This Thursday, Match day 8 of the UEFA Europa League marks the final round of the league phase. We’ve focused on three exciting encounters, providing detailed betting insights and suggestions 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 now in second place at 5/1. Athletic Bilbao follow at 6/1, while both Lazio and Real Sociedad are priced at 8/1. The rest of the field is listed at 12/1 or greater.
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ANDERLECHT v HOFFENHEIM – Click here to bet
Anderlecht head into the final match day of the UEFA Europa League group stage with their eyes firmly on a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2016/17 season. Sitting in seventh place with 14 points, they have already secured a place in the play-offs, but a win would guarantee automatic progression to the round of 16. Despite last week’s 2-0 loss to Plzeň, David Hubert’s side has enjoyed a strong campaign, with four wins, two draws, and just one defeat. Their home form has been particularly impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last eight European matches, which includes five victories and three draws.
Europa League Form: W4 D2 L1
Anderlecht’s form has been impressive in the UEFA Europa League this season, with last week’s 2-0 defeat away to Plzen marking their first loss in the tournament. They boast an 86% unbeaten record in Europe, winning four and drawing two from their seven matches so far. The Belgian side currently averages 1.57 goals scored and 1.14 goals conceded per match. Despite their solid run, Anderlecht have managed just one clean sheet throughout the tournament, with over 2.5 goals featuring in four of their seven matches – a ratio of 57%.
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, arrive in Belgium with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, needing a win to stand any chance of advancing. Currently sitting 28th with just 6 points, they remain just outside the top 24. The Bundesliga side has had a difficult Europa League campaign, securing only one win in six matches—a mere 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv at home in October. Even if they manage to secure a win, their poor goal difference could still prevent them from progressing, emphasized by their struggles in attack, as they’ve failed to score in three of their Europa League games this season.
Europa League Form: W1 D3 L3
Winless in their last five consecutive games in Europe, Hoffenheim are very much out of form. Christian Ilzer’s men have accumulated just two points during that period (D2, L3). Overall, they have averaged 1 goal scored per match while conceding 1.57, managing to keep just two clean sheets. Furthermore, two goals or fewer have featured most frequently in their matches, with this occurring in four out of their seven games – a ratio of 57% in the tournament.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between these two sides came in a club friendly, where Anderlecht came out on top with a 3-2 victory. Thursday will effectively mark their first competitive encounter in a European competition.
Betting
Anderlecht 5/4
Draw 26/10
Hoffenheim 22/10
Verdict
Given Hoffenheim’s ongoing struggles and their slim chances of progressing to the next round, it seems unlikely they’ll take anything from this encounter. I fully expect Anderlecht to stand firm at home and secure a victory at Lotto Park this Thursday, solidifying their place in the top 8.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Anderlecht at 5/4
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FOTBAL CLUB FCSB v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
The stakes couldn’t be higher as FCSB host Manchester United at the Arena Națională in Bucharest on the final match day of the UEFA Europa League, league phase. With both teams currently in the top eight, a defeat could jeopardize their position. A win would guarantee automatic progression to the last 16, while failure to secure maximum points could see either side drop into the knockout play-off spots.
FCSB, currently 8th in the standings with 14 points, will need to overcome a poor record against English opponents, having lost their last seven such matches, if they are to secure automatic progression. Regardless of the result, the Romanian side has already achieved a significant milestone by advancing beyond the league phase of the UEL for the first time since the 2017/18 season. They head into this clash in fine form, unbeaten in three games since the winter break with two wins and a draw, including a thrilling comeback win over Qarabağ on match day seven in Europe.
Europa League Form: W4 D2 L1
Having returned from the winter break, FCSB made an immediate impact in Europe, securing a 3-2 victory away to Qarabag last week. They remain unbeaten in their last four European outings, with two wins and two draws. Under Elias Charalambous, the Romanian side has averaged just 1.43 goals per match but has conceded an average of 1 goal per game. Notably, two goals or fewer have featured in 57% of their matches, and they’ve managed to keep an impressive four clean sheets in the process.
Despite ongoing inconsistencies in the English Premier League this season, Manchester United have shown notable improvement in Europe. Sitting 4th in the standings with 15 points, the Red Devils head into match day eight on the back of two consecutive wins across all competitions. Their 1-0 victory at Fulham over the weekend marked their fourth win in five matches, a run that includes a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Rangers in the UEL last week. United remain unbeaten in the competition with four wins and three draws, and a win here would secure their fifth consecutive European victory as well as an automatic spot in the round of 16.
Europa League Form: W4 D3 L0
After starting their campaign with three consecutive draws in Europe, Manchester United have responded emphatically, winning four matches in a row. While they’ve kept just one clean sheet, the Red Devils have conceded at a rate of 1.29 goals per match, while averaging 2 goals scored per game. United have featured in several entertaining encounters this season, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last three consecutive European matches, bringing the total to four and a 57% ratio overall.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first encounter between these two sides.
Betting
FCSB 9/2
Draw 16/5
Manchester United 5/8
Verdict
With both teams determined to secure a top eight finish, this promises to be a tense encounter. FCSB’s recent form and resilience cannot be underestimated, but Manchester United’s European pedigree and unbeaten record in this season’s competition make them worthy favourites to come out on top this Thursday.
Suggested Bet: Result and totals, Manchester United and over 1.5 at 9/10
BRAGA v LAZIO – Click here to bet
Braga face a crucial test in their UEFA Europa League campaign as they host current leaders Lazio on match day eight. Sitting two points outside the top 24 in 27th place with 7 points following back-to-back defeats, the Portuguese side must secure all three points to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Despite recent struggles in the UEL, Braga have been in strong domestic form, winning their last three consecutive matches. With Lazio effectively guaranteed an automatic place in the next round, Braga will be eager to capitalize on home advantage at the Estádio Municipal de Braga this Thursday.
Europa League Form: W2 D1 L4
With contrasting domestic form compared to their European campaign, Braga have struggled in the Europa League, failing to secure a single point in their last two outings. Carlos Carvalhal’s side currently averages just 1.14 goals per match while conceding 1.71, having kept only one clean sheet. Additionally, three or more goals have featured in six out of their seven games, representing an 86% ratio overall. Despite the significance of the occasion, this could potentially shape up to be an entertaining clash.
Lazio arrive in Portugal already assured of their place in the last 16, thanks to an unbeaten campaign with six wins and one draw. With little at stake, Marco Baroni may opt to rotate his squad, potentially offering Braga a glimmer of hope. The Eagles have won all three of their away matches in the competition, conceding just one goal on the road. However, Sunday’s 2-1 Serie A home defeat to Fiorentina extended a mixed run of form, leaving Lazio with just three wins from their last seven matches across all competitions.
Europa League Form: W6 D1 L0
With a near-perfect record in Europe, Lazio enter the final round of the league phase with little pressure, suggesting Thursday’s clash could offer plenty of entertainment. The Italian side has been strong in attack, averaging 2 goals per match while conceding just 0.57. Over 2.5 goals has been seen in 71% of their games (five out of seven), and although they’ve conceded in each of their last two outings, Lazio still came out on top with both matches resulting in 3-1 wins for the Eagles.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first encounter between these two sides.
Betting Odds
Braga 8/11
Draw: 3/1
Lazio 15/4
Verdict
While Braga have more at stake this Thursday, the pressure of expectation could work against them. That said, I still believe Lazio will manage to get on the score sheet. The hosts have kept just one clean sheet in Europe, and even though they may face a weakened Lazio side, I expect plenty of goalmouth action, as Lazio could still look to express themselves in this encounter.
Suggested Bet: Both teams to Score, Yes at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
