UEFA Cup Betting Deportivo vs Nancy

The final UEFA Cup group fixture between RC Deportivo La Coruna and AS Nancy-Lorraine could potentially be a decisive one. Both clubs are in line for Round of 32 berths, so long a KKS Lech Poznan do not win their fixture against Feyenoord in the section. Deportivo and Nancy are level on points, but given Nancy has the superior goal difference to Deportivo, a point from this match would take them into the knockout stages, the French are closer to clinching the R32 spot. Interestingly though the sports betting marketplace heavily favours Deportivo La Coruna for the home win.

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Deportivo La Coruna -135 Draw +210 Nancy +375

Match Time: 2:45 PM Eastern Time Wednesday December 17, 2008

Venue: Riazor - La Coruna - Spain

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Deportivo La Coruna -135: Home edge together with an impressive record in their European home games conspired to make Deportivo a strong favourite in the sports betting market place. Deportivo have gone undefeated in their last eight European home games since 2004/05. The impressive mark sits at 7-1-0. Furthermore, they have not conceded in their last five UEFA competition home matches.

In Primera Liga, they are comfortably ensconced in the middle of the table. They could be better but their road trips have not been as successful as their home performances. In UEFA Cup, Deportivo easily beat Feyenoord 3:0 in their only home fixture thus far and another home win will see them through to the R32.

Nancy +375: Nancy is heavily underestimated in this match, especially considering they are closer to qualifying than any other club in their section. Nancy missed the chance to place in the R32 in their last fixture at home against CSKA Moskva – but the Russians have been sublime in the competition and lead the group with 12 points.

What Nancy has going for them is an unbeaten run in their last three European away games. Their two UEFA Cup away matches this season ended in a win – their first on the road in UEFA club competition – and a draw.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Deportivo have no option but to play for the win as Nancy has a superior goal difference and should the match end in a draw it would be the French advancing forward. Nancy will advance with a draw, so long as Lech Poznan does not win their fixture. However, the win would guarantee them passage so they will also want to take the maximum points against Deportivo. Deportivo have to be favourites in this match considering their home streak but they do not have an attractive price tag. Nancy have been solid on the road lately and they could shock the Spaniards. At +375 underdog odds, they are worth a small risk at the very least.

Soccer Free Picks: Nancy +375

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room