Europa League
2010-05-12 - Atletico Madrid vs Fulham F.C
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This is surely an unexpected Final for Fulham as it will be the biggest night of their 131 year history and nobody even gave them a chance to reach this far when they had to come up agaisnt the likes of Juventus, previous holders Shakhtar Donetsk as well as Hamburger who would have featured in their own stadium had they won their meeting with Fulham.
On Sunday Roy Hodgson took home the LMA Manager of the Year Award and how he has transforemed the side midway through the 2007/08 season when Fulham were struggling at the foot of the Premier League, needing a last day victory to keep them in the top flight.
Should they get a win here tonight then in will end their fairy tale run when they started at the end of July last year with a 3-0 victory over Lithuanian minnows FK Vetra.
Their opponents Atletico Madrid cannot be taken lightly as they are contesting two Cup Finals and also took out Liverpool in the semi-finals. With the likes of Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes, they will have players who can take out Fulham if given the chance.
However, Atletico Madrid have not won a major trophy since winning the league and cup double in 1996, and have not succeeded in Europe since securing the Cup Winners' Cup in 1962.
For the team news, key striker Bobby Zamora failed to train in their previous session in Germany. He faces a race against time to be fit with a niggling Achilles problem despite Hodgson still being hopeful he can play a part.
The good news is Damien Duff has returned to training however after recovering from a leg injury, and should be able to play a part in the match, alongside Paul Konchesky (ankle), Brede Hangeland (knee) and Aaron Hughes (groin) who all trained on Tuesday evening.
John Pantsil (muscle strain) and Bjorn Helge Riise (stomach cramps) have also recovered from injuries.
Atletico Madrid have no new injuries after their coach rested seven first team players in the 1-1 draw with Sporting Gijon. However, second-choice goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo is their only absentee after the 20-year-old tore ligaments in his knee during the Gijon match and will be out for six months.
It is expected that Flores will bring back Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan, Raul Garcia, Simao, Paulo Assuncao, Luis Perea and David de Gea into the starting line-up.
Take Fulham and accept the 1/2 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Fulham and accept the 1/2 ball here.
