The UEFA Europa League fixtures this Thursday include several mismatches and one particularly tight fixture to call.
As always, there are betting opportunities at both ends of the spectrum, and we’ve got our eyes on Arsenal’s trip to Bodo Glimt, Omonia Nicosia’s visit to Manchester United at Old Trafford, and two other matches which we specifically believe are worthy of your attention.
Bodo Glimt v Arsenal
Arsenal have been ruthlessly consistent this season in the Premier League and Europa League alike.
Eddie Nketiah has scored in both of their Europa League games so far – wins over Zurich and Bodo Glimt. Mikel Arteta has also given game time in the Europa League to key players such as Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Having beaten Bodo Glimt 3-0 in the reverse fixture, Premier League table toppers Arsenal are likely to pick up another comfortable win. At the time of writing, a successful bet on the Gunners in the -1 handicap market will earn above-even money and is worth taking.
Man United v Omonia Nicosia
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to goalscoring form in Manchester United’s last game, netting the Red Devils’ second goal in their 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday.
When Ronaldo finds the back of the net after a drought, the floodgates tend to open. He has been the starting striker for United in the Europa League and is likely to make Erik Ten Hag’s starting XI yet again. Doubtless, he will be hungry to prove a point, and the Omonia defence is likely to be no match for him.
Best Bet: Cristiano Ronaldo to score first or last
Real Betis v AS Roma
Fifth place in La Liga takes on sixth in Serie A as Real Betis host AS Roma on Thursday.
Betis won the reverse fixture 2-1, but the game was fairly even overall with five shots on target apiece out of 13 attempts for Roma and 12 for Betis.
The draw market tends to be a hugely profitable one if one can find the correct opportunities on each matchday. This looks like the best bet for the current week.
PSV Eindhoven v Zurich
Cody Gakpo has been one of Europe’s most lethal goalscorers this season, netting 13 times in all competitions this season.
Gakpo has scored three times in two Europa League fixtures, including a brace in the 5-1 thrashing of FC Zurich in the reverse fixture. There is no reason to believe he will not repeat the feat with PSV on home soil at the Philips Stadion.
Best Bet: Cody Gakpo Anytime Goalscorer