Bank on a busy first half in Amsterdam

 

Christian Crowther picks out some trends from previous finals to help punters bet their way through tonight's Europa League final...

 

Big finals can often leave the humble punter a little confused as to where to place their pennies, given the perceived unpredictability of these one-off games.  However, on closer inspection, these May showpieces often throw up many interesting patterns, such as the continued low-scoring renditions of the FA Cup final.

 

After some carefully compiled research, here are a few such trends from the previous 10 UEFA Cup/Europa League finals to consider.

 

First Goal Odds

As with many major finals, the opening exchanges are often cagey as both sides probe rather than penetrate. This is highlighted by just two goals arriving inside the  first 20 minutes during the last ten finals. There has however been a concentration of openers between the 21st and 30th - three in all - with another coming just  after the half-hour mark on 32 minutes.

Recommended Bet: Back the first goal to be scored between 21-30 minutes @ 6.6

 

Half Time/Full Time

Aside from the last two editions of the final which witnessed clashes between clubs hailing from the same countries (Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao and Braga v  Porto), the previous four renewals saw the teams going into the break level. Three of in-form Chelsea's last four games have witnessed a second-half winner as well.

Recommended Bet: Back Draw/Chelsea in Half Time/Full/Time @ 6.8

 

First Half Goals

Even if recent editions have witnessed a shortage of early goals, the first-half as a whole entity has proved far more fruitful. Including the last final contested by  an English side - Chelsea's near neighbours Fulham in 2009/10 - five out of the last six finals have seen more goals scored in the first 45. Four of those have seen  exactly two goals.

Best Bet: Back over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 3.2

 

Booking Odds

Ten years ago, the UEFA Cup final saw an ill-tempered clash played out between Celtic and Porto which ended up 3-2 to the Portuguese after extra time, but not before  seven yellows and two red cards had been brandished. Contrastingly, the subsequent three finals featuring British participants have not topped the four yellows mark.

Recommended Bet: Back 6-8 pts in Booking Odds @ 3.05

 

Bet HERE

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