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#1
The third leg of Champions League came and went with no real shockers. Some will say Qarabag earning a point would be one, but not me, even if you want to classify that as a surprise, that's one out of all the matches. On to Europa and I don't expect it comes and goes without a fair share of surprises. Think of the dogs as puppies in the pound - they don't seem overly appealing at first, and they are completely devalued, but they have so much to give....
Too big a card to play all the matches, but will try and get some thoughts on each match even if it will ultimately be left on the cutting room floor
Astana-Maccabi Tel Aviv
Astana is a remarkable 47-8-2 (W-D-L) over their last 59 home league matches with both losses coming against their rival, Kairat, who always seems to give them fits. Going further, in their history, Astana is 6-5-0 at home in CL completion and 4-4-2 at home in EL competition. Clearly a very strong home side, but yet still not receiving the line of a string home side - possibly being dressed up with +odds to entice more action their way. Maccabi is a solid team home and away, they've only lost three times away from home in EL competition over the last two years. The three losses - Dundalik, best home team in Ireland, Zenit, one of the best home teams in Russia and Slavia Praha, best home team in Czech. Clearly not playing any slouches, but such is Europa. Now, today, another strong home side, but record aside, the league ranking for Kazakhstan falls well below Russia and Czech and is slightly above Ireland. Israel also ranks well above Kazakhstan, which makes the 2-1 odds on a solid road side appealing. The goal line is probably the right play, so I'll do that, but I'll also nibble on Maccabi to win outright. Again, I think we see some surprises, so what better way to enhance that statement than right out of the gate.
Macccabi Tel Aviv pick, +0.5 +102 (8 units)
Maccabi Tel Aviv +220 (4 units)
Maccabi Tel Aviv +220 (4 units)
Lot of matches to come, so tread lightly..
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