Europa League Betting: Lille vs. Slavia Praha

Lille enter the final cycle of UEFA Europa League group matches in second place, vying to secure advancement into the last 32. Because Lille are level on points with Genoa and have a superior head-to-head record they are almost certain to advance (provided they do not get a worse result than the Italian outfit, that is). Winning against Slavia Praha would be a mere rubber stamp. That Slavia Praha are bottom in the section, winless in five cycles and already eliminated makes Lille’s chances of winning look that much better.

Match Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday December 17, 2009

Soccer Betting Line:

Lille -1½ -135 -400 2½ O -125 U -105 Draw +400
Slavia Prague +1½ +105 +1000 2½ O -125 U -105 Draw +400

BetOnline Soccer Betting Verdict: The first leg of the tie between Lille and Slavia Praha ended in a 5:1 victory for the visiting French side. Indeed, Slavia were demoralized at home. The loss was their second consecutive loss in UEFA Europa Group league action and frankly Slavia never fully recovered afterwards. They managed three consecutive draws to tot up a tally of three points and end what has to be another dissatisfying European season.

Lille opened their campaign with a draw against Valencia before heading to Prague and hammering the Czech outfit 5:1. Lille built on that performance by beating Genoa 3:0 at home. They suffered a slight setback in the return leg when they allowed Genoa to take all three points by a late equalizer. They were thwarted further when Valencia beat them 3:1 on match day five.

Soccer Free Picks: Slavia Praha have put forward a disappointing European campaign so much so that expecting a last hurrah is a pipedream (Sorry Slavia fans). The market tips Slavia Praha at outrageously long odds of +1000. But the price is right. It also suggests that betting on them to accomplish what they have so far failed to do – win a match – is unlikely to payout.

Lille to win has to be the sure play. At -400 odds though soccer bettors are not going to clean up huge. For good value, take the Overs at 2 ½ -125. Remember, the last time these two sides met Lille pounded them with five goals. Moreover, Lille will want to ensure advancement and a few extra goals for insurance would do the trick.

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