spartak fielded an weakened squad on the day and Sparta really ought to have won the match. I expect a strong Leverkusen side to win, but the odds are poor.

Bayer Leverkusen 1 Sparta Prague 0

Spartak Moscow   -  FC Zurich     1.67  -   5.85
Once again Spartak will probably be far from full strength. Pavlychenko,  Kalinychenko, Bystrov, Jiranek and Mozart were all missing last week and as far as I know, Kalinychenko will not play this match. It could be that some of the other previously injured players will come return to the squad but Sabitov is also out of action.  The artifical surface and the fact that it is close to winter in Moscow means  advantage Spartak.

Zurich lost their second league game at the weekend against Aarau. Their best player, the Tunisian midfielder Chikhaoui, was out suspended, but he will be back to play tomorrow. Their striker E Hassli is suspended once again. Zurich could use one additional point from their remaining two group games. Likely home win, but useless odds (1.67).

Spartak Moscow 1 Zurich 0

Aris Saloniki   -   Braga         2.10   -   3.60
I have been quite impressed by this Greek side. They have already knocked out Real Zaragoza and they began their group campaign by beating Crvena Zvezda 3-0  and last week they were only seconds from winning against Bolton. (1-1)

Braga have proved that they are hard to beat. They were down 0-1 at home to Bayern last week, but their Austrian international R Linz scored a deserved second half equaliser. Braga also drew their opener with Bolton, 1-1. I Can’t say that I have any clear cut opinion about the outcome of this fixture. Maybe Braga have stronger potential but Aris have the home advantage and they are strong at home, unbeaten now in 17 UEFA cup home fixtures. OK, the home win. (2.10)

Aris Saloniki 1 Braga 1

Crvena Zwezda   -  Bolton       2.60   -   2.95
The Serbs are on zero points and they must go for the win tomorrow, much like Bolton who are also in desperate need of the 3 points. Well maybe not desperate, as the UEFA Cup success seldom has the same importance as the domestic scene.

Bolton started with both Anelka and Hadji-Dioufon the bench last week and as they have a big game with Wigan this coming weekend I suspected coach Megson would keep the duo on the bench again, but According to the latest reports Bolton have travelled to Serbia without Anelka, K Davies, K Nolan, R Gardner, A O'Brien, J Jaaskelainen and I Campo. Congratulations Crvena!!!

Crvena have a new coach, a more poular one and their key players are Koroman and Milovanovic. Both teams looking for the win means that we will see a few goals then!  Winners? Probably the home side (2.60).

Crvena Zwezda 0 Bolton 1

Aab   -   Getafe     3.10   -   2.33
The Danes were 2-0 up at half time at White Hart Lane last week. They were not lucky, they played a strong first half but Tottenham took over in the second half (3-2 win). At the weekend Aab were 0-3 down in a league game, but scored 5 unanswered goals, winning 5-3. I have to say that they are involved in some interesting football matches.  Tomorrow the Swedish international striker R Prica will be their lone striker, supported by the two wingers J Curth and Enevoldsen. Nomvethe will start on the bench.

Getafe will be without Uche, Casquero and D Sousa. Celestini is ready for his comeback. Their home loss against Hapoel, how surprising was it? I was shocked to say the least. It was a bit unfortunate for Aab, as Getafe will field more regulars in this match.  Their Danish coach Laudrup wants UEFA Cup success and they need a win in Aalborg. Much like the home side. Maybe a few goals again and I will back the beter odds. Home win (3.10).

Aab 1 Getafe 2

Anderlecht   -   Tottenham        3.10   -   2.30
A month ago the Anderlecht coach was sacked, about the same time as Ramos took charge of Tottenham. Anderlecht are only 5th in the Belgian league with 6-6-2 so far. They won against Hapoel and drew at Aab  - their group games this far. Some important Anderlecht players are on the injury list (Pareja, Biglia, Juhasz, S Akin and Boussafa). Frutos and M Mpenza two well known Anderlecht offensive profiles.

As Robbie Keane is suspended on the domestic scene I take it for granted that he will play tomorrow. Tottenham have so far used very strong line ups in their group matches and they could use an additional point. X2 in my opinion!

Anderlecht 1 Tottenham 1

Bordeaux   -   Helsingborg        1.59   -   6.25
Helsingborg have already qualified but they have travelled to France with their strongest squad. Motivated or not, we will see H Larsson and his strong offensive colleagues tomorrow.

Bordeaux will rotate their squad. Only Jemmali is on their injury list and coach Blanc has plenty of options. Top priority however is their coming league game at Nice. Count on Henrique, Ducasse, Jussie, Chamakh, Obertain, Chalme and Planus to play tomorrow. Expect an open game. Goals should happen. Almost a guarantee when Helsingborg are involved. Home win, 4-2! (1.59).

Bordeaux 2 Helsingborg 1

Austria Wien  -   Panionios       2.10   -   4.00
Leading Austria striker Kuljic (7 goals) is missing once again, keeper Safar as well and now also Gercaliu is out plus a couple of long term injured players.

Panionios miss the suspended Makos. To have any chance of advancing both these un-fancied sides have to win this fixture. I very much doubt that in their heart of hearts do either team believe in future UEFA Cup success. Sorry it is hard to see a winner and it could well be the draw! (3.25)

Austria Wien 0 Panionios 1

Chris.