UEFA Cup Betting Santander vs Manchester City

Section A of UEFA Cup is headed by Manchester City, followed by FC Twente. With both clubs assured of a spot in the R32, the battle in this section is for third place finish. Real Racing Club Santander, in the running for the coveted third spot, prepare to welcome a hopefully relaxed Manchester City tomorrow, giving little resistance against the Spaniards as they seek to carve out a victory at the expense of FC Schalke and Paris Saint Germain’s R32 aspirations.

City are already through and thanks to their lackadaisical effort against PSG on match day 4, drawing 0:0 against the French at City of Manchester Stadium, they left Racing very much in the running. Now Racing needs to win this match, possibly even by a huge margin, because, should both PSG and Racing win, goal difference, then goals scored then goals scored away from home will decide who finishes third.

Soccer Betting Line:

Racing Santander -½ -130 -135 2½ O +110 U -130 1½ O -115 U -115 Draw +240

Manchester City +½ +110 +325 2½ O +110 U -130 1 O +110 U -140 Draw +240

Match Time: 2:45 PM Eastern Time, Thursday December 18, 2008

Venue: El Sardinero - Santander - Spain

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Racing Santander -135: Racing has not had a good UEFA Cup outing this season. They managed to pick up only two points in the competition thus far and now they have to pick up more points than they have in their three previous group matches to advance. No side has ever scored more than one goal at Racing's El Sardinero Stadium in a UEFA competition game. Their four European home games so far have ended in two 1-0 wins, a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 defeat.

Racing has a better goal difference to PSG (also with two points in the competition) so should advancement be determined between them, the Spaniards are in a better position. But in order to remain in the race they have to beat Manchester City. Racing will hope City fields a second-tier line-up as they are already through and they have no pressure to win this match.

Manchester City +325: A few moments of brilliance is all Manchester City have been capable of this season across all competitions. At home, they are perilously close to the relegation zone – a position in the Premiership table few sports bettors would have expected them to descend to after an exciting start to the season. They are punching way below their weight in the marketplace and most soccer betting fans agree it is time they performed at their perceived level. As such, the final UEFA Cup group fixture will not hold much importance to City. They are expected to rest their best players for their upcoming weekend Premiership fixtures.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Though City have won six of their last seven European away games, drawing the other, this match holds little importance to the club that is dangerously close to the relegation zone at home. With their immediate focus on domestic improvement, a relaxed Manchester City is expected to make an appearance in Spain. This should give Racing the opportunity to take the three points it wants to advance.

Soccer Free Picks: Racing -135 | Over 2.5 goals +110

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