Metalist Kharkiv-Newcastle Betting Preview: Back the hosts to overcome Magpies in second leg
Feb 21, 2013 9:30:00 AM
Newcastle may feel unlucky after the first leg, but David Wright is backing Metalist to continue their good record of home European wins
Metalist Kharkiv welcome Newcastle United to the Metalist Stadium on Thursday evening for the first time, with William Hill pricing a home win at 5/6 (1.83).Alan Pardew will think his side were unlucky to only manage a scoreless draw against Metalist last week, with Papiss Cisse missing good chances and having two goals disallowed for offside.
The Magpies would have hoped for a better result going into the second leg away from home as they are without a win in five European away games; losing two and drawing three.
Another draw is priced at 12/5 (3.40), but with the Ukrainian Premier League team’s recent home results this looks unlikely.While Newcastle kept a clean sheet in the first leg, it wouldn't be totally surprising if Metalist were to win by two or more goals just as they have done in three of their previous four European home fixtures; and this can be backed on the -1 goal handicap at a healthy 6/1 (7.0) with William Hill.
French international Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to training for Newcastle after being out since December, but has been overlooked for this Europa League fixture showing Pardew could be prioritising the relegation battle in the Premier League.
Even with domestic wins over Chelsea and Aston Villa recently, The Magpies are at 10/3 (4.33) as the outsiders to cause an upset in this game.For those who think Cisse will finish one of his opportunities this time round, the Senegal international at 2/1 (3.0) to score anytime.
Punters looking for better value supporting the hosts given they are favourites will be interested in the 11/4 (3.75) available on Cleiton Xavier to score in a Metalist Kharkiv win.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder often gets on the scoresheet for Metalist, having racked up 12 goals already this season. The fact five of those came in the Europa League makes this a more than tempting value selection.
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BET |
OF THE |
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| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Metalist to win at 5/6 (1.83) with William Hill | Metalist to win and Cleiton Xavier to score at 11/4 (3.75) with William Hill |
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