This Thursday promises another thrilling evening of European football, featuring two captivating UEFA Europa League encounters. As always, we provide a betting perspective for your consideration.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright odds: Tottenham Hotspur remain the favourites heading into round six at 4/1, followed closely by Manchester United at 11/2. Athletic Bilbao are priced as the next strongest contenders at 6/1, with Real Sociedad also in the mix at 8/1. The rest of the field is listed at 10/1 or higher.
Click here for all the latest Europa League Outright Betting
VIKTORIA PLZEN v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Viktoria Plzeň welcome Manchester United to the Doosan Arena for a crucial UEFA Europa League clash, with both teams locked on 9 points overall. Thursday’s hosts are currently second in the Czech First League with 40 points, riding a strong unbeaten run of seven matches in all competitions, including six wins. Their most recent victory came in a 2-1 triumph away to Karviná, extending their impressive form on the domestic front.
In Europe, Plzeň have been in excellent form, registering back-to-back wins, including a 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in their most recent Europa League outing. Their solid performances have them level on points with Manchester United in the group, although United have the superior goal difference. Plzeň will be eager to continue their good run and take advantage of their home advantage against a rather unsettled Red Devils outfit at present.
Europa League Form: W2 D3 L0
Plzeň have averaged 1.8 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 1.4 goals per match. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 80% of their European encounters to date (4 out of 5 matches).
Manchester United are still seeking consistency under newly appointed Ruben Amorim, with their domestic form remaining a concern. They sit mid-table in the Premier League after a 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, and their struggles continue to persist in the league. However, with a busy schedule ahead, United will see this week’s encounter as an opportunity to reset and perhaps build some much needed momentum.
In the Europa League, Manchester United remain unbeaten with two wins and three draws, putting them in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. Their most recent result was a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt, marking back-to-back European victories for the first time this season. With just a one-goal difference separating them from Plzeň, United will be focused on extending their unbeaten run in a bid to claim yet another crucial victory in Europe.
Europa League Form: W2 D3 L0
Manchester United average 2 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 1.4 goals per match. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of their European encounters to date (3 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
This will mark the first meeting between these two sides.
Betting
Viktoria Plzeň 9/2
Draw 33/10
Manchester United 6/10
Verdict
United’s European experience and superior squad depth should give them the edge heading into this crucial meeting. However, with the Red Devils yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in Europe, this match is likely to produce a few goals.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total, Draw/ Manchester United and Over 2.5 at 8/10
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RANGERS v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
Rangers host Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday in a crucial UEFA Europa League clash, with both teams locked on 10 points in the group and separated only by a two-goal difference. The Gers are currently 3rd in the Scottish Premiership with 32 points, trailing league leaders Celtic by 11. Despite the gap at the top, they remain in superb form, riding a four-game winning streak in all competitions. Defensively, they have been particularly solid, keeping three consecutive clean sheets domestically leading up to Thursday’s European clash.
In the Europa League, Rangers occupy 8th place, holding the final automatic qualification spot with 10 points. Their most recent result in Europe saw them triumph 4-1 away to Nice, a dominant victory that has further boosted their confidence heading into this clash. With automatic qualification still within their grasp, Rangers will be eager to take advantage of their home ground, placing themselves in solid contention.
Europa League Form: W3 D1 L1
In Europe, Rangers currently average 2.4 goals per game this season, conceding 1.2 goals per match. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 60% of their European encounters to date (3 out of 5 matches).
For Tottenham Hotspur, pressure continues to mount on manager Ange Postecoglou following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. Spurs currently find themselves in 11th place with 20 points on the domestic front, after a disappointing 4-3 loss to Chelsea at home on Sunday, having initially taken a 2-0 lead. This defeat once again raises concerns over their temperament in big matches, as well as their general lack of form at present.
In the Europa League, Tottenham occupy 9th place with 10 points in the standings. Their most recent encounter resulted in a frustrating 2-2 draw at home against Roma, where Spurs led twice, only to be pegged back on both occasions. Separated by only a two-goal difference with Rangers, a win on Thursday could prove crucial in moving Spurs into automatic qualification, knowing there are just two games remaining after this in the round-robin phase.
Europa League Form: W3 D1 L1
In Europe, Tottenham Hotspur average 2 goals per game this season, while conceding 1.2 goals per match. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 80% of their European encounters to date (4 out of 5 matches).
Head-to-Head
These two sides are yet to meet competitively, having faced each other only once in a club friendly, where Tottenham Hotspur triumphed 2-1 back in 2022.
Betting
Rangers 5/2
Draw 11/4
Tottenham Hotspur 21/20
Verdict
This should be an entertaining game between two sides averaging healthy ratios in the goal-scoring department. While Spurs have been prolific up front, their defensive structure has left much to be desired of late. Rangers will certainly pose problems, and with home-ground advantage, they are likely to feature on the score sheet as well.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 15/20
Top of Form
Bottom of FormClick here for all of this week’s European football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
