This Thursday, we turn our attention to the second leg of two exciting ties in the UEFA Europa League, with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs. Here are our suggested betting markets and additional insights for you to consider for each match.
First, let’s take a look at the latest outright market odds. Manchester United are the current favourites at 9/2, with Tottenham Hotspur at 5/1. Athletic Bilbao follow at 11/2, while Lazio are priced at 7/1. The rest of the field is listed at 10/1 or greater.
Click here for all the latest Europa League Outright Betting
AS ROMA v FC PORTO – Click here to bet
AS Roma welcome FC Porto to the Stadio Olimpico for the second leg of their Europa League playoff, with the tie delicately poised following a 1-1 draw in the first encounter. Despite having a man sent off in the 72nd minute, Roma managed to hold FC Porto to a draw, ensuring everything is still to play for in the return fixture. The Giallorossi head into this clash following a 1-0 away win against Parma over the weekend, which sees them sitting ninth in Serie A. Under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, they’ve lost just once in their last seven matches across all competitions, securing four wins and two draws. Their solid European form has seen them win three of their four group-phase fixtures, making them confident of using home advantage to progress to the next round.
FC Porto, meanwhile, come into this second leg in decent form, sitting fourth in the Portuguese Primeira Liga after a 1-0 win away to Farense on Sunday. However, their away form in European competitions has been less convincing, with only one win on the road in the group phase, alongside one draw and two losses. Despite this, Porto are still very much in the tie after securing an important 1-1 draw at home. Their recent unbeaten run of six matches in all competitions (two wins and four draws) has given them confidence ahead of this challenging fixture.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met five times in European competition, with Porto holding the upper hand. The Portuguese club have lost just once against Roma (W2, D2, L1), including last week’s 1-1 result at the Estádio do Dragão
Betting
Roma 5/6
Draw 26/10
FC Porto 7/2
Verdict
Despite last week’s draw, Roma certainly hold the upper hand going into the second leg after managing to avoid defeat in Portugal. That said, the closely contested nature of the first encounter is likely to resurface, with very little separating these two sides overall. In the first leg, I fancied Porto to avoid defeat with limited action, which proved accurate. This week, however, it’s Roma’s turn, given their strong home record in Europe this season and the added advantage of playing at the Stadio Olimpico.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Total – Roma/Draw And Under 2.5 at 23/20
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s &C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
ANDERLECHT v FENERBAHÇE – Click here to bet
Anderlecht will be looking to overturn a first-leg deficit when they host Fenerbahçe this Thursday in Brussels for the second leg of their Europa League playoff. The Belgian side suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat in Istanbul, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to progress. However, Anderlecht have shown resilience at home in European competitions this season, winning two, drawing one, and losing one. They responded well domestically over the weekend with a 1-0 away win against Charleroi, a result that keeps them fourth in the Jupiler Pro League. Despite their struggles in the first leg, they will hope that home advantage gives them a fighting chance to mount a comeback.
Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, are in outstanding form and will be eager to complete the job in Brussels. Building on last week’s dominant European display, they secured a 3-1 domestic win over Kasımpaşa on Sunday, extending their impressive unbeaten streak to 14 matches in all competitions. They remain just three points off Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig. Their commanding first-leg performance puts them firmly in control, allowing the visitors to dictate play on their own terms. Barring any reckless challenges that could lead to a sending-off, it seems unlikely that Anderlecht have the quality to overturn the deficit and qualify.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have faced each other five times in European competition, with Fenerbahçe boasting a dominant record. The Turkish club has emerged victorious in four of those meetings, including last week’s emphatic 3-0 win.
Betting
Anderlecht 37/20
Draw 27/10
Fenerbahçe 14/10
Verdict
Fenerbahçe’s commanding lead from the first leg certainly places them in a solid position to qualify for the round of 16. With the first-leg result heavily tipped in their favour, Anderlecht will have no choice but to play more positively and push forward. While I expect the hosts to score in the second leg, their attacking approach will likely leave them vulnerable to Fenerbahçe’s counter-attacks, providing the Turkish side with ample opportunities to add to their tally.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score – Over 2.5 And Yes at 5/6
Top of FormBottom 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
