posted March 6, 2008 at 13:42 in Soccer Betting Trends

Listen up soccer betting fans, UEFA Cup R16 kicks off today, so check out the breakdown of the glamour ties below and soccer picks get your betting thrills going. This is your last chance to bet on your favorite side in the knockout round.

Soccer Betting Line: Bayer Leverkusen PK -150 +130 Over 2½ EV Hamburg PK +130 +185 Under 2½ -120

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Thursday March 6, 2008

Analysis: This matchup is shaping out to be one of the bigger battles of the UEFA Cup round of 16 as two German teams go head-to-head. Leverkusen enters this matchup on the heels of an excellent season; in the Bundesliga they sit in fourth place. Although they suffered a recent defeat by Bochum in the last round – a chaffing loss – they still belong in the top: one defeat in ten matches, conceding only five goals.

Hamburg’s course through the group stages was smooth. They eliminated Zurich in the knockout stage with a 3:1 score in their away match and drew 0: 0 in their home encounter. Despite the injuries of Atuba and Castelen – a handicap for the Hamburger squad—they have a quality team deep with replacements.

I expect a cautious start to this match with a low score line.

Soccer Betting Line: Under 2.5 goals.

Soccer Betting Line: Bolton PK -115 +160 Over 2 EV Sporting Lisbon PK -105 +160 Under 2 -120

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Thursday March 6, 2008

Analysis: Bolton Wanderers silenced their critics when they ousted the favourites Atletico Madrid in the first knockout round, and this they achieved in spite of a disappointing season domestically. Now in the round of 16 they take on Sporting Lisbon. However, after defying the odds and beating Atletico Madrid, Bolton must fancy their chances against the Portuguese La Liga, who are currently fourth behind Porto, Benefica and Vitor Guimaraes in the Portuguese Liga, but separated by a colossal 17-point differential behind first place Porto.

Soccer Free Picks: Under 2 goals

Soccer Betting Line: Tottenham -1 +115 -155 Over 2½ -130 573 PSV Eindhoven +1 -135 +400 Under 2½ +110

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Thursday March 6, 2008

Analysis: The Hotspurs are one of the toughest teams still alive in the UEFA Cup this season. Since appointing Ramos, the Hotspurs have gone unbeaten in UEFA Cup. Their only loss was a first match defeat by Getafe, when Martin Jol was still in charge. With their near-perfect record they must fancy their chances against PSV Eindhoven. Spurs won the Carling Cup, defeating Chelsea a fortnight ago, and are vying for a second title this season. However, in their tune-up match, they received a beating by hard-up Birmingham City, 4:1. With their Premiership chances all but over, the Hotspurs are looking for success in Europe.

PSV Eindhoven does not have a good record against English clubs in England, losing eight out of 13, winning twice and drawing three times. If their record is an indication, Eindhoven will be lucky to grind out the draw, but an away win would help keep their hopes alive in the R16.

Soccer Free Picks: Spurs at -155/ Over 2.5 goals.

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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.