Hamburg 10/1 Despite a strong start to the season, Hamburg's recent form has been poor. They've suffered two Bundesliga losses in 2006 already. To make matters worse, several key players are missing with long term injuries. Even though Hamburg had a good run to date in the UEFA Cup, there are too many uncertainties with this club to make them a backable choice. They are false favourites at 10/1. Roma 12/1 Roma got off to a slow start this year, in both domestic and European competition.

But they have been invincible since the Christmas break. With nine straight Serie A victories, Roma have jumped up the league table. Expect that form to continue. Roma have little realistic chance of taking the Scudetto, so they will be firmly focused on the UEFA cup.

The squad has depth its competitors lack and continues winning even with a depleted roster. Roma are the classiest, most talented and motivated side in this competition. We'd make them no bigger than 8/1 and fully expect them to win this tournament. Schalke 12/1 Schalke have produced stunning displays in European competition, such as a 7-4 demolishing of Bayer Leverkusen.

They have no trouble finding the net, but Schalke's loose defence saw them knocked out of the Champions League by Milan. They've found a new coach, who should tighten things up somewhat. But we are wary of backing a team that leaks goals, no matter how powerful their offence. At 12/1, Schalke are best avoided. Sevilla 14/1 Sevilla have been having another solid season in the top third of the Primera Liga table. It's hard to find fault with them in any particular area.

They are certainly an above-average club, but not a top-class side. Sevilla should go far in this tournament, but its hard to see them dominating games. That makes this price look a bit short. Monaco 16/1 After a strong showing last season, Monaco are simply an average side this year. Despite boasting strikers like Ernesto Chevanton, Marco Di Vaio and Christian Vieri, Monaco are hardly a goal scoring powerhouse.

They average just over one goal scored per game, not nearly adequate. Based on that form, it would be a mistake to back them at this short price. But if Monaco's big guns start firing, we could easily see this team in the final. AZ Alkmaar 16/1 Last year's surprise team in the Eredivisie, AZ have proven they are for real. They are challenging for the domestic title again, only five points behind PSV.

But do AZ have the depth to endure the strain of two competitions? We have a feeling that if PSV pull away in the title race, AZ will settle for second place and focus on winning the UEFA Cup. They've been a force both home and away from the Alkmaarderhout. Don't be surprised to see them in the final. Hertha 20/1 Hertha owe their UEFA Cup berth to their above-average performance last season. But they are a decidedly weaker squad this time around. Hertha are draw specialists with nearly half of their Bundesliga matches ending in stalemates.

That simply won't cut it in this competition, particularly in home games. Hertha represent poor value even at 20/1. Stuttgart 22/1 When it comes to draws, even Hertha can't compete with VfB Stuttgart.

With 12 draws from 21 Bundesliga games in the first half of the season, it has been a frustrating year for Stuttgart. They recently sacked coach Giovanni Trapattoni after he failed to produce results. We feel this will rejuvenate the squad and boost their goal scoring. Whether it will be enough to take Stuttgart to the UEFA Cup finals is another matter.

But expect to get decent line value in Stuttgart's next few matches. Middlesbrough 25/1 After working hard and perennially finishing in the top half of the Premiership table, Middlesbrough have had nothing but frustration this term. They have slipped near to the relegation zone, and beleaguered coach Steve McLaren's head is perilously close to the chopping block. A recent shock 3-0 victory over Chelsea followed a run of just one win from 11 games.

Expect Middlesbrough to fight for their Premiership lives, and put their UEFA Cup hopes on the backburner. Even 40/1 is a charitable price on them. .

By: Marc Carinci