Manchester City still favourites for the Europa League despite tough draw against Porto
All three English teams were handed tough draws in Europe's secondary competition but Roberto Mancini's side still lead the way as 9/2 favourites to win the trophy
16 Dec 2011 17:57:00
By Jim Knight
Getty Images
After their exit from the Champions League, the bookmakers have shortened Manchester City to 9/2 shots to claim the Europa League title, despite being drawn against holders Porto.
Roberto Mancini’s star-studded squad meant City were always going to be amongst the front runners but even after being paired with one of the strongest sides in the knockout stages they have seen their price fall even further.
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson will take his Manchester United side to play Ajax after both teams suffered heartbreak on matchday six and finished third in their respective Champions League groups.
United, so often stalwarts of the later rounds of Europe’s premier club competition, will face either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao if they can successfully see off Ajax.
The Red Devils are still 7/1 shots to win the tournament while Bet365 are offering 16/1 on an all Manchester Final. The last of the English contingent, Stoke City, have been drawn against Valencia, and the Spanish side are amongst the bookies favourites at 12/1, while Tony Pulis’ men are now outsiders at 40/1. The Potters impressed in their group, finishing second with only one loss in their six games but face a daunting trip to Mestalla and the bookmakers believe that could well be the end of their European adventure.
Schalke are third favourites at 10/1, with Atletico Madrid are 14/1 to win the tournament for the second time in three years after being drawn against Lazio.
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Jim Knight is Chief Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
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Roberto Mancini’s star-studded squad meant City were always going to be amongst the front runners but even after being paired with one of the strongest sides in the knockout stages they have seen their price fall even further.
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson will take his Manchester United side to play Ajax after both teams suffered heartbreak on matchday six and finished third in their respective Champions League groups. United, so often stalwarts of the later rounds of Europe’s premier club competition, will face either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao if they can successfully see off Ajax.
The Red Devils are still 7/1 shots to win the tournament while Bet365 are offering 16/1 on an all Manchester Final. The last of the English contingent, Stoke City, have been drawn against Valencia, and the Spanish side are amongst the bookies favourites at 12/1, while Tony Pulis’ men are now outsiders at 40/1. The Potters impressed in their group, finishing second with only one loss in their six games but face a daunting trip to Mestalla and the bookmakers believe that could well be the end of their European adventure.
Schalke are third favourites at 10/1, with Atletico Madrid are 14/1 to win the tournament for the second time in three years after being drawn against Lazio.
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet of up to £200!
Jim Knight is Chief Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
Follow Jim on
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