posted August 27, 2008 at 17:45 in Soccer Articles
UEFA Cup Qualifier Free Betting Picks Hajduk vs Deportivo
by BetUS Staff
Soccer betting at BetUS Sportsbook features UEFA Cup Qualifiers. Entering the second leg of the second qualifying round, soccer clubs are vying for a berth in the group stage. Only 40 clubs can advance to this stage. Hajduk and Deportivo drew in the first leg. It goes without saying that this matchup is wide open for the taking. Here is a look at the second leg of this matchup that is scheduled for Thursday August 28, 2008 in Split, Croatia.
Hajduk Split +½ -125 +215 2½ O +125 U -145 Draw +220
Deportivo La Coruna -½ +105 +105 2½ O +125 U -145 Draw +220
Soccer Wagering Analysis: In the first leg, Deportivo was the clear favourite. The Spanish La Liga side dominated the game throughout although they failed to create good chances and were unable to score. Their domestic league has not kicked off their season so perhaps their lacklustre performance was due to a bit of rustiness and lack of form. Deportivo has depth and quality on their bench. In the second leg they will try to make things right. The Croatian side played the first leg on the heels of a disappointing 3:0 loss on the domestic front. A dispirited side appeared in La Coruna last week but the scoreless draw gives them hope as they return to their stadium for the second leg.
Hajduk Split (+215) When faced with an opponent like Deportivo it is no wonder that the Croats find themselves as the underdogs in this matchup, even though they have home advantage. The team had a difficult time before their arrival in Spain with their demoralizing 3:0 loss in Cibalia. The squad has been significantly weakened with the absence of key players due to injuries so many substitutes have been faced with the huge task of qualifying for UEFA Cup. Immediately after their first leg match against Deportivo, Hajduk lost to Rijeka but got back on track with a 3:1 win over Slaven.
Deportivo La Coruna (+105) Deportivo played in the Intertoto Cup. Their domestic season kicks off next weekend. They have seen new members added to the squad. Limited match play and time for new players to adapt contributed to their subpar performance at home in the first leg. The handicap against them notwithstanding, Deportivo is held to be a better team, evinced by the slightly more favourable odds for them in the second leg.
Soccer Gambling Verdict: Hajduk has been plagued with inconsistencies. Given their domestic campaign has not been a screaming success up to this point they are low on confidence. Playing to a partisan crowd could spur them on to victory. However, Deportivo is a quality team and they need time to find the form expected of them. Since their domestic season is just around the corner, they will have spent a lot of time getting into match playing form. Their time to find their game may be tomorrow.
Soccer Free Picks: There is some advantage in playing at home. The scoreless draw gives Hajduk some added hope. This should inspire a great start to the match. However, a goal from the Spaniards will be enough to snuff the glimmer of hope coming into this match. I expect this to be a cautious game and hence a low scoring one. Take the Under 2.5 -145. Deportivo to win +105
Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room
