It’s been 10 years since Dundee United graced the European stage and the fans at Tannadice will be desperate to make the most of tonight’s clash with AZ Alkmaar.
The Terrors enjoyed their European heyday in the 80’s when they were notoriously denied a place in the 1984 European Cup Final by an AS Roma team who’s director later admitted to bribing referees.
Indeed, they were regular faces in the latter stages of European competition back then, reaching two UEFA Cup quarter finals in ’82 & ’83 before reaching the final in ’87 where they lost out to IFK Gothenburg over two legs, after eliminating a mighty Barcelona side that included Mark Hughes and Gary Lineker.
But that’s all a very long time ago now and it’ll be a long time again until the Arabs are dining at Europe’s top tables but there’s plenty of reasons for optimism on Tayside at the moment. Tam Courts was a relative rookie manager when he was appointed last Summer but he led the newly-promoted United to fourth place in the Premiership. He’s subsequently moved on and been replaced by the well thought of Jack Ross who brings good experience to the role from his time at St Mirren, Sunderland and Hibernian.
Ross has moved to secure the impressive Dylan Levitt from Manchester United and has added qaulity and experience in the likes of Stephen Fletcher and Jamie McGrath. Tonight’s opponents will be a serious test over two legs and the bookies make United 13/2 (888Sport) shots to qualify and as big as 4/1 (Paddy Power) to take a first leg lead to the Netherlands next week.
However the Dutch side reportedly don’t have their troubles to seek. Midfielder Fredrik Midtsjo has signed for Galatasaray, new signings Vanheudsen, Jens Odggaard and Bazoer are all ruled out as are Karlsson and Sugawara. That offers a glimmer of hope for the Terrors and in front of a rousing home crowd this should be a cracker.
You can get 11/10 on the home side avoiding defeat and if United can call upon the spirit of the 80’s that could be worth a punt.
Cluj suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Champions League a few weeks and face Belarusian champions Shakhtyor Soligorsk. But the match will be played in neutral and behind closed doors so that must surely make the 10/11 on the Romanians worth taking on.
Viking were impressive winners over Slavia Prague in the last round and their reward is a tie with Motherwell’s conqueror’s Sligo Rovers. This one might be a step too far for the Irishmen but Viking are priced up short at 9/20. As are Molde who host Hungarians, Kisvarda. The Eliteserien leaders are in a terific vein of form and doubling them up with Viking for a Norwegian Double pays 5/6 at SBK.
Elsewhere tonight Lillestrom, who are keeping pace with Molde at the top of Eliteserien, look a big price at home to Antwerp who finished a distant 4th in Belgium last season and bottom of their Europa League group. 21/10 also looks worth a small interest in the home side.
Super Singles
- Cluj to win 10/11 SBK
- Dundee Utd Double Chance 11/10 Bet365
- Lillestrom to win 21/10 Bet365
- Norwegian Double – Viking & Molde Double 5/6 SBK
Upcoming Previews & Tips
- Thursday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today’s 9/2 BTTS & Total Team Goals Acca
- Football Bet of the Day: OBOS-Ligaen goals double
- Thu 19:15 NK Maribor v HJK Helsinki
- Thu 20:00 Olympiakos v Slovan Bratislava
- Thu 20:00 Dundee United v AZ Alkmaar
- Fri 20:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal
- Sat 12:30 Fulham v Liverpool
- Sat 17:30 Everton v Chelsea
Racing Tips
Rizzel had a 5/1 winner on Wednesday, he has picked out three horses for Thursday’s racing from Leopardstown, Brighton and Nottingham.
Golf Tips
It’s the final event on the PGA Tour before the FedEx Cup playoffs start. The Caddy shares his predictions for the Wyndham Championship at The Ross Course, Sedgefield Country Club and on the DP Tour we’re in Wales for the Cazoo Open.
- Golf Betting Tips: Wyndham Championship Preview & Predictions
- Golf Betting Tips: Cazoo Open Preview & Predictions
As always, let us know your betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
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