The Europa League action continues on Thursday night as the second leg of the knockout ties take centre stage and we take a look at two fixtures from a betting angle, offering up a suggested bet in each game.
Let’s begin with a look at the Outright Betting Market where Aston Villa remain prominent at the top of the market at 3.70, followed by AS Roma at 8.00 and Olympique Lyon trading at 9.00, while the rest are available at double figures and bigger.
Click here to bet on the Outright Betting Markets.
FC VIKTORIA PLZEN vs PANATHINAIKOS
Plzen come into this second leg after playing out a 2-2 draw away to Panathinaikos in Greece last week. That result means the tie is finely balanced, with Plzen now holding home advantage as they look to book their place in the next round.
Their recent Europa League form has been built on defensive solidity. They secured a 1-0 away win at Basel and held FC Porto to a 1-1 draw at home, while also playing out goalless draws against Freiburg and Panathinaikos earlier in the campaign. Plzen have proven difficult to break down and will likely approach this clash with structure and discipline.
Panathinaikos have also been consistent but not overly dominant. Alongside the two draws against Plzen, they recorded a 1-1 home draw with AS Roma and a 1-1 away result at Ferencvaros, while claiming a solid 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz late last year.
They have shown resilience, but goals have not come freely in recent European outings. With the first leg ending level, this encounter could be tight again, with neither side wanting to overcommit too early.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met twice in this season’s Europa League, drawing 0-0 in the group stages and 2-2 last week.
Betting – Click here to bet
Plzen 2.10
Draw 3.40
Panathinaikos 3.85
Verdict
With both meetings between these sides ending in draws and recent matches trending toward low-scoring affairs, another cagey contest looks likely. With both sides settling for four draws across their last five Europa matches I am backing a stalemate.
BET: Draw at 3.40
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
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs FENERBAHCE
Nottingham Forest return home holding a commanding advantage after defeating Fenerbahce 3-0 away in the first leg. That result puts the English side firmly in control as they look to finish the job in front of their own supporters.
Forest’s recent form has been mixed domestically, but in Europe they have impressed. The 3-0 victory in Istanbul followed a 4-0 home win over Ferencvaros and a 2-1 away success at Utrecht earlier in the campaign. They have shown they can be clinical in front of goal and efficient when protecting a lead.
Fenerbahce face an uphill battle after the heavy home defeat. While they have recorded strong 3-2 and 3-1 domestic wins over Trabzonspor and Genclerbirligi in recent weeks, their European performances have been less convincing, including a 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw away against FCSB.
Conceding three goals at home in the first leg leaves them needing to take risks here.
Head-to-Head
Nottingham Forest lead the head-to-head record with one win from one meeting after the 3-0 first fixture victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
Nottingham Forest 1.51
Draw 4.50
Fenerbahce 6.25
Verdict
Holding a three-goal upper hand and returning home, Forest are in a strong position to continue their Europa League run. With Fenerbahce likely to push forward in search of goals, the hosts should find opportunities to strike again. I am expecting another one-sided affair.
BET: Asian Handicap, Nottingham Forest -1.5 goals at 2.35 – Forest must win by at least 2 goals
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
