Much like the last two nights in the Champions League we need to choose our battles wisely in Thursday’s Europa League matches with many issues already decided across the 12 groups.
We already know 18 of the 24 teams that have already qualified for the knock-out stage so it’s hard to avoid teams that, in theory, have little to play for.
Bayer Leverkusen v Slavia Prague
Leverkusen need a win at home to usurp Slavia at the top of Group C. Both teams are tied on 12 points but Slavia’s 1-0 win in the reverse fixture gives them the edge in the current standings. The Germans have made a fine start to the season in Germany and sit second in the table, unbeaten in 10.
Slavia’s only defeat this season was at Nice in this competition but I expect a second to follow tonight. Bayer are 8/13 to win but having scored 24 in their last eight matches I’m happy to take them to also score 2 or more at 20/23.
Slovan Liberec v Red Star Belgrade
Serbian league leaders Red Star can sign-off on a successful group stage with a win Czech Republic. Hosts Liberec are toiling in the Fortuna liga, sitting mid-table with 4 wins from 9. Their two European wins have come at the expense of Gent, who are in even worse form in Belgium.
Red Star are flying domestically and are unbeaten in their 17 league matches so far (W15 D2), winning all but one one the road – and they won the reverse fixture 5-1 in Belgrade. They look too big at 7/5 (Marathonbet) to ignore.
Dinamo Zagreb v CSKA Moscow
Goals have been scarce in Group K, just 18 scored in the 10 matches to date. That’s argely been in thanks to Dinamo Zagreb’s record of cfive clean sheets that’s been the backbone of their impressive campaign. The Croatians can rubber stamp top spot with a win at home to CSKA who have hit a bit of rough patch and are winless in five. Zagreb are just about very backable at 19/20 (Coral).
Celtic v Lille
In the Glaswegian vernacular, Celtic “couldn’t keep weans oot a close” in the Europa League this season. 17 goals conceded makes it the worst defensive record in the competition and leaves Celtic playing for pride in the final matchday against a Lille who have already secured qualification.
Goals have come thick AND fast in the Bhoys matches – all five have seen two or more first half goals. Neil Lennon has promised to make changes and no doubt Lille will take the opportunity to rotate too so this is a bit of a blind bet but Bet365 go just over evens at 2.050 on Over 1.0,1.5 first half goals.
Sparta Prague v AC Milan
Milan should have too much in their locker for a Sparta side who are struggling for consistency. Three defeats in four league matches has Sparta slip five points off the pace, while Milan continue to power on in Serie A and have designs on halting Juventus’ run of titles.
Milan still have some work to do to secure top spot and will be reliant on Celtic taking something against Lille but have enough strength in depth to win the three points and score two or more in the process at 20/23.
Five to Follow
- Bayer Leverkusen to win and score 2+ goals 20/23 (Bet365)
- Red Star Belgrade to win 7/5 (Marathonbet)
- Dinamo Zagreb to win 19/20 (Coral)
- Celtic v Lille Over 1.0,1.5 first half goals 2.050 (Bet365)
- AC Milan to win and score 2+ goals 20/21 (Bet365)
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