We take a closer look at two exciting matchups set to take place this Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, providing insights and betting suggestions for your consideration.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright odds: Tottenham Hotspur remain favourites as we head into round five, with current odds of 7/2, followed by Manchester United at 11/2. Both Lazio and Athletic Bilbao are considered the next best at 9/1, while Real Sociedad enters the equation at 10/1, leaving the rest of the field at 14/1 or greater.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v BODO/GLIMT – Click here to bet
This Thursday, Manchester United will face Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford in a crucial UEFA Europa League fixture under their new manager, Ruben Amorim. At just 39 years of age, Amorim becomes the youngest manager in the club’s Premier League history. United are currently 12th in the Premier League with 16 points, following a 1-1 draw away to Ipswich on Sunday. Despite struggling for consistency on the domestic front, this match presents a vital opportunity to build momentum in Europe.
Manchester United remain unbeaten in Europe, with 1 win and 3 draws, keeping them in contention for the playoffs as they sit 15th in the group with 6 points. In their last outing, the Red Devils secured their first European victory this season with a 2-0 home win over PAOK. The upcoming clash with Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford will be Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge and offers a valuable chance to strengthen their position as they continue their push for improvement in the tournament.
Europa League Form: W1 D3 L0
Manchester United have averaged 1.75 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 1.25 goals per match. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 75% of their European encounters (3 out of 4).
Bodo/Glimt, on the other hand will arrive at Old Trafford in fine form, leading the Norwegian Eliteserien with 59 points. They are unbeaten in their last two league matches, including a confident 2-0 victory away to Odd, which serves as a further boost ahead of this European encounter.
Bodo/Glimt find themselves in 12th place in the Europa League standings with 7 points, firmly in the mix for playoff contention. However, their most recent outing saw them suffer their first defeat of the competition, a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Qarabag on Match day Four. Despite this setback, their away form has been superb. They remain unbeaten on the road, with a 2-1 victory at Braga and a 0-0 draw against Royale Union SG. As they prepare for a challenging test at Old Trafford on Thursday, Bodo/Glimt will look to exploit Manchester United’s defensive frailties. The Red Devils have managed just one clean sheet in Europe this season, offering a glimmer of hope for the visitors in what promises to be a stern test.
Europa League Form: W2 D1 L1
Bodo/Glimt have averaged 1.5 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 1.25 goals per match. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 75% of their European encounters (3 out of 4).
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides.
Betting
Manchester United 1/4
Draw 11/2
Bodo/Glimt 11/1
Verdict
Ruben Amorim likely gained valuable insights from his first game with United over the weekend. While he appeared visibly frustrated on the side-lines at times during the away match against Ipswich, the new manager could inspire a better performance at home, where United are expected to claim maximum points. However, Bodo/Glimt’s resilience and attacking threat could make this encounter far more competitive than many anticipate, and I believe the visitors can get themselves on the score sheet here.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to score, Manchester United and Yes at 13/8
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v ROMA – Click here to bet
Tottenham THotspur will look to maintain their strong European form when they host Roma in Thursday’s Europa League fixture. Spurs are coming off a resounding 4-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this past weekend, which saw them return to winning ways after a brief dip in form. This commanding result has propelled them up to 6th in the English Premier League with 19 points, and they will be eager to continue their momentum as they face Roma.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have been solid in Europe, currently sitting 7th in their group with 9 points after winning three of their opening four matches. However, their most recent European outing saw them suffer a narrow 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray, a result that will undoubtedly motivate them to bounce back, especially in front of their home fans. Spurs will be eager to atone for that setback with a win in this crucial clash, which would keep them firmly in the hunt for an automatic place in the next round.
Europa League Form: W3 D0 L1
Tottenham have averaged 2 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 1 goal per match. Over 2.5 goals have featured in 75% of their European encounters (3 out of 4).
Roma, on the other hand, are in a deep slump. This past weekend, they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Napoli, their third consecutive league loss in Serie A, leaving them in a lowly 12th place in the standings. Winless in their last four matches across all competitions, the Giallorossi have struggled to find form despite the recent appointment of Claudio Ranieri. The experienced manager has yet to inspire a turnaround in fortunes for Roma, and their European aspirations are hanging by a thread. Roma are currently 20th in their Europa League group with just 5 points, and they can ill afford any more slip-ups if they are to secure a playoff spot.
Their most recent result in Europe, a 1-1 draw away to Royale Union, was a missed opportunity for Roma, as they would have hoped for a more decisive result. Heading to London on match day 5, Roma will be hoping Ranieri’s return to England, where he enjoyed tremendous success with Leicester City, can bring about a much-needed revival for the Yellow and Reds.
Europa League Form: W1 D2 L1
Roma have averaged 0.75 goals per game in the competition this season, conceding 0.75 goals per match. Under 2.5 goals have featured in 100% of their European encounters to date (4 out of 4).
Head-to-Head
Historically, these two sides have met four times, with each team winning two encounters apiece. Their most recent meeting was a 1-0 win for Roma in a club friendly, but this will be the first time they face one another in a European competition.
Betting
Tottenham Hotspur 15/20
Draw 16/5
Roma 33/10
Verdict
I see value in Spurs for the outright win in this one. After their impressive thrashing of Manchester City on Saturday, the hosts should carry that momentum into this match. Roma, still finding their footing under Claudio Ranieri’s guidance, have yet to fully establish themselves, which should give Spurs a clear edge on home soil.
Suggested Bet: Full Times Result, Tottenham Hotspur at 15/20
Top of Form
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
