posted April 24, 2008 at 12:14 EST in Soccer Betting Trends

Soccer betting is heating up this week at BetUS Sportsbook with two European Championship events running concurrently. On one hand, soccer bettors have Champions League soccer odds to bet on, while on the other, there is the ever so exciting betting on the UEFA Cup Championship odds. With so much soccer betting offered at BetUS Sportsbook, here is a look at the upcoming semi-final between Bayern Munich vs. Zenit St. Petersburg.

Bayern Munich vs. Zenit St. Petersburg

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Thursday April 24, 2008

Soccer Betting Line:

Home Team: Bayern Munich

Spread: -1 -140

Moneyline: -250

Total Points: Over 2½ -105

Draw +300

Away Team: Zenit St. Petersburg

Spread: +1 +120

Moneyline: +650

Total Points: Under 2½ -115

Draw +300

Analysis: In the semi-final round of the UEFA Cup Championship this season, German Cup champions Bayern Munich will play host to the Russian side, FC Zenit St. Petersburg in the first leg. FC Zenit St. Petersburg – who advanced over another German side, Leverkusen, in the quarterfinals to reach the final four – will hope that lightning can strike twice when they visit Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday, April 24, 2008. But with overwhelming underdog odds, tipped at +650 on the money line, one has the sense the odds makers agree the hope is a lost cause in futility. On home turf, Munich enters as the clear favorite with a -250 price tag.

Bayern Munich won the German Cup on Saturday, a 2:1 victory over Dortmund in extra time, with Toni scorer both times sealed their triumph on the domestic front. Now, turning to the UEFA Cup semi-finals, Bayern Munich is brimming with confidence and home ground gives them the odds makers’ favoured nod. But all is not rosy for the German side, as Toni – indisputably the hero over the weekend – will not be playing in tomorrow’s match, owing to a suspension that will have him watching the game from the bench. Further handicapping Bayern Munich is the possible absence of Van Bommel due to an injury (up to this point, he is still questionable for tomorrow’s match).So with two key players absent, can Bayern Munich easily navigate a victory on home turf?

Zenit St. Petersburg: The Russian side is getting very little respect – if at all – from the bookies in UEFA Cup Championships and this in spite of reaching the semi-finals after blowing out big rivals in the form of Marseille and Villareal through the knockout stages. Oh, ye of little faith! And – lest we forget – in the previous round, few expected Zenit to top Leverkusen in Germany ( at the time, Zenit came into the match as a huge underdog, tipped at +400 on the money line). Now, against Bayern Munich, Zenit St. Petersburg is snubbed once again and to add insult to injury, they are tipped as even further on the money line, at +650 long shot odds.

Betting Verdict: Oblivious to expert predictions and the odds, Zenit St, Petersburg is a team that believes it can win. Lead by Coach Advocaat and the absence of Bayern Munich’s key player, Toni (and possibly another in Dutchman Van Bommel) adds up to a winning opportunity for Zenit. Moreover, Zenit has proven it plays its best when it is required to rise to the occasion. I for one believe they can carve a win on German soil.

Soccer Free Picks:

Moneyline Pick: Zenit St. Petersburg +650

As Bayern Munich’s odds are hardly tempting; this one goes to all the underdog pushers out there. Take the Russians!

Totals (Over/Under) Over 2.5 goals

In Bayern Munich’s last five home games, they scored a total of 13 goals. In Zenit St. Petersburg’s last five away matches, they combined for a total of 10 goals. I expect a high scoring match tomorrow. Take the Over.

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