Betting Update; Fiorentina v Everton with the bookmakers making Fiorentina their 27/20 favourites

Added: (Thu Mar 06 2008)

Pressbox (Press Release) - For once, a UEFA Cup game worth tuning in for is upon us as two of the most promising sides in Europe square off in Florence. In fact, Everton and Fiorentina go into the last 16 first leg game in remarkably similar circumstances – both 4th in their league, holding off two giants of the game (Milan & Liverpool) in the process. Both are desperate to play in Europe’s premier competition next season, but for now they must be content with the second tier trophy.

The Italians start as Evens favourites for the tie with the Toffees available at 5/2. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli described Everton as one of the best teams in Europe and there is no doubt they will have to be on top form to justify that starting price.

David Moyes’ side were only one of two sides to win all four of their group games and hammered SK Brann 8-1 on aggregate in the last round. In fact, they have won their last seven consecutive UEFA Cup games, including their last four away in Europe.

They’ve also won their last five in all competitions and with 16-goal Yakubu and 10-goal Tim Cahill set to start, the travelling Scousers will be expecting to take a result back to Goodison. But the hosts aren’t just another European side – they come into this off the back of a hugely impressive 3-2 against Juventus in Turin on Sunday and have won their last 3 UEFA Cup home games.

It was also no mean feat to get past Rosenborg in the last round, who got decent results at the Mestalla and Stamford Bridge in the Champions League group stages.

But a huge blow for them is the absence of midfield conductor Fabio Liverani and ex-Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who has bagged 14 goals in 21 Serie A games this season. It’s hard to see a clear winner here and on present form neither side are in the mood to give much away with the return trip to come next week.

Therefore, Coral’s 9/4 on the draw looks the pick. Fiorentina have not kept a clean sheet at the Artemio Franchi in Europe for 4 games and with both sides more than capable of grabbing a goal a score draw is also backable. A small wager on Evs at 11/2 with Ladbrokes makes sense.


Recommended Bets - 2pts Liverpool 2 points, The Draw, 9/4, Coral
Recommended Bets - 2pts Liverpool 1 point, 1/1 Correct Score, 11/2 Ladbrokes

• All prices correct at time of writing.

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