Europa League
2012-11-08 - Hapoel Ironi vs Sparta Prague
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : Europa League
Thursday, November 8th, 2012, 8:05PM GMT
PREVIEW
Sparta Prague will be confident of a win here against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona, having beaten them in their last Europa League match. It finished 3-1, as it had the game before that against Athletic Bilbao, last years finalists. We had a nice winner taking Sparta to score at least 2, and with better odds on the same bet, I'm going back for seconds.
The Israeli side have a point after 3 games, having held Athletic Bilbao away, but losing their match against Lyon. I said last time "I'm not sure what to read into more, the fact they scored 3 goals, or that they let in 4 in that loss. I think the defence is more of a concern." It was the right decision as the defence once again did SFA.
Sparta should win this, although it will be tighter what with the game played away. The odds of 2.00 are good value, but I prefer to focus on the mismatch of Sparta's offence and Hapoel's porous defence.
Let's not forget, Hapoel have the joint worst defence in the Europa League, shipping 8 goals in just 3 games. That leaves them bottom of the group with not much to play for but pride. Sparta, on the other hand have the motivation of trying to catch Lyon, who will be paying Bilbao.
I think we can count on at least 2 goals here for the home side, which should be enough for the win.
BETTING VERDICT
Let's take the Team Total bet here, paying the same as the straight win, but not at risk if there are any cock ups at the back for the visitors.
The Pick :
Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona 1-2 Sparta Prague
