Europa League
2012-08-23 - Atromitos Athens vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Newcastle are back in Europe for the first time since 2006/07, when they blew the chance to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup following an away goals exit at the hands of AZ Alkmaar.
After finishing fifth in the Premiership Alan Pardew's side booked their place in the Europa League. But with it comes the demand of having to play domestic and European football with a tough encounter against Chelsea to come on Saturday.
And to make matters worse, Pardew is without a number of first team players ahead of this match.
This is because France international Hatem Ben Arfa is suspended after being sent off in his final European game for Marseille in March 2010.
Meanwhile the likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi all did not travel as they are down with minor injuries. But they are expected to recover ahead of the Chelsea match.
Meanwhile, Shane Ferguson and Haris Vuckic have also missed out, but summer signings Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano and 17-year-old striker Adam Campbell could be given a chance to impress.
For the home side, Atromitos are yet to get their domestic campaign under way and will only play their first game of the new Greek Super League season on Sunday. So this will be a warm up match before their season gets underway.
Last season Atromitos Athens were the surprise package. They managed to reach their second successive Greek Cup final and finishing fourth in the table under former boss Giorgis Donis. Now there is the new coach Dusan Bajevic in charge of the team.
Predictions :
Go for this match to be a low scoring affair so go for Under 2.25 goals.
The Pick :
Atromitos Athens 0-1 Newcastle United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Bet :Go for TOTAL GOALS UNDER 2.25
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Newcastle on Level Ball.
