Where the Champions League has glamour, the Europa League is the home of the upset. The qualifying rounds see mismatches akin to FA Cup ties as some of Europe’s heavyweights face minnows.
Last week’s qualifying first legs were eventful. The second legs this week should be fascinating. Here are a few thoughts on four of the most intriguing matches…
CS U CRAIOVA vs RB LEIPZIG
Craiova were only refounded in 2013 and finished third in the Romanian top tier last season. It’s no surprise they couldn’t cope with Leipzig in the first leg, but they have the slightest of chances thanks to an away goal despite the match ending 3-1.
Leipzig, however, left several of their stars on the bench for the first match. Yussuf Poulsen, Emil Forsberg and Timo Werner all played at the World Cup, and might be brought in to start this match. Poulsen scored the third that probably put this out of reach for Craiova.
The 2/5 price on Leipzig to win this match in 90 minutes is a good one. This is like an extended preseason for the Bundesliga side.
TIP: Leipzig to win @ 2/5
PREDICTED SCORE: CS U Craiova 0-2 RB Leipzig (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
FC BASEL vs VITESSE
A late Ricky van Wolfswinkel goal turned this tie drastically in Basel’s favour. The Swiss club have a 1-0 lead as they head back home, making Vitesse the underdogs for progression. Basel are the favourites to win on the night at 11/20.
Vitesse, who could yet reinforce their Chelsea loan army before the window shuts, have to go on the offensive from the off and will be vulnerable as a result. A 0-0 first leg would have suited them perfectly. Instead, the Dutch side are in need of a miracle.
Basel are the better side of the two and have more European experience. After a challenging first leg, the hosts should do this easily.
TIP: FC Basel to win @ 11/20
PREDICTED SCORE: FC Basel 2-0 Vitesse (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
MARIBOR vs RANGERS
Despite a scare when Mitja Viler equalised for Maribor in the first half, Rangers got half the job done in the first leg with a 3-1 victory. Just like Leipzig, though, they are far from safe thanks to that away goal. A 2-0 victory on home soil puts Maribor through to the next round.
Steven Gerrard’s reign has largely started well, but discipline issues have already surfaced with two red cards in his first two Scottish Premiership matches. The Glaswegian giants did still win at the weekend, however, and have cruised for much of the Europa League qualifying.
Maribor were competitive in the first leg. Rangers are likely to go through, but it might not be the most comfortable night for Gerrard.
TIP: Maribor to win or draw @ 7/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Maribor 2-1 Rangers (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)
BURNLEY vs ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR
Burnley’s 0-0 draw in the first leg was exactly what we all expected of a Sean Dyche side in Europe. It wasn’t pretty, but the Clarets at least kept themselves in the tie. No goals in the away leg, however, puts severe pressure on the Burnley defence to keep another clean sheet at home.'
Another 0-0 followed for Burnley at the weekend against Southampton. This match may well take a similar pattern – one goal either way could win it. Istanbul Basaksehir had a better weekend, beating Trabzonspor 2-0 with Emmanuel Adebayor getting on the scoresheet.
Dyche admitted that the Premier League is his priority this season. A weakened team or subpar performance could cost Burnley their Europa League season.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 1/2
PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 1-1 Istanbul Basaksehir (Priced at 21/4 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
