Hot on the heels of some thrilling Champions League action on Wednesday night, Thursday evening sees attentions switch to the Europa League, and making its debut, the Europe Conference League, with both competitions offering tasty treats with in total five British clubs in action.
One of the big ties of not only the first evening of Europa League action but the Group stages as a whole, sees Leicester City entertain Napoli at the King Power Stadium.
Having started the campaign in uncertain manner, the Foxes have won two and lost two this term and face a Partenopei who sit joint top of Serie A after three games thus far. Brendan Rodgers’ men face a stiff test here and somewhat misfiring also, Kelechi Iheanacho is set to get his first start of the term for the hosts and his threat will be key. SBK is the place to go for pre-match value here, with Leicester the slight favourites at 7/5, but Napoli are well set to take back three points to Italy, priced at 23/10.
In Croatia, high-flying West Ham United make their return to the European scene with a difficult clash against Dinamo Zagreb. After winning their opening two games of the season, The Irons have been held in back-to-back games, most recently for the first time this term failing to score, away to Southampton.
Whilst it is unclear what sort of team David Moyes could field here, it is likely Nikola Vlasic should get his full team debut in the country of his birth since signing for West Ham. SpreadEx are offering 16/5 odds for the attacking midfielder to score anytime. For the win, the visitors are fancied for the win at evens with William Hill and Betfair. Zagreb struggle for goals at times meanwhile, but though West Ham are well drilled in defence, the draw could play out, priced at 27/10 with SBK.
Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are involved in the inaugural round of action in the Europa Conference League away to Rennes. Facing one of the better sides in Ligue 1, Spurs come into the game fresh from a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Like their London neighbours, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men could name a freshened side. Though Spurs are priced at 8/5 favourites with NoviBet, The Lilywhites have only scored three league goals this term, and after drawing a blank last time, the French side will fancy their chances of pulling off the win at Roazhon Park, and to do so at 11/5 with SBK.
Away from Premier League involvement, Old Firm duo Rangers and Celtic are in Europa League action and both Glasgow outfits have tough assignments.
For Celtic, a trip to Andalusia to face Real Betis awaits. Sneaking into the Europa League proper, the Bhoys travel to Spain injury-hit and fifth in the Scottish Premiership. Betis sit ninth in La Liga but come into the game fresh from an impressive late win away to Granada and with the edge in attack. The home win looks the big favourite here at 5/9 with MansionBet, but for Celtic to salvage a draw, you can quadruple your money at 3s with PaddyPower.
Finally for Premiership leaders Rangers, Lyon roll into town in what looks a tough game to call. It is hard not to see goals on the menu here, with BetVictor’s 11/5 price for over 3.5 goals worth a ponder. In terms of the result outright, Lyon for the win are 7/5 with Bet365 and William Hill compared to Rangers’ odds of 19/10, but the draw at 5/2 with SkyBet looks equally decent.
