Author: Best Of Bets

With the last 32 beginning to take shape, Matchday 5 in the UEFA Europa League and Conference League on Thursday may go a long away to determining winners of their respective Groups.

In the Europa League, that is very much the case for Arsenal. Travelling to the Netherlands on MD5, the Gunners visit PSV Eindhoven having drawn for the first time this season at Southampton and having struggled to break down their opponents here in the reverse fixture last Thursday. Far from the wheels falling off, Arsenal have failed to score more than a single goal in their last four in all comps and they could be in for a tricky time in Holland.

The north Londoners need a point to guarantee top spot; they should get that but perhaps not more given their current lack of form in front of goal. Indeed, we might consider backing the unders here, with under 1.5 goals at 18/5 with SportNation. The other punt we could have a go on is a player Arsenal are rumoured to have a strong interest in: Cody Gakpo. A best price of 23/10 with SpreadEx for the Dutchman to score anytime should be pondered.

In Group B, leaders Fenerbahce and Rennes face-off in a powder keg atmosphere in Istanbul. With both sides through already on 10 points apiece, this looks to be a Group decider. Both come into this with five wins on the bounce and whilst the Turks have won the last eight at home, Rennes are unbeaten since late August. The bookies cannot separate the sides, but our gut instinct says Fenerbahce will be too strong at Sucru Saracoglu at a good price of 18/11 with SBK.

Group F, meanwhile, remains the most delicately poised of all Europa League or Conference League groupings. After four games, remarkably, Lazio, Midtjylland, Sturm Graz and Feyenoord are all locked on five points with everything to play for. Two more tight games could be on the cards and it would be no surprise whatsoever if both games in Rome and Graz end in a draw. To keep it a bit safer though, we can see all four sides scoring on Thursday night and a BTTS acca double will fetch treble-your-stake odds in the region of 2/1, again with SBK.

Over in the Conference League, West Ham and Silkeborg meet at the London Stadium. Though the already-qualified – almost guaranteed to finish top also – Irons might put into action some decent squad rotation here, in six of nine of Silkeborg’s outings more recently over 3.5 goals have been scored – including in MD2’s 3-2 affair in Denmark. The visitors will have to be on the front foot with Anderlecht snapping at their heels and ahead of their showdown next week to close out the Group stages, any chance of a point could be pivotal. That should once more prompt an open contest and an educated 15/8 punt with PaddyPower for over 3.5 goals again, could win out.

Finally, sticking with third tier level, a tie that catches the eye is the all-Scandinavian affair in Group F between Norwegian champions Molde and likely Allsvenskan runners-up Djurgarden. With both sides expected to progress to the last 32, a win for Molde here will see the hosts draw level with their Swedish opponents, with the fight for top seed going down to MD6 next week, possibly decided by goal difference.

When the two met in MD2, a stoppage time Joel Asoro goal snatched the points and Molde will be keen on revenge. Djurgarden, however, have found their touch in front of goal of late and have netted 12 times in the last four outings, hitting four on Monday evening against Sundsvall and at home to Gent in MD4. Molde should come out on top here but we reckon the Swedes will get on the scoresheet and William Hill’s 5/2 offering could be smart.

With just two games of the Group stages to play, Matchday 5 of the Champions League for many sides is crunch time.

Beginning in Group D, just three points still separate Tottenham, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt. Sitting top of the standings, Spurs welcome Sporting with only a point and +1 GD in hand. The Lilywhites have had a difficult week with back-to-back league defeats but will be expected to take a decisive win here and cement their spot in the knockouts.

The visitors, however, will be no pushovers and putting three past this season’s surprise package in Primera Liga, Casa Pia, on Saturday, warmed up in style. Spurs continue to look shaky but we would be brave to back against 1/2 odds, so instead a 9/4 shot for a home win and BTTS with BoyleSports looks like the smarter option. A side play, Paulinho netted during MD2’s reverse fixture in Lisbon and on the scoresheet at the weekend also can be backed to score anytime for odds of 9/2 with Bet365.

Switching to Group E, the picture is similar for Chelsea. Also sitting top of their ladder, just three points is the gap from top to bottom, however, unlike Spurs, the Blues face a difficult away test in Salzburg. The Austrian side is unbeaten all season – aside from a 4-3 friendly loss to Al-Ittihad – and held Chelsea back in September at Stamford Bridge. With these factors considered, a draw will likely be enough for Chelsea to progress with Dinamo Zagreb to come at home next week and at a price of 29/10 with SBK, spoils shared will bring punters their own rewards.

Over in Lisbon, Benfica entertain Juventus with their place in the knockouts all but secured. Fresh from beating fierce rivals FC Porto for the first time since 2019, Roger Schmidt’s are undefeated this term and moreover, PSG are the only side to have taken points off Benfica at Estadio Da Luz. Juventus, meanwhile, are battling to make even the Europa League last 32 and the hosts must win to keep pace with PSG. To do so, better-than-evens odds of 24/23 with SBK will double your money.

With Manchester City’s progress assured in Group G, the Citizens travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund as Erling Haaland returns to face his former club. The sixth meeting between the two, City have won the last three by a scoreline of 2-1. To begin, the same result looks intriguing at 15/2 with William Hill and whilst a Haaland brace at 7/2 with SkyBet looks short value, instead, we are turning to the blossoming Jude Bellingham. Prolific so far this season, the Englishman has scored in every Champions League game this term and netting at the Etihad when these two met in MD2 – also grabbing a brace at the weekend – Bellingham is 8/1 with William Hill to score anytime. Enticing.

Barcelona versus Bayern Munich is surely MD5’s marquee clash. For La Blaugrana, the equation is simple: win or bust. Snatching a late draw against Inter in MD4’s six-goal thriller here at Camp Nou, they now face Group C’s runaway leaders. Realistically, only three points will keep Barca’s last 16 hopes alive but Bayern have lost just one game this term. Though that was on the road in Augsburg, Die Roten netted four in Plzen and two in Milan in their other two Champions League away days this term. With that said, Robert Lewandowski will be keen to give his former employers a reminder of his prowess. The Pole’s header against the Nerazzurri last time out was a wonder and to repeat that here, a Lewandowski headed goal is 6/1 with SkyBet.

Finally, examining Group A, Napoli have progressed with Liverpool all-but certain to also. Goals have been a narrative of this Group and as the Partenopei welcome Rangers and The Reds travel to Ajax, the story should be familiar. Over 3.5 goals is the target here. In Naples at 14/11 with VBet; in Amsterdam for odds of 13/10 with UniBet. Combined? A two-way acca fetches around 4/1.

After midweek action concluded on Thursday night, the relentless run of fixtures continues this weekend for Premier League Gameweek 13, but for whom will it be unlucky?

Starting with GW13’s main attraction, Chelsea host Manchester at Stamford Bridge. Having not conceded a goal since the start of the month, the Blues dropped their first points in five against Brentford only days ago. United meanwhile, arrive in the capital fresh from toppling Tottenham and are unbeaten since their own derby mauling. With just a point now separating these two sides we anticipate a tight contest, not least given the fact that perhaps remarkably, the last four meetings between these two have ended in a draw. How about another? 13/5 odds with QuinnBet may suit.

At the top and now with a four-point advantage, leader Arsenal travel to Southampton with St. Mary’s in the past an unhappy hunting ground for the Gunners. Having got out of Elland Road with all three points in GW11, they face a Saints side who upset the odds with victory across the coast at Bournemouth on Wednesday evening. This is a far sterner test of course and the visitors could get back in the goals after back-to-back 1-0 wins. A scorer double of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka therefore, at 15/2 with SkyBet should be noted.

In a side punt, the sharper punter might be aware that Nottingham Forest at home are next on the Arsenal agenda, before a trip to Chelsea hovers in GW15. Two of their key men in Jesus and Saliba now both sit on four yellow cards and are a game away from suspension. That has led to conspiracy theorists to conclude that both might ‘elect’ to find their way into the referee’s notebook here and miss the Forest clash but return for Chelsea. Prices for either to be booked are decent; for Jesus to be carded a 4/1 shot with PaddyPower awaits, or Saliba, 9/2 with SportingIndex.

Having tasted defeat, Manchester City, meanwhile, might be in the mood for a show at home to Brighton and the Seagulls should be wary of a serious riposte. Having now failed to score in consecutive games, Pep Guardiola will have his men charged up and Erling Haaland will surely be poised. Backing a Norwegian hat-trick is worth a punt at 9/1, whilst the in-form Phil Foden at 9/4 to score anytime is also worthy of a decent flutter, both prices with SkyBet.

At the City Ground, bottom side Nottingham Forest welcome a Liverpool side looking to record a fourth win on the bounce in all comps after taking full spoils over West Ham in midweek, coupled of course by last weekend’s sensational beating of City.

The Reds’ league record away from home this season, however, is not clever, indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s men are yet to taste victory away from Anfield this term. If we consider that Forest have netted six goals at home in the last three, can, therefore, Liverpool be trusted to win on the banks of the Trent and to do so at evens with William Hill? Food for thought. Alternatively, on the subject of the river that runs through Nottingham, it would be churlish not to examine Alexander Arnold’s most appealing punts and for Trent to grab an assist on the Trent can be snagged at 15/8 with SkyBet.

Finally, back in the capital on Sunday, a somewhat wounded Spurs face another tricky test in the shape of a Newcastle United side buoyant in sixth spot and with just one defeat this season. This will see the return of Kieran Trippier to north London and the full-back has been a driving force for the Magpies in recent weeks. It is perhaps too romantic that Trippier could find the net with one of his trademark free-kicks from the edge of the area but given he will be on set-piece duties, for Trippier to have 1+ SOT from outside the box, 3/1 odds with Betfair merit consideration. Should that come in, a Trippier goal itself can be backed for a pretty sizeable 13/1 with PaddyPower.

With now less than a month until the Premier League goes into hiatus for the World Cup, midweek action is upon us for Gameweek 12 of the season.

Brighton kicks us off on Tuesday evening as they welcome bottom side Nottingham Forest to the AMEX Stadium. After taking a point away from Anfield on his managerial bow for the Seagulls, Roberto De Zerbi’s honeymoon period has been rather rockier than some might have expected, with back-to-back defeats – albeit against Tottenham and away to Brentford last time out. With Forest having taken just a point from their last seven games, this really should be De Zerbi’s first win.

That should not, however, rule out the visitors from scoring and Brighton look defensively frail. Backing a Brighton win and BTTS therefore could see you home at 5/2 with BoyleSports. Also to consider, the last man to the net for Steve Cooper’s men was Emmanuel Dennis in GW10 and looking at a punt of 6/1 for the Nigerian to score anytime with William Hill is interesting.

Of the four 7:30 pm kick-offs on Wednesday, the west London clash between Brentford and Chelsea is one that stands out. After the Bees won their first game in four last time out, the visit of a Graham Potter side who have not conceded a goal in four games, holding with a 100% record during that time to boot, will test the host’s ability to put together successive results. Having lost at home already to London opposition in the shape of Arsenal, the Blues look good to make it five wins on the bounce in all comps and hovering around evens, 4/5 odds with SpreadEx still looks good value.

The evening’s later kick-off and perhaps the marquee match of GW12, see Manchester United and Spurs meet at Old Trafford. With Arsenal’s table-topping clash with Manchester City postponed, this is the chance for these two sides to close the gap temporarily in the standings. For the Lilywhites, this is a golden opportunity to move to within a point of their north London rivals having lost the derby only weeks ago. United, however, will be in no mood to roll over and the goals look like they could flow in this one.

If we look at the recent history of this fixture, over 3.5 goals have been scored in three of the last four between these two sides, with Spurs alone having totted up 12 goals in the last four trips to the Theatre of Dreams. Coinciding also with the rise in form of the Red Devils, a 9/5 play for another 4+ goals with BetVictor and SportNation should go close.

Leicester and Leeds meanwhile, lock horns on Thursday with both desperate for points already, this game standing as another potential early battle to avoid the drop. Drawing a blank at the King Power this past weekend, talisman James Maddison is suspended here so could Jesse Marsch be eyeing a result to take back to Yorkshire? The Whites can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken a point off the Gunners at Elland Road on Sunday and the man central to those efforts was Luis Sinisterra. Slowly building match fitness, the Colombian almost went the full 90 mins in GW11 and though the threat of rotation looms, a Sinisterra anytime goal at 11/4 with SkyBet is worth a punt.

Finally, the earlier game the same evening sees Fulham again play entertainers on the Thames, as Aston Villa visit Craven Cottage. Returning from injury, Aleksandar Mitrovic wasted no time in returning to the goals on Saturday, with the Serbian now on seven for the season so far. Though the Villans have kept it fairly tight at the back of late – GW11’s loss to Chelsea was their first time to concede two goals in a game since late August – we are backing Mitro to be on fire once more and his second brace of the season is offered up at 8/1 with Bet365.

As the Premier League fixture pile-up begins in earnest ahead of the World Cup, no less than three games each will be crammed in during the next 10 days, as Gameweek 11 begins early on Friday night at the Brentford Community Stadium.

The Bees welcome Brighton to west London with the hosts’ winless streak now stretching to early September. Both sides fell to defeat in GW10 where for the Seagulls, a narrow defeat to Spurs was a blow to new boss Roberto De Zerbi after taking a point away from Anfield. As Brighton head out on the road again for the short trip to the capital however, they may be ones to watch under the Italian. Pervis Estupinan is set to profit from Brighton’s more attack-minded play and already with an assist to his name after making the switch from Villarreal in the summer, the wing-back’s forays down the left have caught the eye. Estupinan could be in business here against a host defence that have conceded 10 goals in the last four games and for the South American to grab an assist, SkyBet are supplying an interesting 5/1 price.

Fast-forwarding to Sunday, all eyes will be on Anfield as Liverpool welcome the rampant goal machine of the champions Manchester City. Drawing a rare blank in Europe on Tuesday evening, the Citizens were very much in second gear against Copenhagen but here, Pep Guardiola’s men will be moving through them at a rate. In the past five years it is hard to remember a time when the Reds were so unfancied at home in this fixture but Jurgen Klopp will surely be buoyed after a 7-1 demolition job of Rangers on Wednesday, where the under-fire Mo Salah netted the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history off the bench.

With Luis Diaz now ruled out until December at the earliest, could the Egyptian now come to the fore again? With Erling Haaland given the night off in midweek, a flutter for both Salah and Haaland to score could be a no-brainer at a 4/1 double with SkyBet.

Before that however, Arsenal will look to temporarily extend their lead at the top once again, this time at Elland Road against Leeds. Keeping another clean sheet away from home in the Europa League on Thursday night, the Gunners have won to nil on four occasions this term already. The Whites, meanwhile, have proved difficult opponents as Chelsea will attest but drew a blank at home to Aston Villa earlier this month. If anything, Arsenal look surer defensively away from the Emirates and to win to nil on Sunday, a punt of 19/10 with 888Sport, William Hill and BetVictor might suit.

Returning to Saturday lunchtime meanwhile, Leicester City remain mired in trouble at the foot of the table after surrendering a one-goal advantage at Bournemouth to record their fifth away defeat on the bounce. At the King Power, the Foxes have shown more teeth but facing a Crystal Palace side that have held both Liverpool and Newcastle on the road in recent weeks, Brendan Rodgers has no guarantees of a result. Leicester’s issues have come with Jamie Vardy’s now diminishing powers up front and the penny may finally be dropping that Patson Daka is a better option. Opening the scoring in GW10 and netting against Nottingham Forest in their 4-0 win also, the Zambian should start here and to score first is a boosted 6/1 from 7/2 with William Hill.

Finally, for those looking for a good value result, Wolves and Nottingham Forest could play ball. As the hosts continue to go without a manager after Julen Lopetegui turned down the job, Wolves are without leader and also a goal in three games, whilst Forest have scored just one goal away from the City Ground all season. Everything points to this being a gritty, drawn-out affair and for both sides to take a point, odds of 14/5 with QuinnBet should draw interest.

Just like in the Champions League, Thursday night sees the return fixtures from Matchday 3 in both the Europa League and Europa Conference League as MD4 seeks to cement places in the last 32.

Beginning In Norway in the Europa League, a bouncing Arsenal travel to Bodo/Glimt looking to seal a double over their opponents. Following a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last Thursday, the hosts may this time, however, prove a rather sharper test.

Taking the scalps of AZ and most famously AS Roma last season at Aspmyra Stadium, a win against the Premier League leaders may be nothing more than a pipedream, but the hosts will fancy getting on the scoresheet. Indeed, for the last time Bodo/Glimt failed to score in a home game we have to go back to June 2021 when beaten 0-2 by rivals Molde. Arsenal should be comfortable winners, but an away win and BTTS at a boosted 15/8 with BoyleSports looks smart.

Back on UK soil, Manchester United welcome Omonia to Old Trafford. Hoping for a rather smoother ride than in MD3 than when the Cypriots took a shock lead in Nicosia, Erik ten Hag will be looking for the Red Devils to build up some much-needed confidence in front of goal and rack up the tally. That is very much the case also for Bruno Fernandes, who continues to play a rather peripheral role for United. His only goal this term so far came away to Southampton back in late August but that could be set to change here. For the Portuguese to score anytime, a 6/1 anytime shot with SpreadEx looks extremely generous.

In Seville meanwhile, Real Betis will be seeking the double over AS Roma following Luiz Henrique’s late winner in Rome last Thursday – seeing our 11/2 for Betis to score in both halves come in. Jose Mourinho will be keen reverse the result on familiar Spanish soil, however, the visitors are without Paulo Dybala here having been forced off shortly after taking Roma’s winning penalty against Lecce at the weekend. Significantly weakened by the Argentine’s absence – also now in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup himself – backing Betis to win at 17/10 with VBet therefore, could come in.

In the Europa Conference League, West Ham are sitting pretty in Group B after their late win over Anderlecht in Belgium last time out and can guarantee finishing top with victory at the London Stadium. Gianluca Scamacca is proving a cult hit in east London having netted in the last three games in league and Europe, with a rejuvenated Jarrod Bowen also combining for a double with the Italian in the last two Premier League games. It is that same double that we are eyeing here – providing they both start.

A 6.8/1 punt for both players to score with BetUK.com has its appeal, while for Scamacca alone to carry on his form in front of a goal, a brace at 8/1 with BoyleSports might be too good to spurn.

Back in the Europa League finally, Lazio welcome Sturm Graz to the Eternal City after a tempestuous goalless draw last week but will surely be confident of picking up a vital win. Now purring under Maurizio Sarri, the Biancocelesti have hit a quadruple of goals against no less than four sides since early September, with Cremonese, Spezia and Monday night’s opposition and latest victims Fiorentina, being put to the sword in the league.

Feyenoord also felt the sharp edge of the Italians in MD1 at Stadio Olimpico and despite a fiery goalless draw in Austria last time out, it should be the hosts’ cylinders that are firing here. To score over 3.5 goals once more this term, Lazio are 9/2 with PaddyPower.

As the Champions League reaches the halfway point of the Group stages, Matchday 4 sees the return fixture of last week’s games, as hosts become the visiting parties.

Topping the bill for MD4, Barcelona entertain Inter looking to avenge their single-goal defeat at San Siro last time out. With Group C leaders Bayern Munich coasting toward the last 16, this is a huge meeting for both sides, with the Nerazzurri knowing that a draw will be a big step toward the knockouts. This looks a tight affair once more and with a 1-0 scoreline seen in Barca’s last three games in all comps, even if that looks unlikely again here, betting UNDER 2.5 goals at 17/12 with VBet could be a sure thing.

MD4 also sees the Battle of Britain II as a raucous Ibrox welcomes Liverpool. Rangers are yet to register a point or score a single goal in Group A, but the Glasgow side will be looking to capitalise on the Reds’ sapping defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. The ‘Gers may be the group whipping boys but the atmosphere on Wednesday night will be electric. If we consider also that Liverpool may be without key individuals for this clash and the fact that only Everton have failed to score at home versus their Merseyside rivals this term – shipping 11 times this term – backing Liverpool to win but BTTS at 7/4 with BoyleSports may be prosperous. With the same bookie, for Rangers to win either half at 11/4 is also worth a ponder.

After three games, Group E remains the most delicately-poised pool. After beating Milan 3-0 in west London, Graham Potter takes his Chelsea side to Lombardy, with both sides on four points with a win, a loss and draw to their name. At Giuseppe Meazza this season, only the impressive Napoli have beaten Milan and every other game has seen the Rossoneri take all three points. Chelsea should have a tougher task than MD3 here. For Olivier Giroud this will again be a statement night and after fluffing his lines somewhat at Stamford Bridge, we are again backing the Frenchman to end his three-game goal drought and to score at 23/10 with BetUK.com.

In Giroud’s former abode, north London meanwhile, Tottenham play their first home game in almost a month against Eintracht Frankfurt. Playing out a rather stale goalless draw in Germany last week, Spurs’ previous game on home turf saw Antonio Conte’s men put six past a ragged Leicester City and the hosts could be in the mood again. After the Eagles lost 3-0 away to Bochum this past weekend, Frankfurt have now conceded a treble of goals on four occasions this season. The Lilywhites, needing a win can put a marker down and are good value at 9/5 with Sporting Index to net OVER 2.5 goals.

PSG and Benfica and Napoli against Ajax again catches the eye in MD4. The former proved a predictably close encounter in Portugal and we are expecting a similar story here. Held by a plucky Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday evening, Les Parisiens have now recorded back-to-back draws and locked on seven points with the visitors could make it a triple at a decent price of 9/2 with 10Bet.

Finally in Naples, Napoli seek a ninth win on the spin against Ajax. Putting six past the Dutch side in Amsterdam on MD3, the Partenopei have racked up 13 goals in the last three games alone, becoming one of the most attractive sides anywhere in Europe, now not only dreaming of a first Scudetto since 1990 with Diego Maradona, but capable of going deep into this competition. Their goal threat continues to be driven by the man dubbed ‘Kvaradona’ by the San Paolo faithful Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and also strike partner Giacomo Raspadori. The two were on the scoresheet versus Ajax last time out and to replicate that feat here, a scorer double acca of 7.6/1 with Bet365 is surely worth a punt.

As the FIFA World Cup now just six – say it, six – weeks away, the fixture pile-up picks up speed for another weekend of Premier League action and Gameweek 10.

Once again, it is leaders Arsenal who take top billing on Sunday as Liverpool roll up to the Emirates Stadium. With seven league wins from eight this season, Mikel Arteta’s men show no signs of losing their momentum, however, the Reds stand as big mental test.

Having lost five league meetings on the bounce against Jurgen Klopp’s men, the Gunners last scored against Liverpool back in 2020 at Anfield. Their last victory at home meanwhile, was in the same pandemic campaign 2-1 but before that, one needs to go back a further five years. As the Merseysiders continue to struggle for form, without an away win all season and with defeats at Old Trafford and in Naples already, this looks like the perfect chance for Arsenal tick off another box. An Arsenal win at 13/8 with SpreadEx looks well poised to us.

Before then, Manchester City welcome Southampton to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s men have now scored an astonishing 42 goals in all games this term, with 11 in the last two alone. Erling Haaland is of course supplying the majority of those and the Norwegian has now found the net in every game since late August, with home hattricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. When will his run end? After grabbing another double against Copenhagen and having been rested at half time, probably not here.

The Saints could be forgiven for feeling a sense of dread ahead of this one; shipping five in the same fixture last season, a fourth Haaland hattrick carries 5/1 odds with William Hill, but this could be a game for cumulative goals. Over 4.5 goals at 6/4 widely may seem a steep base, but with Ralph Hasenhuttl clinging to his job, City could push the Austrian over the cliff here. Over 5.5 goals will fetch 7/2 with VBet, with 6.5 at 15/2 with Betfair. Still counting? How about over 7.5 goals with Coral and Ladbrokes at 14s? Southampton hold the unwanted record of conceding nine against two Premier League sides: For City to become the third, over 8.5 goals tots up to 33/1 with SportNation.

Following that, Tottenham search for a response at Brighton. With the wheels on the Spurs train beginning to wobble, it will be fascinating to see how Roberto Di Zerbi approaches his first home game in charge of the Seagulls against compatriot Antonio Conte, after he saw his side hit three at Anfield. A man who transformed Sassuolo’s attack in Serie A previously, Di Zerbi looks like he may do the same with Brighton. The hosts look excellent value for goals and to notch over 1.5, a 7/5 price with SportingIndex is interesting. As too is the form of Leandro Trossard who bagged a stunning hattrick at Anfield last weekend. The Belgian could be central to the new era at Brighton and to either score or assist is 9/4 with PaddyPower or 5/2 with SkyBet to have 2+ SOT.

Back in the capital, Chelsea entertain manager-less Wolves. Having shipped five goals in the last two games, the hosts dispatched a depleted Milan on Wednesday night and Graham Potter will look to build momentum here. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has now netted in back-to-back games across the board and the Gabonese can cause problems for the visiting side. An Auba brace at 8/1 with SkyBet looks appealing. The game should also in some capacity see former Blues favourite Diego Costa involved. Guaranteed to receive quite the reception having led Chelsea to two Premier League titles , the Spaniard may yet lose brownie points in front of his former adoring fans. For Costa to either score or – perhaps more likely – be carded in GW10, odds of 7/4 with PaddyPower seem amenable.

As the Champions League retreats into the shadows once more for the week, the second and third tier competitions in Europe take the stage once more on Thursday as the Europa League and Europa Conference do their thing.

Beginning in the Europa League, Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome Bodo/Glimt to the Emirates Stadium. With the Norwegians in pole position in these particular standings due largely to the Gunners’ MD2 clash with PSV Eindhoven having been postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth, here Mikel Arteta’s men can jump into top spot with a win.

As Liverpool hover on the horizon this on Sunday, Arsenal will again likely roll out their second string and forward Marquinhos will look to star again. Having grabbed a goal and an assist in Zurich last time out, the Brazilian’s 7/4 odds – also with SkyBet – to notch just an assist here stand out.

In the case of Bodo/Glimt however, not only have the reigning Eliteserien champions netted in every game since July, we should also consider that the Gunners have conceded in all four of their home outings this term. The chances then of the Norwegians getting on the scoresheet are not that far-fetched. Indeed, the bookies fancy BTTS at 10/11 with SBK which will almost double your money. For a little more in price, striker Runar Espejord has score in the last two games and to make it three in three, William Hill will oblige at a decent 24/5 punt.

The only side to beat Arsenal this term, Manchester United, also look to strengthen their position in Group E away in Cyprus to Omonia. Reeling from shipping six in the derby, Erik ten Hag will likely give Cristiano Ronaldo the limelight to shine here. Beaten 3-0 in Nicosia by Sheriff in MD1, the Red Devils will be keen to again put Omonia to the sword again and a CR7 brace at 4/1 with William Hill ticks our betslip.

In the Europa Conference League in Belgium meanwhile, London neighbours West Ham will look to continue from where they left off after beating Silkeborg in Denmark. Facing Anderlecht, who find themselves in mid-table domestically, the Irons will be confident of getting a result given the hosts lost at Lotto Park to Charleroi this past weekend. To pick up a potentially decisive Group B win, West Ham are 10/9 for three points with VBet. Hammers’ hopes will also be aided by the growing form of Gianluca Scamacca who may be given another chance to impress. Netting in two of the last three, the Italian can build on his weekend strike over Wolves and at 9/4 with SkyBet to score anytime.

Back in the Europa League, if punters are seeking goals, Sporting Braga’s home game with Union Saint-Gilloise could play ball. With both teams galloping away at the top of Group D, the visitors have scored in their last eight games, with Braga doing so in the last 11. Pondering also that in 10 of the last 11 of the Belgian side’s outings over 2.5 goals have been scored, Saint-Gilloise have notched twice away from home in half of their games from eight. Backing over 2.5 goals at 21/20 with SportNation will surely go close and if it does, Braga to win and BTTS at 4/1 with Betfair is a decent punt also.

Finally, in the Eternal City, managerial heavyweights go head-to-head as Roma face Real Betis. With Jose Mourinho’s side needing a win to go level with the Spaniards, Manuel Pellegrini has seen his own charges net at least twice in five games this season, with both newly-capped for Spain, Borja Iglesias and Willian Jose in fine fettle up front. For Betis to score a goal in each half, a boosted 5/1 shot with BoyleSports might merit a flutter.