AJAX bids to Salvage UEFA Cup campaign against Zilina

After a disappointing loss to Aston Villa in their UEFA Cup opener, Ajax has a second chance to revive its UEFA Cup bid at home when they host Slovak club, MSK Zilina. MSK Zilina’s UEFA Cup campaign is also in dire straits after they recorded a 2:1 loss against Hamburg in their opener so the Czechs will be looking to set their bid on track as well.

Both sides are coming off good showings in domestic action. Ajax beat FC Twente 2:0 over the weekend and just prior, they recorded a convincing triumphs against Heracles and NEC. Zilina also takes a three-match winning streak into match day 2 of UEFA Cup action after beating Petrzalka 3:1, Trnava 1:0 and Presov 1:0.

Arguably though, and sports bettors would agree, Zilina is faced with the tougher task in Amsterdam. They lost a great opportunity at home against Hamburger and now faced with the prospect of an away match the odds are decidedly against them.

UEFA Soccer Betting Line:

Ajax -1½ -115 -330 3 O -110 U -110 2½ O +105 U -135 Draw +350

MSK Zilina +1½ -105 +800 3 O -110 U -110 ½ O -120 U -110 Draw +350

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

Ajax -330 The odds are in and Ajax gets a clear vote of confidence from the bookies. At -330 favourite odds they would appear to be the safe bet for the win – although there isn’t a lot of money in it for bettors. Ajax had a slow start to their season but the club is improving, going from strength to strength. They are in a positive frame of mind with their domestic results; FC Twente is a first class side in the Dutch league so their recent triumph against them should prepare them well for their next UEFA Cup challenge. Their bench is deep so even with recent injury list additions in Sulejmani, Cvitanich and Sarpong, they have enough quality reserves to field.

MSK Zilina +800 In domestic action, MSK Zilina ranks second. They are in contention for the championship title in Slovakia so clearly they will not be pushovers. However, they are not of the same class as Ajax. They are good pacesetters and play a good passing game but the lack of a true striker is sorely felt and it has proven to be a big problem for them.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Considering the Slovak side failed to take the initiative at home in their first UEFA Cup game their prospects do not look good in Amsterdam. They have reason to be hopeful though with their three match winning streak. Ajax though will want to assert control right from the start and direct the game. They cannot afford to miss the home chance to win a UEFA Cup match.

Soccer Free Picks: Ajax -330 | Over 2.5 goals +105

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