Against All Odds: Europa dead rubber offers betting value

Neither of these teams will be lifting this trophy

It's Europa League action for Paul Robinson this evening as he thinks that Asteras Tripolis can upset the odds and avoid defeat at Partizan Belgrade.

Partizan Belgrade v Asteras Tripolis
Thursday December 11, 18:00 GMT

This is a dead rubber for both teams as Tottenham and Besiktas are both already clear at the top. Partizan are the team propping up the table though as they've managed just one point from a possible 15. It's been a truly abysmal European campaign for the Serbians and they have scored only once - a late consolation in Turkey.

Domestically they are doing fine as Marko Nikoli lead the way in the Serbian Superliga, but that isn't exactly a strong division and they have been put in their place in this competition. They were thumped 4-0 in their last home game and with nothing left to play for, it would be surprising to see a rousing performance from the Belgrade based club.

Opponents, Asteras Tripolis may have nothing to play for either but they have at least performed better to date. Five points from a possible 15 isn't too bad a return and they've avoided defeat in over half of their five fixtures.

Their sole victory came against the team they face tonight and while this is away from home, Staikos Vergetis' side can point to the draw they earned at Besiktas as an example of their resoluteness on the road. 

It's hard to gauge which way this will go, but on all known form the hosts shouldn't be odds-on. That's why, with their price trading at around the 1.8810/11 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.     

Recommended Bet
Lay Partizan Belgrade v Asteras Tripolis @ 1.8810/11

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 331 pts
Returned: 345.77 pts
P/L: + 14.77 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)