Atletico Madrid-Fulham
Football: Europa League Final
Wednesday, 12th of May 2010. Kickoff 20:45

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Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid are nominal hosts in the Europa League final, which shall be played out in Hamburg.

Atletic's season can be called astonishingly controversial. Having lost ground in La Liga, Quique Sanchez Flores side unexpectedly for many reached the finals of UEFA Cup and Copa Del Rey respectively.

Will they get a 100% record and win 2 trophies? Remains to be seen. First step shall be made in Germany.

Atleti's path to the Europa League final is regarded by many as "fortunate". Los Colchoneros have secured just 2 straight victories out of 8 fixtures in the play-offs.

Valencia, Galatasaray and Liverpool were all left begging on the the "away goals" rule.

Quique Sanchez Flores can field his best line-up in Hamburg. Injury of goalkeeper Asenjo is not significant as the bright prospect is second-choice keeper.Center back Luis Perea is rumored to be doubtful, but I expect him to feature alongside Dominguez.

Fulham

Fulham is indeed writing a European fairy tale, which could either have a happy-ending or all of a sudden turn into a drama.

Cottagers, unlike Atletico Madrid, went through many difficult tests on their way to the final: elimination of Shakhtar, Juventus and Hamburg were all achieved at the magical Craven Cottage.

Fulham paved its' through 2 main fundementals: great fighting spirit and solid defense. Not the effort of the back 4, but the co-ordinated defensive work of entire team.

Roy Hodgson is keeping his fingers crossed over the fitness of key striker Zamora. Bobby was clearly in discomfort during the semifinal victory against Hamburg.

Damien Duff's condition is in traditional jeopardy, while Zamora's alternative Andrew Johnson has been on the sidelines for a very long time period.

Betting advice

Prediction of the Cup finals is comparable to the toss of a coin, in my opinion.

Looking back at the road these sides covered, it's a bit unfair not to rate their chance equally. Ofcourse, bookmakers are taking into consideration the quality difference in the sides' line-ups.

Fulham does not have stars like Aguero or Forlan, nor they posess worthy club history as Rojiblancos. But it would be fair to say neither of the two have the necessary share of experience to be considered favorites in that aspect.

This said, I'd like to give my 5 cents to Fulham. I've always considered Cup competitions as a battle field of managers. And I obviously rate Hodgson above Flores in this duel. Regardless of the fact one might be driving a VW, and the other a Mercedes.

Moreover I suggest to consider an "over 2 goals" as a side-bet. UEFA Cup finals have always been entertaining to watch and there is value in that pick.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Take Fulham to lift the trophy @ 2.37 with PaddyPower

Take Over 2 goals @ 1.68 with Bet365