Fulham v Odense Tips

The bookies are clearly treating Fulham’s progression to the final 32 of the Europa League as little more than a formality. Martin Jol’s side are nothing longer than 1/4 (Boylesports) to win on Wednesday night. That would be enough to ensure second spot in Group K with Wisla Krakow currently one point behind the Londoners in third.

It would be fair to say that tonight’s opponents at Craven Cottage, Odense, are under-rated with good reason. They have lost their last four continental games with just three points collected from the opener with Wisla back in September. Fulham won 2-0 in Denmark and I think tonight should go along similar lines.

Where I question the odds for this game, and think we can find our value, regards the margin of victory. The Cottagers are 13/8 (Coral) to win by three goals or more but I think that ignores their recent goalscoring problems. The hosts have scored a total of three goals in their last six games in all competitions, and never more than once in that stretch.

I think they can improve on that record against weaker opposition, but let’s not go overboard. My recommended value bet is Fulham to win by two goals at 16/5 with Bluesquare. StanJames offer 3/1 if that goes. They will struggle to run amok without suspended Andy Johnson; he scored both goals in Odense and has eight altogether in this competition. With Bryan Ruiz also ineligible, a lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of Bobby Zamora. I think they will be fine, just don’t expect a cricket score.