Posted on 4/2/2008 10:49:29 PM

UEFA Cup Betting Pick Bayer Leverkusen vs Zenit St Petersburg

By Nila Amerova

In the first leg of this UEFA Cup quarterfinal matchup, Zenit St. Petersburg heads to BayArena to take on Bayer Leverkusen. After defeating Marseille from UEFA Cup, the question is can the Russian side string together a performance in their away match that will give them the edge in their second leg home match?

Soccer Odds

Team: Bayer Leverkusen

Spread: 1 +105

Moneyline: -165

Total Points: Over 2½ +110

Team Total Points: Over 1½ -145 Under 1½ +115

Draw: +250

Team: Zenit St. Petersburg

Spread: +1 125

Moneyline: +400

Total Points: Under 2½ -130

Team Total Points: Under ½ +120 Over ½ -150

Draw: +250

Analysis: one look at the odds and the answer is a resounding No! Well at least, according to the bookies who tip Zenit at whopping long odds of +400 on the money line.

Bayer Leverkusen plays well at home, so they are a good play and should live up to their favorite odds. But should the Russians be so easily dismissed for the win here?

After eliminating Marseille from the UEFA Cup championships, the Russian side had three domestic matches to warm up for this European encounter in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Moreover, they are lead by an excellent coach in Advocaat, whose vast experience on the International arena will go a long way in their first leg of the quarterfinals tomorrow.

These two sides have never met in UEFA competition, but played twice before in Champions League 2000/01 season. Back then the Germans won at home 1:0, but suffered a 2:0 loss on Russian soil.

Betting Verdict: Coach Advocaat is key for the Russians and guiding them from the sidelines, I believe he can take them to an away victory. The Russians have no injuries and Dong’s suspension is over so he will be back in the line-up. Zenit have already eliminated two European giants – Villareal and Marseille. Their victories will give them the needed confidence to beat Bayer Leverkusen in front of a partisan crowd. Also Bayer will be playing minus Domaschke and Ramelow, who are out with injuries.

Soccer Free Picks: Zenit St. Petersburg at +400

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