Spread betting markets on the Europa League make for an interesting read at present with Liverpool leading the field. The second English side, Fulham, are almost unwanted in betting with online bookmakers expecting a quarter final exit. I am not so sure.

If you look at the form at present, Fulham are playing well in this league. Their position on the Premier League table is safe – they can’t go up much further and they are safe from relegation. This means they can throw all their resources into the Europa League.

Compare this situation with Liverpool and the story is very different. Liverpool are battling to stay in touch with the top five. In fact, they are desperate to at least finish fifth and that would be a disappointment given their second place last year. The Reds will need to split their playing strength between the two competitions. Not an envious task for the coaching team.

Liverpool are currently quoted at 4/1 with a spread of 32-35. Fulham, on the other hand, are at 11/1 with a 25-28 spread. That’s a much narrow spread than Liverpool and represents good value.

Fulham are at home tonight against German champions Wolfsburg. Liverpool have to travel to Benfica. Betting on these games is interesting with Fulham ante-post favourites at 5/4 with their opponents at 28/11. Liverpool are 21/10 with travel to Benfica favourite at 6/4.

You can expect a good show at home from Fulham and a win can be expected. Whether or not they can win the reverse game will be the big question – it will come down to what sort of lead Fulham can take into the reverse match. Liverpool will be happy to come home with a draw (5/2) and would then wrap up the tie at home in the reverse match.

Spread betting has some good value at present, particularly Fulham – certainly worth a small wager at those odds.