This Thursday, we turn our attention to three thrilling encounters in the UEFA Europa League, providing detailed insights along with betting suggestions for each match.
First, let’s take a look at the latest outright market odds. Tottenham Hotspur are the current favourites at 9/2, closely followed by Manchester United at 5/1. Athletic Bilbao are next at 11/2, while both Lazio and Real Sociedad are priced at 8/1. The rest of the field is listed at 13/1 or higher.
Click here for all the latest Europa League Outright Betting
HOFFENHEIM v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
Hoffenheim enter this critical UEFA Europa League clash buoyed by a much-needed confidence boost. A crucial 3-1 victory over Holstein Kiel in their third Bundesliga match within eight days not only ended a dismal nine-game winless run of three draws and six defeats across all competitions but also lifted them out of the Bundesliga relegation zone. The stakes couldn’t be higher in Europe for the hosts, who sit just one point behind the last of the 24 teams that will advance to the UEL knockout phase.
Europa League Form: W1 D3 L2
With five of their six points earned on home soil, this penultimate group-stage encounter against Tottenham will be seen as their best chance to keep their European hopes alive. Having scored 5 goals while conceding 8, they will be eager to improve their current average of 0.83 goals scored per game and 1.33 goals conceded. With only one clean sheet to their name, newly appointed manager Christian Ilzer will be keen to see a significant defensive improvement if they are to keep their aspirations for European progress intact.
Tottenham Hotspur’s domestic struggles have been well-documented, with a dramatic slump in the Premier League leaving them with just one win from their last ten league matches. Their 12th defeat of the season, a loss to Everton over the weekend, has intensified the scrutiny surrounding Ange Postecoglou’s position at the helm. However, Spurs have fared considerably better in Europe, and perhaps a change of focus will help lift their spirits. With 11 points on the board and only goal difference separating them from the top eight, they still find themselves with a reasonable chance of qualifying automatically for the next round.
Europa League Form: W3 D2 L1
Spurs are unbeaten in their last two European outings, having secured back-to-back draws, including a 1-1 stalemate away to Rangers on Matchday 6. With only one defeat in the tournament so far, they will view this match as an ideal opportunity to break free from their recent struggles and reignite their season. Upfront, they’ve found the net 11 times while conceding 7 in Europe, with three or more goals featured in 67% of their matches (4 out of 6).
Head-to-Head
Wednesday marks the first-ever meeting between these two sides.
Betting Odds
Hoffenheim: 2/1
Draw 29/10
Tottenham Hotspur 12/10
Verdict
Hoffenheim’s renewed confidence suggests the hosts could be up for this encounter. However, I’m not entirely convinced. Tottenham’s quality in crucial areas is likely to tip the scales in their favour, so I’m backing an away win on the outright.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Tottenham Hotspur at 12/10
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MANCHESTER UNITED v RANGERS – Click here to bet
Manchester United find themselves in the midst of a turbulent domestic campaign, with head coach Ruben Amorim under increasing scrutiny following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton. Having amassed just 11 points from his first 11 Premier League games at the helm, the Red Devils find themselves in 13th place with 26 points this season—a far cry from their former glory. While Champions League football has eluded them, United remain unbeaten in the Europa League, currently sitting 7th in the standings with 12 points. A victory against Rangers would offer much-needed relief, granting them additional time to address their domestic struggles by avoiding the complexities of a playoff scenario to secure progression in Europe.
Europa League Form: W3 D3 L0
While Old Trafford has offered little respite in domestic competition, Manchester United have shown much brighter form on the European stage. The Red Devils are unbeaten at home in the Europa League, securing two wins and a draw so far. Their attacking prowess has been impressive, with 12 goals scored at an average of 2 per game, though defensive vulnerabilities remain, as they’ve conceded 8 at an average of 1.33 per game. Ruben Amorim’s side has managed just one clean sheet in the competition, suggesting another goal-filled encounter could be on the cards this week as United continue to grapple with their defensive frailties.
Rangers, meanwhile, enter Europe off the back of an impressive 5-0 victory over Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup. They do however find themselves struggling to keep pace with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, trailing their Old Firm rivals by 13 points. With domestic hopes fading, manager Philippe Clement appears to be focusing on the UEL, where his side are also inside the top eight heading into this round. Clement has overseen a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions, offering Rangers plenty to work with going to Old Trafford this Thursday.
Europa League Form: W3 D2 L1
Much like Manchester United, Rangers are firmly in contention in Europe and can secure automatic progression with a win at Old Trafford. Unbeaten in their last four matches in the competition, with two wins and two draws, the Gers will be eager to extend that streak. Upfront, they’ve been prolific, scoring 13 goals at an average of 2.17 per game, while conceding 7 (1.17 per game). Notably, matches featuring four or more goals have occurred in 50% of their European fixtures this season (3 out of 6), potentially offering a glimpse of what to expect at Old Trafford this week.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have faced each other four times in European competitions, with Manchester United holding the upper hand with three wins and one draw. Their most recent encounter came during the 2010/11 Champions League campaign, where United secured a narrow 1-0 victory away at Rangers.
Betting
Manchester United 4/9
Draw 4/1
Rangers 6/1
Verdict
Despite their domestic struggles, Manchester United will be keen to claim all three points against a side that has historically struggled against them. Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, this clash is unlikely to follow the typically low-scoring pattern of their previous encounters. For me, a United win with both teams finding the back of net will be my feature play.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score, Manchester United and Yes at 39/20
LAZIO v REAL SOCIEDAD – Click here to bet
The Stadio Olimpico promises an electrifying atmosphere as Lazio host Real Sociedad in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League clash on match day seven. Lazio enter the fray brimming with confidence following a commanding 3-0 win over Verona in Serie A, a result that bolsters their quest for a top four domestic finish. In Europe, Lazio have been equally formidable, leading the UEL standings with 16 points. A victory here would not only secure direct qualification to the knockout stage but also keep them on track to surpass their best-ever tally of seven wins in a single UEFA campaign, achieved in 2017/18.
Europa League Form: W5 D1 L0
Marco Baroni’s side has showcased defensive steel and attacking flair in Europe, netting an impressive 17 goals while conceding just 3, averaging 2.83 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game. High-scoring affairs have been a hallmark of their campaign, with four of their six matches featuring three or more goals.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad travel to Rome where they will aim to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 loss to Valencia in La Liga, a result that sees them 7th in domestic standings with 28 points. Despite the setback, Imanol Alguacil’s men have been a model of consistency this season, particularly in Europe. Back-to-back wins, including an emphatic 3-0 triumph over Dynamo Kyiv, have elevated them to 12 points in the group.
That said, their record against Italian opposition on the road raises questions. The Basque side has yet to taste victory in five previous visits to Italy and breaking that streak will be crucial if they hope to secure automatic qualification by finishing in the top eight.
Europa League Form: W3 D1 L2
In Europe, Real Sociedad have showcased their attacking potential, scoring 10 goals at an average of 1.67 per match while conceding 6. Their matches tend to deliver entertainment, with over 2.5 goals scored in 67% of their UEL games this season, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling contest in the Eternal City
Head-to-Head
These two sides have yet to meet competitively, having only played a single friendly in 2011, where Lazio emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Betting Odds
Lazio 13/10
Draw: 9/4
Real Sociedad 95/40
Verdict
Lazio’s impressive home record, combined with Real Sociedad’s difficulties on Italian soil, should come into play this Thursday. Expect Marco Baroni’s side to control the match, with their solid defensive discipline likely frustrating their Spanish visitors in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total, Lazio/Draw and Under 2.5 at 11/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
