This is crunch time for some in the Europa League?
With the Europa League we have three combinations this week. We have teams that have nothing to play for, those that do and also a minefield where goals may occur!
The following treble pays £50.07 for a £10 stake with 888sport. If you fancy less risk, consider singles and doubles only.
Spurs Vs Monaco
Before I begin the preview here, for some reason in my mind I must oppose the over line as Spurs have qualified for the next stage. Spurs could be pipped to second if Belgian outfit Anderlecht beat Qarabag by more than a goal. Monaco will qualify if Anderlecht fails to win, but must win themselves and overcome a two goal deficit.
Spurs would gladly take the draw on this one and come in to this with excellent form having achieved a fourteen game unbeaten streak. Monaco in Ligue one have lost just once in the last ten with five draws in the process.
Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco side will be aware of Spurs record, with their three draws in five Europa League campaign as the determining factor with them having work to do. One of those three draws included the reverse fixture back in October where the pair ended one goal apiece. Spurs could play a weakened side, although with their great run, it would not pay them to do this.
Spurs will be aware of the Monaco attack, who boasts thirteen different goal scorers this season. The way the game will go may determine how Monaco will treat this game. Looking back at the draw it would suit Spurs, but not Monaco. It may turn out this way as the visitors have seen fewer than three goals in all five of this season’s campaign.
With Spurs looking to utilise a draw and a low scoring affair, with a break to follow, they will be able to concentrate on solidifying their record in the Premier League starting with Newcastle on Sunday.
Recommendation
Under 2.5 goals – 1.92 at 888sport
Sion Vs Liverpool
This is a game that could be a good candidate for a stalemate as a point for both sides will be enough to both advance. Of course the Swiss outfit could pip Liverpool with a win and Sion will be weary that a loss and a win for Rubin Kazan, who are 11/2 to qualify, could advance in receipt of a reds victory.
The sides went to a score draw one apiece in the reverse fixture in a group, which has seen low scorers throughout. Liverpool has already assured a spot in the last thirty-two, although a point in Switzerland will mean they avoid the four highest ranked Champions League dropouts in the first knockout stage
Both Sion and Liverpool have averaged just two goals in their five games. To make a case for goals in this one is difficult, as Liverpool will want to avert last weekend’s defeat and just get the job done in Switzerland. This could well be a match to avoid watching if you expect goals.
Domestically nine of Liverpool’s fifteen games have landed less than three including five of the reds away games.
Team news suggest that Jurgen Klopp is taking this seriously with Milner, Benteke and captain Jordan Henderson all in training Wednesday. Sources suggest the reds boss will look at a mixture of youth and experience. All this indicates a low scorer as they look to grind out a result and see the two goal line worth a look on the Asian lines.
Recommendation
Under 2.5 goals – 1.65 at 888sport
Fenerbahce Vs Celtic
With nothing but pride to play for and could upset the spoils for the Turkish outfit as Fenerbahce will need to win to make it certain of progression. The surprise in this group has been Norwegian outfit Molde. This game has two sides bidding for qualification and Vítor Pereira’s men are in prime position. Domestically the home side have the best record in the Turkish super league, unbeaten in eight with a point off table toppers Besiktas.
Celtic will want to head out this year’s campaign with a win as the Scottish Champions take Kris Commons and James Forrest to Istanbul although captain Scott Brown, Mulgrew and Janko who are all missing due to longer term injury.
The reverse fixture ended a draw where Celtic took a two-nil lead before being pegged back in October. I do think with this mentality of wanting to end on a high, this could reflect on Celtic moving forward positively. With the Turkish side able to win the group this game has goals written over this.
It is unsurprising odds compilers take the same view as Celtic’s entire group games have been inundated with goals and anticipate the trend continuing.
Recommendation
Over 2.5 goals – 1.60 at 888sport
