Home and Away: Alloa look to make home advantage count in play-off first leg

15May 2013

Betfair

Jonno Turner previews action in Scotland and Amsterdam as he selects two sides who looks good value for the win tonight...

We're off to Scotland for our first pick of the day, as Alloa Athletic host Dunfermline in the First/Second Division play-offs first leg.

The home side go into this one having won six of their last eight outings, and will be keen to maintain those levels of cutting edge as they bid to move closer to second tier football.

Paul Hartley's side will be looking to make the most of their home advantage in this clash, before a tricky second leg trip to East End Park.

And just four league defeats on their own patch since September suggests that the Wasps are well placed to nudge themselves ahead in this tie.

Jim Jefferies' take his Dunfermline side to Recreation Park with just one win in four, and will be keen for his side to keep themselves in a strong position in this play-off.

But seven without a win from eight on the road indicates that the Pars may struggle to secure a victory here - especially since they have shipped a whopping 12 goals in their last five outings.

Bet 1: Alloa Athletic (HOME) @ 2.22

Switching our attentions to action in Amsterdam now, as Benfica and Chelsea meet in the Europa League final. The Portuguese side have been impressive on the continent this campaign, but go into this clash without a win in two domestic outings - and just one win from four away from the Estadio da Luz suggests that they have been struggling on their travels of late.

Jorge Jesus' side sit second in the Primeira Liga, just one point behind leaders Porto, and will be keen to show the form that has propelled them into that spot - but the Eagles have failed to win five of their last seven Europa League clashes outside of Portugal.

And a loss in their last outing, a 2-1 defeat to their top of the table rivals, will have knocked confidence in the Reds camp ahead of this clash.

Chelsea travel to the Netherlands in excellent form, and looking to lift their second European trophy in two years, following their Champions League win of last campaign.

Boss Rafa Benitez has struggled to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful despite an impressive return from his six months in charge, and the Blues are unbeaten in five on the road - winning four and drawing one.

That run includes tricky victories against Basel, Manchester United and Aston Villa all on their own patches, and the London club will be hoping to extend that form in Amsterdam.

This looks set to be a tight encounter between two sides who have impressed in continental competition this campaign - but I think that Chelsea and Rafa's experience at the top level of European football will see them to the trophy here.

Bet 2: Chelsea (AWAY) @ 2.44