The introduction of the Europa Conference League this season was welcomed with a fair degree of condescention. Even Brendan Rodgers claimed he didn’t even know what the competition was when his Leicester City side were dropped in to the mix following their Europa League exit.
But Europe’s third-tier competition has thrown up some fascinating ties, including tonight’s for Rodgers’ Foxes against PSV Eindhoven.
A 0-0 draw the King Power Stadium leaves the tie hanging in the balance and Leicester could tempt a few at 14/5 but Jamie Vardy continues to miss out through injury and his absence will be keenly felt on this stage. PSV are unbeaten in 15 and have secured five clean sheets in their last six. It could be a tight one at the Phillips Stadium and it’s 6/4 that a single goal will separate the sides.
Bodo/Glimt‘s European adventures have been like a fairytale this season and they’re on the verge of writing another spectacular chapter tonight in Rome. They famously beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the group stages and followed that up with a 2-2 draw in the Eternal City in a match in which they led twice. Few gave them much chance to repeat the feat when the sides were drawn together in the last 16 but the Elitesieren champions stunned Mourinho’s men again, winning 2-1 thanks to a late Veltesen goal last Thursday.
That sets things up nicely for another giant-killing by Kjetil Knutsen’s side tonight. One things for sure the Norwegians won’t go to Stadio Olympico and try to hold on to their lead, attack is always Knutsen’s preferred method of defence. With that in mind we could see goals again between these two, however Over 2.5 only pays 3/5, while Over 3.5 pays 6/4. Glimt have now scored 10 goals in their three meetings so far and they’re 8/11 to score tonight or 7/2 to score two or more. Combining O2.5 with Glimt to score at least one of those could be the best way to attack the goals market.
In the Europa League Ibrox should be bouncing for the visit of Braga. The Portuguese claimed a 1-0 first leg advantage last week, a result that leaves the door open for Rangers to qualify. Injuries are starting to hit Giovanni Van Bronkhorst’s side however with the likes of Morelos and Helander missing out and question marks over Jack, Bassey and Lundstram.
Rangers can afford to be patient but they usually build up a head of steam pretty quickly in these games so an early goal isn’t out of the question. A goal before the half hour mark is 5/6 at Bet365. In Morelos’ absence Rangers will be looking to Kemar Roofe to fill his boots once more and he’s favourite to score any time at 6/5. James Tavernier is always worth a punt too and the penalty king is 6/1 to open the scoring or 2/1 to score any time.
West Ham face a tough night in Lyon where they’ll need to win to progress. The 1-1 draw at the London Stadium wasn’t without it’s controversy and that could carry over to tonight. Referee Sandro Schärer is apparently one of Davie Moyes’ favourites following his display in the Hammers 1-0 defeat in Seville in the previous round but he’s no stranger to red cards having dished out nine in his 26 games this season. He also booked no less than 13 in a single match in the Swiss League so clearly doesn’t stand for much nonsense. Another red is 5/2 while Over 4.5 Cards pays 5/6.
Barcelona should get the job done against Eintracht Frankfurt after being held to a 1-1 draw in Germany. Aubameyang looks best bet to break the deadlock at 11/4.
Super Singles
- Bodo/Glimt to score 8/11 Bet365
- Rangers v Braga – Goal before 30:00 5/6 Bet365
- Over 2.5 Goal Double at Roma & Atalanta 9/5 SBK
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- Thursday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today’s 15/2 Both Teams to Score & Total Team Goals Acca
- Thu 17:45 PSV Eindhoven v Leicester City
- Thu 17:45 Atalanta v RB Leipzig
- Thu 20:00 Rangers v Braga
- Thu 20:00 Lyon v West Ham
- Thu 20:00 PAOK v Marseille
- Thu 20:00 Roma v Bodo/Glimt
- Thu 20:00 Slavia Prague v Feyenoord
- Thu 20:00 Barcelona v Eintracht Frankfurt
- Fri 12:30 Luton Town v Nottingham Forest
- Fri 19:45 Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Kilmarnock
- Fri 20:00 Derby County v Fulham
Racing Tips
Rizzel’s sole selection yesterday was a NR, he has picked out two for Thursday’s racing.
Golf Tips
After all the excitement at Augusta last week it’s business as usual as the PGA Tour resumes with the RBC Heritage and The Caddy is hoping to follow up his brilliant Masters tips with some more winners this weekend.
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Thursday’s Football Tips: Goals The Way to Go In Europa Competitions appeared first on MrFixitsTips.