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Porto are longshots to defend their Europa League crown while Manchester City lead the way
The Citizens dropped into Europe's secondary competition and are favourites to claim the title, but which team will triumph in Bucharest in May's final?
19 Dec 2011 15:54:00
By Ed Malyon
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With the line-up for the Europa League in 2012 now confirmed, the odds have taken on a very different appearance to those of pre-season.
This is principally due to teams dropping down from the Champions League, and unsurprisingly, the two favourites have both arrived in the competition through this route.
Manchester City at 5.5 (9/2) lead the betting from their city rivals United at 7.5 (13/2), as they do in the Premier League, and with such strength and depth in both squads it is easy to see why. City boss Roberto Mancini has already stated he will be taking Europe's secondary club competition seriously in an attempt to win as many trophies as possible.
Atletico Madrid and Schalke are next in line, both priced at 13.00 (12/1). Whilst Atletico have had a hit and miss season with their new squad, Schalke look a well-drilled unit, and in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul they have one of the best strike partnerships in Europe.
Following their narrow Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia seem fairly priced at 15.00 (14/1) and are closely followed by a host of entertaining and talented sides in Athletic Bilbao, defending champions Porto and Udinese.
Of the longer-priced teams, Ajax and Stoke City have big prices that would tumble if they could negotiate their tricky ties first. Particularly Stoke, who have been marvellous in Europe this season despite travelling further than any other team, and their unique style will take many by surprise.
Steaua Bucharest have won a European Cup and reached the semi-finals of this competition in 2005-06, but they are the tournament's rank outsiders at 151.0 (151/1).
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Ed Malyon is a freelance sports writer focusing on the football betting markets. His personal website Valderramarama.com can be accessed here.
This is principally due to teams dropping down from the Champions League, and unsurprisingly, the two favourites have both arrived in the competition through this route.
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Manchester City at 5.5 (9/2) lead the betting from their city rivals United at 7.5 (13/2), as they do in the Premier League, and with such strength and depth in both squads it is easy to see why. City boss Roberto Mancini has already stated he will be taking Europe's secondary club competition seriously in an attempt to win as many trophies as possible.
Atletico Madrid and Schalke are next in line, both priced at 13.00 (12/1). Whilst Atletico have had a hit and miss season with their new squad, Schalke look a well-drilled unit, and in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul they have one of the best strike partnerships in Europe.
Following their narrow Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia seem fairly priced at 15.00 (14/1) and are closely followed by a host of entertaining and talented sides in Athletic Bilbao, defending champions Porto and Udinese.Of the longer-priced teams, Ajax and Stoke City have big prices that would tumble if they could negotiate their tricky ties first. Particularly Stoke, who have been marvellous in Europe this season despite travelling further than any other team, and their unique style will take many by surprise.
Steaua Bucharest have won a European Cup and reached the semi-finals of this competition in 2005-06, but they are the tournament's rank outsiders at 151.0 (151/1).
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Match
Ed Malyon is a freelance sports writer focusing on the football betting markets. His personal website Valderramarama.com can be accessed here.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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