Soccer Betting - Schalke’s last bid to qualify for UEFA Cup knockout Round

FC Twente hosts FC Schalke 04 on UEFA Cup match day 4 and with both sides on the brink of qualification, they have no choice but to go for a win in this match – as only a win would see them through to the last 32 of the competition.

Schalke had an opportunity last week, on match day 4, to seize early qualification when they hosted Manchester City; but an inspired City took the three points when they beat them at the Arena AufSchalke 2:0 and confirmed their place in the R32. After missing the opportunity at home, Schalke could be suffering in confidence and spirit. If so, can they really seize the opportunity on the away?

The soccer betting line reveals slightly better odds for Schalke than it does for FC Twente at BetUS Sportsbook; so if the soccer market place were a barometer for the outcome of the match, they seemingly expect a win by the visitors.

Soccer Betting Line:

FC Twente pk +105 +160 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +220

FC Schalke 04 pk -125 +145 160 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +220

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday December 3, 2008

Venue: Arke - Enschede - Netherlands

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Schalke FC +145: Schalke is in second place in Group A with four points. This is Schalke’s last UEFA Cup group-stage fixture of the season and thus, their last chance to secure passage. Schalke have been underperforming on both fronts – domestic and international. Aside from their loss to City, they lost three of their last four Bundesliga matches and won once. Most recently, they lost to Stuttgart 2:0 on Sunday.

Though Schalke has been underperforming, it is not for a lack of effort. The team is almost unchanged from last season and is stronger for the addition of Farfan. That is why their poor form is surprising; perhaps the only reason for it is that they are still having trouble adapting to Rutten’s coaching style and the new 4-3-3 formation he has adopted for them.

FC Twente +160: Twente is in third place at three points. FC Twente enters this match with one match to go. The Dutch are marginally disadvantaged in this match, but FC Twente, by contrast, is enjoying resurgence in domestic action. They are climbing the Eredivise table steadily on the back of a four-match undefeated run. They are fourth in the domestic standings. They were most impressive at home against Herenveen, beating them 6:0. In their last five home matches, they lost only once and won the rest.

Soccer Betting Verdict: In spite of Schalke’s slip in form and Twente’s rising form, BetUS bookies favor visiting Schalke over FC Twente in this match. So what other factors underscore the soccer betting line on this match.

At first glance, the market on this match may be perplexing to some bettors, given current conditions and form for both sides – namely, Schalke is struggling while Twente is on the up. However, there is a reason why the market place has shifted in favour of a Schalke win. Schalke is desperate for the three points. And more importantly, Schalke’s Coach Fred Rutten spent his entire playing career at the club between 1977 and 1992 and went on to be their coach, leaving only this summer to join Schalke. So he knows everything there is to know about Twente – the players and the style of play.