Smiler Steve set for Europa qualification tonight
Recognise the beaming grin above? Of course you do, it's the former not-so-dear leader of the England national team, Steve McClaren. These days Steve is giving his managerial reputation a well-needed facelift in Holland, where his FC Twente side lead the Dutch Eredivisie by two points, ahead of giants PSV and Ajax. At this rate, we'll be seeing those shiny teeth back in the Premier League before long.
But for now, McClaren is masterminding Twente's European campaign, as they play bottom club Steaua Bucharest tonight knowing that a win will see them through in second place behind Group H winners Fenerbahce.
Little-known Moldovan outfit FC Sheriff Tiraspol, in third, are the side that can pip Twente to the post, though to do that they must record an unlikely win [4.85] in Turkey, and hope that the Dutch don't win in Romania.
Domestically, Twente have been in imperious form, they've drawn just two games from 17 and won the rest, though their unbeaten run doesn't stretch to Europe, where they've been beaten by Fenerbahce and Sheriff.
But they should have no trouble tonight, Steaua are bottom with just three points, without a win, and have nothing to play for. It means they'll be resting several of their first teamers, while Twente are still on a high after coming from behind to beat NEC 3-1 on Saturday. The visitors are 1.94 to win, though the odds of 3.4 on them winning at half time and full time is an attractive option for the punter looking for more value.
Don't expect too many goals though, the two sides between them have managed just six in the competition, so the under 1.5 goals option at 3.1 shouldn't be discounted. And if on-loan Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch is playing, back him to grab one - he's got eight goals in 16 domestic games, and has two to his name in the Europa League. The game is live on ITV4, kick-off 8pm.
We reckon Twente to win at 1.94, 1-0 correct score at 7.0 and Stoch to score first at 7.8 are the three bets to have in this one. What do you reckon? Let us know below...
Published: 17 Dec 2009 - Tags: Europa League, FC Twente, Steve McClaren
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