The combination of Europa League football and the both teams to score coupon has proven to be very successful for us so far, and we’ll be hopeful of landing yet another treble on Thursday night to turn £10 into £47.
Given that two of the reverse matches of our three selected fixtures ended in BTTS winners, there’s every reason to believe that there will be goals galore once more. Here are our selections.
Istanbul Basaksehir v Hoffenheim. 6PM
Group C rivals Basaksehir and Hoffenheim enter matchday four knowing that only a win will do in their respective bids to reach the last 32, and that should encourage both sides to adopt a positive approach. With a little luck, that should lead to a game of goals at the Fatih Terim stadium.
Despite their struggles in this competition, the Turkish hosts have been involved in six straight competitive BTTS winners while the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Eljero Elia underline their quality in the attacking third. Against an away side that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in seven, there should be opportunities for the home side to score.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men did hit three in the reverse fixture just two weeks ago and scored in both of their Bundesliga fixtures since then. Sandro Wagner, Andrej Kramaric, and Marc Uth are all capable of causing problems in Turkey. Frankly, it would be a surprise to see them fire a blank.
In truth, it’s difficult to see which way this will go in terms of the result. With the current standings, though, neither team can afford to sit back. A BTTS winner should be likely.
Arsenal v Red Star Belgrade. 8:05PM
Arsene Wenger’s Gunners will be fully expected to seal their place in the last 32 with another win as they welcome Red Star Belgrade to the Emirates. Even with a weakened squad, the likes of Jack Wilshere and co. shouldn’t have any problems finding the net.
After all, the Premier League club have scored eight in their three games thus far, including three in their previous home game against Koln. Their home form has generally been pretty solid all season in front of goal, and their superior quality should show as the fringe players try to make a name for themselves.
The Gunners won’t name their strongest side, however, especially with one eye on Manchester City. Red Star would see an away goal as a major achievement, even if it they do go on to lose the clash. We’re backing them to get it.
As long as the visitors do get on the scoresheet, this is an almost certain BTTS winner.
Viktoria Plzen v Lugano. 8:05PM
The race for second place in Group G is shaping up to be a fascinating three-way battle. With Hapoel Be’er Sheva heading to leaders Steaua Bucharest, Plzen and Lugano have a fantastic opportunity to take pole position. Both should be well up for this crucial encounter at the Doosan Arena.
The Czech hosts are looking to score for a 10th game on the spin, and can look to Michal Krmencik for inspiration in the attacking third. Despite losing the reverse clash, they did at least grab two goals a fortnight ago. Having hit three in each of the two games since, they should be among the goals once more.
Lugano won’t only take confidence from the recent win against Plzen. They’ve scored six in three games since, albeit with once coming in extra-time of the domestic cup. Pierluigi Tami’s men aren’t the most fashionable side by any means, but you cannot argue with their scoring form. Unfortunately, their defensive troubles could be their undoing here.
Then again, as long as they get on the scoresheet too, we won’t be shedding any tears.
