14th May: UEFA Cup Final

**kompressaur** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 11:14

19:45 Zenit Petersburg (2.3) Draw (3.25) Rangers (3.1) 107%

Rangers 3.1 Partybets and Bet365
Zenit 2.3 William Hill
Draw 3.25

**MickeyPaul** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 20:49

You taking the piss? Are those actually the odds for Zenit? Bugger. That's really tempting but I'm stupidly worried about my Rangers winning the cup dream.

Zenit definitely look to have what it takes to get through the 'blue blob' though. They pass and move around the penalty box and seem able to slip it through little gaps and create space etc. etc. They can probably cause mayhem and have the rather slow and imobile Rangers defence in knots. If they choose to go for it.

I really wasn't expecting those odds. Gee whizz.

Beanie · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 22:53

I'm with you Mickey. I fully, 100% agree with your indecisiveness.

As tired as Rangers should be, as weak as some parts of their squad are, something tells me that if Rangers were to ever have a decent shout in a Euro final, this is exactly the sort of game where they might. In Manchester, it'll be virtually a homes game.

And for all that Zenit have been head and shoulders above every other team in this tournament, hmmmm, there's something a little untrustworthy about the Russian mentality in the type of atmosphere that will be created.

Having said all that, 2.30 eh? Gee Whizz indeed.

All depends how Rangers approach it - if they sit back again then it might just take the sting out any type of atmosphere that might unsettle the Russians, and to be honest I'm guessing that's what'll happen. If they go for it, bollocks out of the bathtub style, I'm not sure the Russians will fancy it.

Mmmmmm. Ummmm. Errrrr. Given that the evidence for the 2.30 is black and white, pure footballing quality, and against it is a bunch of mights and maybes, it does look big.

**MickeyPaul** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 15:29

I am not being indecisive. Errrrr, maybe. I thought Zenit would be odds on

It's like.... Rangers v QOS. The blue blob can't keep it up for ever. Football shall prevail etc. Quality over... blob. Zenit won't miss from 2-3 yards out that's for almost certain. And when they do score first..... hmm.

Seriously though. I can't get my head around the idea of Rangers keeping them out but I'll admit it's not easy getting through that mass of gangly footballer. Zenit seem to have a confidence about them though that I didn't see in the sides Rangers faced previously so the chances will most likely be put away. Errr, probably. I don't envisage the 17 goal thriller as per my dream though.

**slick** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 17:45

Yip same here, didnt know how the bookies would mark up this match was pretty much surprised to see Zenits odds @ over evens considering their goal scoring ability both home and away.

Rangers no doubt will try and suffocate the life out of this game once more but they've had lots of luck in doing so and its going to run out sooner rather than later.

Actually spotted my first Rangers fan this morning as the noisey cnut was singing at the top of his voice on the way to the boozer down the rd, must have been in his late fifties but its hard to tell as most weathered jocks look a lot older than their real yrs, could have been 21 for all i know.

Anyhow he was harmelss enough was enjoying himself singing and calling to his imaginary friend, no doubt the first of many to come over the next few days, should be a joy to behold.

**MickeyPaul** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 18:23

Another thing that might be worth considering about this being in Manchester and 'virtually a home game'. How good have Rangers been at home in this so far?

If Rangers have been woeful at Ibrox why should they be any less shit in Manchester? I'm just saying. Don't get your knickers in a twist.

Betfly · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 18:50

I've noticed the odds too and 2.3 is not to be sniffed at but the spectre of a 0-0 is just too much.

Will wait a bit longer for team info following todays game

**slick** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 21:21

If it helps the pitch is in pristine condition, like a snooker table in fact. The team that turns up wanting to play football will probably win, should suit Zenit down to the ground really as they do like to attack at pace and down the flanks.

A zippy pitch may wear the legs of Rangers if they are intent just chasing and sitting back, now there in the final they have nothing to lose by going for it in a one off game and i hope they do, would love to see Rangers win but in a final to be proud off and not a drab affair.

parksy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 22:31

i would never rule out rangers.....they are not the greatest team on paper but they sure know how to fight......every round i kept on saying this is it.......this is where they go out....but no.....they fought like tigers every round and scraped through.....it reminds me of liverpool in the c.l a couple of years ago.......every round everybody were saying thats it....they are going out now....but no.....they went on to beat ac milan in the final.......rangers can do the same here.....i wouldnt back against it.......well ill be joining the party on wednesday afternoon.......ive my flights booked...but i havent a ticket.....but ill be there to join in the big party ticket or not.....

AnothrSpacecat · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 22:40

russian teams dont really react to the fans, home or away, its a bizarre league all in, the atmosphere in the ground wont faze them in the slightest.

the last russian team to win the tournament actually did win it in a 'homer' atmosphere. sporting lisbon in lisbons ground

but aye, hope they get pumped by zenith big time.