The UEFA Europa League group stage kicks off on Thursday night with some big guns going head to head. Leicester v Napoli is arguably the pick of the fixtures, but there are plenty worth watching.
We foresee a bright start for West Ham United and some fiercely fought battles between some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
Our suggested bets can be taken either individually or together as a multi-bet at increased odds.
Galatasaray v Lazio
Including a friendly against Farul Constanța, Galatasaray has seen goals at both ends in each of their last six matches.
Meanwhile, Lazio saw goals at both ends in three games in a row before a 2-0 defeat to AC Milan. Maurizio Sarri’s men have been boosted by the signing of former Chelsea winger Pedro.
Lazio is the better side on paper, but the task of traveling to Turkey for European nights is a daunting one for the best of sides. This match is likely to see goals at both ends of the pitch.
Dinamo Zagreb v West Ham
West Ham was one of the surprise packages in the Premier League last season and Michail Antonio is likely to start this match due to his red-card-induced domestic suspension..
Even if he does not, the Hammers have more than enough firepower to deal with Dinamo Zagreb. West Ham may rest some players ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester United, but David Moyes clearly has a better squad at his disposal than his hosts.
There will be a hunger for a strong Europa League run at West Ham and this game is the perfect opportunity for them to get going. Do not expect them to take this lightly.
Leicester v Napoli
Leicester City has made a clear statement over the last two seasons that their success in recent years has been no fluke.
In what is now clearly the best league in the world, the Foxes have finished fifth in successive seasons, having won the title in 2015/16.
Apart from proving their consistency in recent campaigns, Leicester has kept a steady influx of star signings.
Napoli, however, has started the Serie A season well with three wins from as many matches and deserves to be treated as potential league and Europa League title contenders.
Leicester has been slightly inconsistent with two wins and two defeats from four Premier League matches after winning the Community Shield.
On paper, there is nothing to choose between these teams, so this match is an ideal one to put your money on a draw, with goals at both ends also likely.
Rangers v Lyon
Rangers have proven themselves to be capable of going toe to toe with top sides in Europe and will have to be at their best as they take on an Olympique Lyon side that is beginning to pick up steam.
Houssem Aouar is still on board despite reportedly pushing for a Premier League move during the recent transfer window and the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Moussa Dembélé are likely to pose significant problems for the Rangers defence.
However, home-ground advantage favours Steven Gerrard’s men and Lyon is set to be without Tino Kadewere, Leo Dubois, Lenny Pintor, and Jeff Reine-Adelaide.
With all these factors considered, Rangers have a strong case for a point, although to get more than that would be a big ask.