Europa Cup Knockout Stages (25/02)

Sporting Lisbon v Everton
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham
Unirea Urziceni v Liverpool


Thursday, February 25

Shaktar Donetsk v Fulham

Verdict: Current Europa Cup holders, Shaktar Donetsk, will look to turn around the tie after a 2-1 defeat at Fulham. Shaktar dominated for long periods in that game and are rightly favourited to progress to the next round and set up a tasty encounter against either Juventus or Ajax. I feel though that Roy Hodgson's Fulham side are a little under estimated here. For example, no one expected the London side to go to Roma and play as well as they did (2-1 defeat) or go to Europe savvy Basel and win 3-2.

I believe Fulham can score in Ukraine with striker Zamora in top form (scored in his last 4 outings), and the like of Duff, Gera, and Murphy all capable of getting on the score sheet themselves. On the other hand, Shaktar's Brazilian flair is well known and I expect their impressive scoring form at the Donbasss Arena to continue as they chase a result.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @1.88 (sbobet, 10 units)
Shaktar Donetsk 1 - 1 Fulham

Sporting Lisbon v Everton

Verdict: Sporting Lisbon will look to reverse some worrying trends as they face in form Premier League side, Everton. Following their 2-1 loss in England, Sporting have now gone 10 games with out a win in Europe and are on a current run of 6 games minus a win. The visitors could not be in more contrasting form after defeating Premier League title contenders, Chelsea and Manchester United, within a fortnight.

Everton do have some selection problems with Cahill and Fellaini both injured, Distin unavailable through suspension and fellow centre-back Heitinga ineligible. Despite the midfield absentees, the form of midfield trio in Pienaar, Osman, and Arteta has compensated for the loss. In defence, Yobo, Senderos, Jagielka (returning from long term injury) and Neville are all capable of playing at centre-back so Moyes has options.

In the first leg, Everton played poorly by their recent standards. If it weren't for the unfortunate error by Distin in the dying embers of the game, Everton would of all but surely booked their place in the next round. Sporting are struggling at the moment, domestically and in Europe. I believe that if Everton can recapture some of the form displayed in the domestic league, then they can go on and win this game.

Pick: Everton DNB @2.03 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Sporting Lisbon 3 - 0 Everton