UEFA Cup Brugge vs FC Coppenhagen

UEFA Cup betting is approaching the business end. FC Coppenhagen kept their bid alive even though they drew 1:1 at home to Rosenborg, but they have left qualification down to the wire as they must win this match if they hope to continue their UEFA Cup hopes. Club Brugge shares the same hope and as they sit in a slightly more favourable position – needing only one point to advance – they (and the online betting marketplace) fancy their chances for a home win.

Soccer Betting Line:

Club Brugge -110 Draw +240 FC Copenhagen +250

Match Time: 2:45 PM Eastern Time Wednesday December 17, 2008

Venue: Jan Breydel - Bruges - Belgium

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Club Brugge -110: The Belgians are the firm favourites in this final UEFA Cup group fixture. They will look to progress to the Round of 32 at the expense of the visiting Danes and with either a draw or a win sure to carry them through, they are seen to have more than an outside chance of accomplishing the feat.

Recently, Brugge suffered a crippling 4:1 loss at home to Standard de Liege. The loss comes at a crucial time – right before their European commitments—and the concern in the marketplace is whether Brugge can bounce back quickly and put the loss behind them. A confidence blow it was and it could seriously hinder their chances.

Brugge is in the race for advancement after drawing all 3-group fixtures, tallying three points. Interestingly enough another draw could see them through.

FC Copenhagen +250: Their backs are against the wall as only a win will see them through. They currently have two points with two draws and they need to take all three points with a win if they want to go through to the next round. They missed a valuable chance to further their UEFA Cup bid when they hosted Rosenborg in the last round.

Soccer Betting Verdict: FC Copenhagen has an outside chance of qualifying but I feel they are seriously underestimated in this match. They have everything to play for, maybe even more so than the hosts who only need a draw to advance. As such, they may play with more intensity. They have a great squad and good attacking players. They will try to exploit the mistakes of possibly a lackadaisical effort by the hosts and bank all three points. At +250, Coppenhagen offers the best value and I like their chances to shake the table.

Soccer Free Picks: FC Copenhagen +250

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