Hearts will feel they could’ve had an easier draw in their Europa Conference League qualifier after landing Rosenborg but they should have plenty of hope of qualifying if they can come home from Norway without too much damage being done tonight.
The most successful club in Norway are in somewhat of a lull and the bookies make the Jambos 7/10 favourites to qualify from the tie.
It’s 15 years since the Trondheim club last rubbed shoulders with Europe’s elite in the Champions League group stages and it’ll be five years since they were last champions of Norway – their longest drought since the early 80s.
In those five years their third placed finish in Eliteserien last term is the best they’ve mustered and they currently find themselves languishing in 8th place having lost as many as they’ve won with less than half the season to go.
There for taking? The Jam Tarts have to believe so.
But Steven Naismith’s men don’t have a formidable European pedigree to speak of. Six points from two wins over Latvian opposition was all they had to show from last season’s Conference League adventures. They did show some mettle to get past FC Zurich in last season’s play-off round, winning away from home in the first leg before sealing the deal at Tynecastle.
Naismith will be targeting keeping RBK within touching distance which could see him go more defensive from the outset, there’s plenty of time to throw caution to the wind. RBK have netted just 23 times in 18 league matches and just eked past Crusaders who qualified for Europe by winning the Northern Irish Cup so Hearts will be tasked with keeping them quiet for as long as possible.
Under 2.5 goals pays even money and no goals at half-time is 2/1 but a safer bet might be fort he game to be level after the first 45 which is a 6/5 shot – a decent option in a game that should be tight.
Hibs will be out recapture the scoring form that saw them put six past Andorran opposition last week after their momentum was stalled at the weekend in a 3-2 home defeat to St Mirren.
Lee Johnson will be pleased that there seems to be goals in this Hibees side and it could be an entertaining match against Lucerne at Easter Road tonight.
The Swiss side finished 4th in the table last term and qualified against Djurgårdens to set up tonight’s tie. They scored in both legs and with Hibs already showing some defensive frailties this season it could pay to back goals in the capital.
If last night’s match at Ibrox, where Rangers struggled to a 2-1 over 10-man Swiss side Servette, is to be a barometer then this might not be a walk in the park for the Hibees.
With 15 goals scored in Hibs opening three matches of the season Over 2.5 goals looks likely at 8/11. Over 3.5 also appeals at 7/4.
You can double Over 2.5 at Easter Road with Bodo/Glimt to score two or more against Pyunik Yerevan. The Eliteserien league leaders always have goals in them and should be capable of at least two against their Armenian opponents
Super Single
- Rosenborg v Hearts – Half-time Draw 6/5 Bet365
- Hibs v Lucerne O2.5 Goals & Bodo/Glimt to score 2+ goals 6/5 Double at Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
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Horse Racing Tips
Thursday sees the return of the Racing League at Chepstow and Rizzel has picked out three fancies for the evening meeting.
As ever, please share your tips in for today in the comments section below.
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