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.
