The UEFA Europa League action continues on Thursday night, and we take a look at two intriguing Group Stage fixtures from a betting perspective as Brann host Glasgow Rangers in Norway and Aston Villa travel to the Netherlands to face Go Ahead Eagles.
BRANN vs GLASGOW RANGERS
Brann have started their Europa League campaign decently with three points from their opening two matches. They edged past Utrecht 1-0 at home last time out after a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Lille in their opening fixture.
The Norwegian side have been tough to beat at Brann Stadion, having won four of their last five home games across all competitions and conceding just four times in that run.
Rangers are struggling to find form in the Europa. They sit near the bottom of the group in 32nd after losing both their opening fixtures, 1-0 at home to Genk and 2-1 away to Sturm Graz when they last took to the pitch.
Their defensive lapses have cost them, and they have now gone five European matches without a clean sheet.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first ever meeting between Brann and Rangers in European competition.
Betting – Click here to bet
Brann 2.05
Draw 3.65
Glasgow Rangers 3.50
Verdict
Brann’s home advantage and Rangers current European woes suggest the hosts could edge this one. I am expecting a tight, low-scoring affair.
BET: Brann to win at 2.05
Last Leg Bad Luck!
Scratched/Voided markets do not count towards Leg count.
Pre-match bets only.
Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the game finishing.
Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days.
Max refund per account per day in Free Bets:
Free Bets terms and conditions apply.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Last Leg Promo or, present your ticket to your branch manager within 24 hours of the game finishing.
GO AHEAD EAGLES vs ASTON VILLA
Go Ahead Eagles have made a respectable start to their Europa League campaign with one win from two matches which leaves them in 16th on the log. They narrowly lost 1-0 at home to FCSB but bounced back with an impressive 2-1 victory away to Panathinaikos in their most recent outing.
The Dutch side play a brave, attacking brand of football but have been vulnerable defensively, having failed to restrict goals in five matches across all competitions.
Aston Villa have hit the ground running in their campaign, winning both of their opening games without conceding. They beat Bologna 1-0 at home before securing a 2-0 victory away to Feyenoord a few weeks ago.
The side is performing both domestically and in European terms, unbeaten in their last six games, with five consecutive victories and one draw.
Head-to-Head
This will be the only competitive meeting between Go Ahead Eagles and Aston Villa to date.
Betting – Click here to bet
Go Ahead Eagles 6.00
Draw 4.75
Aston Villa 1.49
Verdict
Aston Villa have been professional and composed in Europe and should be too strong for the Dutch hosts. Expect Villa to control proceedings and win comfortably.
BET: Asian Handicap, Aston Villa -1.5 at 2.20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
