Europa League Betting: Lazio and Benefica in action

Group I leaders Benefica are looking to close Group action on a high note when they face bottom of the section Athens. Elsewhere, Lazio will be looking to close their European account on a positive note.

Soccer Betting Line:

Lazio -1 -125 -225 2½ O -130 U Ev Draw +300
Levski Sofia +1 -105 +550 2½ O -130 U Ev Draw +300

Match Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday December 17, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Lazio and Levski Sofia are out of the competition as Salzburg and Villarreal have seized both spots in Group G. So the last fixture is a matter of pride for each side. Lazio are on six points after five cycles, having gone 2-0-3 in the competition. Meanwhile, Levski Sofia are pointless and they will surely not want to end their European account with a blank balance.

Minor detail – don’t worry if you missed it because many would – but Levski are yet to find the net. How are they supposed to take any points if they can’t score. At the same time, they have problems on their own end with their keeper determined to thwart their efforts by conceding nine goals in five matches. Safe to bet on Lazio for the win at -225 methinks. Also, given their last meeting ended with a 4:0 score to Lazio then taking the overs would be a good added play.

Soccer Free Picks: Lazio -225 | Over 2.5 -130

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Soccer Betting Line:

Benfica -1 Ev -185 2½ O Ev U -130 Draw +260
AEK Athens +1 -130 +500 2½ O Ev U -130 Draw +260

Match Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday December 17, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Benfica’s last match is a mere formality and a win for the home side is the most likely outcome. Benefica lead Group I with 12 points and they will want to end their campaign with a fifth group win and secure top spot. Athens have gone 1-1-3 in the competition and hold the bottom spot in the section.

Though the Greeks have been outplayed by most sides in this section they were the unlikely winners when these two sides first clashed in Athens. They didn’t make the 1:0 victory over Benefica on match day 2 count as they went on to two defeats and a draw. And now with so little to play for one wonders whether they will really want to exert much effort – after all there is still a domestic campaign to consider.

Soccer Free Picks: Benefica -185 | Under 2.5 goals -130