APOEL NICOSIA vs ANDERLECHT
The Cyprus outfit are unbeaten in 18 matches on home soil; winning 16 of those. They have a 100% winning record at GSP Stadium in the Europa League this campaign and it would be foolish to back against APOEL with that in mind.
However, Anderlecht are the strongest side to visit Cyprus this season and the Belgians will be confident of nicking a positive result on Thursday evening. Rene Weiler’s men have been inconsistent away from home in recent weeks but they have managed to hit the back of the net in each of their last nine away games.
All in all, it is hard to pick a winner in this one but 22/25 for both teams to score looks like a great price. Neither side will want to give too much away in this clash but the onus will be on APOEL to push for a lead; that could give Anderlecht space on the break...
TIP: Both teams to score @ 22/25
FC COPENHAGEN vs AJAX
Copenhagen are a decent outfit and Ajax certainly won’t have things their own way. The Danish side have won just one of their last five home games but they have the strength in depth to push Ajax close if they perform well.
However, the Dutch side are on another level. The visitors aren’t the dominant force that they were a few years ago but Peter Bosz’s side are unbeaten in the Europa League and another positive result could spur the Dutch outfit on as they look to build momentum.
The hosts will be desperate to take an advantage into the second leg but Ajax may be too strong if they find their best form. 10/17 for the Dutch side in the ‘double chance’ market is very tempting indeed...
TIP: Ajax to win OR draw @ 10/17
CELTA VIGO vs FC KRASNODAR
Celta Vigo struggled to inspire confidence against Barcelona last time out but they may find the going much nicer when Krasnodar visit. The hosts will be quietly confident of beating a Russian side that have won just once in their last 10 away fixtures.
Krasnodar are fourth in the Russian League right now and the visitors must remain focused for 90 minutes if they are to challenge Celta’s dominance. Striker Fyodor Smolov has bagged 11 goals in 13 appearances this season and the visitors will be relying on him to make the breakthrough.
5/8 for a home win may seem a little short considering Celta’s shortcomings in recent weeks but they are well worth backing; especially when you consider Krasnodar’s away form...
TIP: Celta Vigo to win @ 5/8
LYON vs ROMA
Lyon are in fantastic form at home and the French side are full of confidence ahead of this clash. The hosts have scored 20 goals in their last four games at home and it may prove prudent to side with Bruno Genesio’s side again here.
On their day, Roma are capable of giving the best teams in Europe a tough encounter and it may prove prudent to side with the visitors. Unfortunately, four defeats in five games has affected their chances of Serie A success – their hopes of silverware now rest on the Europa.
A tough one to call but the 37/25 available on Lyon is very tempting indeed and I’m backing the French side to extend their winning run on home soil...
TIP: Lyon to win @ 37/25
