SMASH IT ON Ilunga's European Football Preview

Atletico are now emerging as a genuine top four side and, with Valencia and Sevilla struggling so badly, have to fancied to finally book themselves a Champions League place for next season. Javier Aguirre's side do have weaknesses however. The Mexican is a somewhat defensive-minded coach, but has been pressured into bringing attacking football to a Vicente Calderon faithful starved of goals under his stewardship. The result is that the Calderon has seen more goals in the first three months of the season than in the entire 2006/07 campaign. In fact, the last three la liga fixtures alone have seen a mind-boggling 21 goals, with a 4-3 defeat to Villarreal intersecting 4-3 victories against Sevilla and Valladolid.

Getafe can be expected to give a shaky Alteltico backline problems here. Attack-minded full-back Mariano Pernia pretty much summed up the team's mentality "We are an attacking team and are prepared to take risks." Getafe will certainly get their chances, with Spanish International defender Pablo missing through suspension and goalkeeper Leo Franco ruled out through injury.

The early 4/5 has gone, and there's no value in getting with the hosts at current prices against their Southern Madrid rivals. In fact, at almost 5/1 on the exchanges the visitors look a touch of value to down a side than have conceded ten goals in their last three home games in the league.

It's somewhat surprising, given the recent Calderon stats, to see Over 2.5 goals chalked up at a shade of odds-on. Don't be fooled by the three consecutive clean sheets. Betis are a horrible side, while the UEFA Cup opposition has been third-rate at best. Go high on goals, and also mop up the early correct score and goalscorer value, courtesy of Paddy Power, Stan James and Skybet.

Recommendations: 7.5 pts Over 2.5 goals @ 1.9 Canbet. 0.5 pt each Braulio first/last goalscorer @ 22/1 Stan James. 0.25 pt each Pablo Hernandez first goalscorer @ 22/1 Paddy Power 0.25 pt 3-3 @ 80/1 Skybet.

* The anytime scorer prices about Braulio, and Pablo particularly would be preferable, however there's no guarantees that both will start. Braulio scored twice after coming off the bench against Levante last week, while Pablo Hernandez is a possible starter in midfield and penalty-taker.

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