While the limelight is on Liverpool in the Europa Cup, Fulham are quietly working their way into the picture as possible contenders – to everyone’s surprise.  Liverpool lead the way with betting odds of 17/10 and they are well placed to make it through to the final.  However, first they need to get past Atletico Madrid whom they meet tonight in the first leg of the semi-finals.

Atletico Madrid are playing well and, as tonight’s hosts, are favourites in latest betting for this game. Atletico are 7/5 with Liverpool not well fancied at 9/4.  For Liverpool, they will be happy to come away with a draw (23/10) leaving the decider to their home tie next week.

In the other semi final, Fulham travel to Hamburg in what will prove to be a real test of their mettle. They have performed well above themselves to date and, like Liverpool, will be more than happy to come away with a draw. Hamburg’s latest betting odds are 4/6 with Fulham only given a 9/2 chance. The draw at 11/4 looks a good bet in this game.

Fulham have been able to strangle some teams during their away games, often coming to the home tie either on level terms or only the one goal down. Don’t be surprised to see them into the finals. In fact, it would be rather ironic to see both Liverpool and Fulham playing off in the finals after seeing the Premier League representatives all eliminated from the Champions League. More ironic, given Liverpool were the first team to be eliminated from that league.

Latest betting has Liverpool at 17/10 to take the title, Hamburg at 11/5, Atletico at 4/1 and Fulham at 5/1. Of the four, Fulham are the only one that can afford to throw all their resources into this competition. The other three are still fighting for places in their own home leagues. This may give Fulham that slight edge they need to make it through. Europa Cup betting may not favour them, but we do!