We take a look at two exciting match ups taking place in the Europa League this Thursday, offering insights as well as a betting perspective for you to consider.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright odds: Tottenham Hotspur remain favourites as we head into round four, with current odds of 15/4, followed by Manchester United at 13/2. Athletic Bilbao are considered next best at 8/1, while Lazio enter the equation at 9/1, closely followed by Roma at 10/1. The rest of the field can be obtained at 12/1 or greater
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GALATASARAY v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
Galatasaray are set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the iconic Rams Park on Thursday in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League clash, where 2nd place meets 5th in Turkey. The Yellow-Reds currently sit at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig, having secured their ninth league victory out of a possible ten with a 2-1 win over rivals Beşiktaş at home last Monday.
Having enjoyed a week off in preparation for Thursday’s European clash, the Turkish side certainly enters match day 4 the fresher of the two. In Europe, the Lions have performed extremely well this season, currently occupying 5th position after securing their second group-phase win with a 4-3 victory at home against Elfsborg in the previous round. Unbeaten in the Europa League with two wins and a draw, Galatasaray will be cautiously optimistic ahead of Thursday’s encounter, particularly given that their talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen, appears to be in excellent form, having scored four times in his last four league appearances. He could prove to be the key to challenging Spurs’ impressive defensive form in Europe.
This season, Galatasaray average 3 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 2. Over 2.5 goals have featured in all three matches overall (100%).
Tottenham Hotspur will travel to Istanbul for Thursday’s all-important clash, hoping to maintain their solid run of form in Europe. After securing an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa this past weekend in the EPL, Spurs returned to winning ways domestically following a disappointing 1-0 league defeat away to Crystal Palace, placing them 7th in the English Premier League after 10 matches.
Unbeaten in Europe with three wins from three, Spurs find themselves 2nd in the table, separated only by goal difference, with 9 points this campaign. Ange Postecoglou’s side have looked impressive thus far, and judging by Sunday’s performance against Villa, they appear to show no signs of slowing down in balancing both domestic and European commitments. However, this clash does seem to be their sternest test in Europe to date, as they don’t have a particularly strong record against Turkish opposition, with just one win, one draw, and one defeat in their last three encounters.
This season, Tottenham average 2 goals per game in Europe while conceding an average of 0.33. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 67% of those encounters overall (2 out of 3 matches).
Head-to-Head
This marks the first encounter between these two teams.
Betting
Galatasaray 29/20
Draw 29/10
Tottenham Hotspur 33/20
Verdict
The draw certainly has to be considered here, given how impressively both teams have performed in Europe this season. With both sides competing at the top end of the table, neither is likely to be too disappointed if they walk away with a point apiece.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 29/10
MANCHESTER UNITED v PAOK THESSALONIKI – Click here to bet
Unbeaten in his first two games as interim head coach of Manchester United, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be hoping for calm heads to prevail in his final two matches before former Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim officially takes over. This Thursday, Old Trafford will take centre stage as the Red Devils host PAOK Thessaloniki in their fourth match of this season’s UEFA Europa League campaign. Having secured a well-earned 1-1 draw at home against Chelsea on the domestic front over the weekend, United enter the Europa League with renewed belief that they can turn their European aspirations around.
The Red Devils remain unbeaten in Europe after earning a point from a 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce in their most recent outing. This result places them 21st in the standings with three points, having now recorded three consecutive score draws in their first three appearances. Consequently, they have yet to keep a clean sheet in this competition this season.
This season, Manchester United average 1.66 goals per game in the Europa League while conceding the same average of 1.66. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 67% of those encounters overall (2 out of 3 matches).
Fresh from a 2-1 victory away to Lamia in the Greek Super League this past weekend, PAOK Thessaloniki returned to winning ways on the domestic front, placing them 2nd in the standings, just one point adrift of league leaders Aris. This Thursday, they will be aiming to make their mark as they travel to Manchester to face the Red Devils in Europe, hoping to improve on their recent performances in this season’s UEFA Europa League campaign.
Currently sitting 30th in the Europa League table with just one point to show for their efforts, PAOK will be keen to secure their first victory of the season. In their most recent encounter against Plzen, they earned their first point in Europe after trailing 2-0 at halftime, scoring two goals in the last ten minutes to salvage a valuable draw. However, they know there is still plenty of work to be done if they are to realistically qualify for the next phase, having already registered two defeats in their opening three matches of the competition.
This season, PAOK Thessaloniki average 1.66 goals per game in the Europa League while conceding an average of 2. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 67% of those encounters overall (2 out of 3 matches).
Head-to-Head
This marks the first encounter between these two teams.
Betting
Manchester United 1/4
Draw 11/2
PAOK Thessaloniki 10/1
Verdict
United certainly have the advantage as this meeting is set to take place in Manchester. PAOK has yet to register a point on their travels, conceding an average of three goals per away match in Europe this season, which suggests they are likely to struggle at Old Trafford. This match is expected to result in a comfortable victory for the home side, as the visitors are anticipated to continue their poor defensive record on the road.
Suggested Bet: Manchester United Totals, Over 2.5 at 10/11
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
