UEFA CUP Soccer - A Berth in the Group Stage on the Line

This is an exciting time in football betting for online sports bettors. What with NFL action in full swing and European soccer seasons all underway, the football betting choices are endless. Just today, Champions League soccer wound down in the second round of Group stage matches and tomorrow, UEFA Cup action gets underway and then for all ye faithful North American football fanatics well it’s back to more football betting with another scintillating weekend in NFL betting.

So with such a full football-wagering menu at BetUS Sportsbook, here is a look at UEFA Cup soccer for those football bettors who are not afraid to step out of the box and try something new like wagering on European football. The 40 UEFA Cup ties will conclude tomorrow. Who will advance into Group Stage action?

UEFA Soccer Betting Line:

Valencia -1½ -115 -500 2½ O -140 U +120 Draw +450

Maritimo +1½ -105 +1000 2½ O -140 U +120 Draw +450

Match Time: 04:05 PM Eastern Time Thursday October 2, 2008

Soccer Betting Verdict: Valencia won the first leg 1:0. They have the lead for now but that can change tomorrow, as their edge is rather flimsy. This is not to say they are not a quality side – on the contrary they are – but luck does play a factor sometimes.

Their last three domestic matches in the Spain Liga 1 saw them win convincingly at home and away. They beat Deportivo 4:2 and Osasuna 1:0 at home and topped Malaga 2:0 on the away. They are in high spirits and as they prepare to host Maritimo they should fancy their chances to secure advancement. They are in the better position and are huge favourites at -500. Because Maritimo has yet to score they need to find the back of the net if they hope to salvage their bid. Valencia has a slim edge so they cannot sit back on their laurels. Both sides should play offensively so we should see many goals.

Soccer Free Picks: Valencia -500 | Over 2.5 goals -140

UEFA Soccer Betting Line:

Vitoria Guimaraes pk -115 +150 2 O -140 U +120 Draw +225

Portsmouth FC pk -105 +150 2 O -140 U +120 Draw +225

Match Time: 04:35 PM Eastern Time Thursday October 2, 2008

Soccer Betting Verdict: Portsmouth heads to Portugal for the second leg of their matchup with a two-goal advantage and a much better position of advancing into Group action. Diarra and Defoe were the contributors for Portsmouth in Fratton Park in their victory. Portsmouth heads to Portugal after beating Tottenham in home action. They will arrive very optimistic for their match tomorrow.

Vitoria Guimaraes were great last season, finishing in third place in the Portuguese League. They were narrowly eliminated by Basel in Champions League qualification. They started this season shakily and their inconsistency spilt over into international competition. They are in a hole after losing the first match. They recently lost their last league game at home. So it is safe to assume their spirits are a tad bit low.

Soccer Free Picks: Portsmouth+150 | Under 2 goals +120

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