This Thursday, we are set for another exciting evening of European football with two compelling encounters in the UEFA Europa League. Alongside match insights, we’ll offer a betting perspective for you to consider.
Before diving into the preview, let’s review the latest outright odds: Tottenham Hotspur are your current favourites at 4/1, followed by Manchester United at 6/1. Athletic Bilbao are considered next best at 8/1, while Lazio and Roma are both available at 10/1. The remaining teams are priced at 12/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Europa League outright markets
FENERBAHÇE SK v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium will take centre stage this Thursday as Fenerbahçe hosts Manchester United in their third UEFA Europa League clash of the season. With both sides eager to strengthen their campaigns, this match has the potential to spark a thrilling encounter between two clubs well-acquainted with European competition.
Fresh from a 2-2 draw away to Samsunspor this past weekend, former United coach José Mourinho will have a point to prove as his side, Fenerbahçe, takes on the Red Devils in Europe this Thursday. Currently sitting 13th in the Europa League table with four points, the Turkish giants will be looking to secure their second consecutive home win in the competition this season after drawing 1-1 away to FC Twente in their previous round. With a solid home record, having lost just once in Istanbul this season, Fenerbahçe will view this fixture as a prime opportunity to build on their winning momentum. They have been very successful in Europe, winning their last four games in Istanbul, scoring six goals while conceding just two in that span.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their recent success after securing their third league win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Brentford this past weekend, placing them 11th in the Premier League. In Europe, the Red Devils remain unbeaten, having earned a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to FC Porto in Portugal. This result places them 21st in the standings, as they have recorded back-to-back draws in their first two matches of the competition. With pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag to find the right balance within the squad, this trip to Istanbul adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially with José Mourinho in the opposite dugout. Both teams will be targeting maximum points, a result that has eluded United in their last five European games, during which they have drawn three and lost two. Despite this rather grim record, United has been involved in some high-scoring encounters on their travels, with no fewer than 29 goals in their last five away games in Europe.
Head-to-Head
These two teams have faced each other six times, with both sides claiming three wins each. Their most recent meeting took place in 2016, where Fenerbahçe secured a 2-1 victory at home.
Betting
Fenerbahçe 37/20
Draw 27/10
Manchester United 14/10
Verdict
In a fixture that looks difficult to call for the outright result, backing goals seems like the right approach. Considering United’s recent record on the road, both teams are likely to find the back of the net, with at least three goals expected to feature in the match.
Suggested Bet: Totals and both teams to score, Over 2.5 and yes at 17/20
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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v AZ ALKMAAR – Click here to bet
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be buzzing this Thursday as Spurs take on AZ Alkmaar in their third Europa League clash of the season.
After a solid start to their European campaign, Spurs will be looking to build on their momentum following a 2-1 victory away to Ferencváros in the previous round. Currently sitting 3rd in the standings with 6 points from their opening two matches, European football returns to North London this week, where Spurs are likely to deliver yet another impressive performance. After securing their third consecutive home win over the weekend with a resounding 4-1 victory against West Ham in the league, Spurs appear to be thriving under Ange Postecoglou, enjoying a revitalized run of form both domestically and abroad. In Europe, they remain unbeaten in their last five home games, averaging 1.8 goals per match during that period. Given the opposition they face this week, Spurs should have little trouble finding the back of the net and are expected to secure all three points.
AZ Alkmaar returns to European competition with significant challenges ahead after finishing pointless in their last four matches. This weekend, they suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Eredivisie, losing 2-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven, which has placed considerable pressure on the Dutch club to perform in the upcoming week. Unfortunately for Die Kaaskoppen, their difficulties extend beyond the domestic league; they have not secured a single point in their last four away matches in Europe, most recently losing 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao, placing them 18th in the current standings. Last season, they faced English opposition and failed to earn any points against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League, both home and away. It appears they will struggle to avoid defeat once again on English soil when they face Spurs on match day three this Thursday. Having not scored in their last two away games in Europe, that statistic will need to change drastically if they hope to challenge a Spurs team that seems to be hitting their stride.
Head-to-Head
This match will mark the inaugural meeting between the two sides when they face off on Thursday evening.
Betting
Tottenham Hotspur 9/20
Draw 4/1
AZ Alkmaar 11/2
Verdict
Struggling to score away from home in Europe, AZ Alkmaar seems to have their backs against the wall heading into Thursday’s clash. With Spurs in devastating form at the moment, we can expect another clinical performance from the hosts in North London this week.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Tottenham Hotspur -1.5 at 11/10
Click here for all of this week’s European football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
