Goals were at a premium during last week’s Europa League first leg matches. However, with all to play for in this week’s return clashes, there should be plenty more drama to sink our teeth onto on Thursday.
We’re hoping to capitalise on the heightened action with this 11/2 treble on the BTTS market. With a little bit of luck, these six teams can set us up nicely ahead of the weekend.
Good luck.
4/1 odds that Man United v Liverpool doesn’t finish 0-0. Get on now at Coral
Bayer Leverkusen v Villarreal. 6PM
It’s advantage Villarreal after the Spaniards claimed a comfortable 2-0 win on home soil last week. Nevertheless, Marcelino’s men will know that there’s still some work to do to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
An away goal would put them on the verge of qualification, though, as it would force the Germans into needing four. The firepower of Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu should give them ample opportunity to register that crucial away strike, especially if Leverkusen start chasing, and it should be enough to see them through.
Roger Schmidt’s side shouldn’t be ruled out completely, though, particularly at the BayArena. The hosts have hit the target in 17 of 19 home games this term, and will be looking to Javier Hernandez and Hakan Calhanoglu for inspiration here.
The hosts should score, but an away goal would almost certainly see them exit, which is why we’re backing both teams to score.
BTTS Yes @ Evens with Paddy Power
Sporting Braga v Fenerbahce. 8:05PM
It’s all to play for at the Estadio AXA as Fenerbahce take a slender 1-0 lead to Portugal. The Turks might not be overly fancied to grab a win against Braga, but they know that an away goal will almost certainly see them through. And we’re backing them to get it.
The visitors will be in high confidence given the fact they’ve won five competitive games on the spin. Meanwhile, strike duo Robin van Persie and Fernandao should have more than enough quality to give the home side problems.
Still, no away game in Europe is easy, especially at this stage. Paulo Fonseca’s men have scored in 11 consecutive home games overall while boasting eight in four home Europa League games too. Koka and co might not score enough to see the Portuguese side through, but there’s no reason to think they can’t at leasts give their fans something to cheer.
Don’t be surprised if we see a score draw.
BTTS Yes @ 10/11 with Paddy Power
Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund. 8:05PM
Mauricio Pochettino’s men were humbled in Germany last week and will almost certainly be dropping out of the Europa League as they welcome Dortmund to White Hart Lane. Nonetheless, they will be desperate to spare their blushes and will be eager to at least score a goal.
Spurs are likely to make changes in order to concentrate on the weekend’s crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth. Even so, their squad has more than enough talent to put in a decent performance, and the lack of pressure on the visitors could allow them to score.
As far as Thomas Tuchel’s men are concerned, one goal will be enough to absolute seal their last eight spot. Given their wealth of attacking talents, spearheaded by the incredible Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, there’s no reason to doubt their chances of scoring.
We quite fancy a 2-1 win for the visitors. Either way, though, we do think both sides will find the target.
BTTS Yes @ 4/6 with Paddy Power
A £10 treble returns £63.80 with Paddy Power
