Europa League and Conference League: Five tips from across Europe

The fixtures are coming thick and fast now. On the continent, the Europa and Conference League group stages reach their penultimate game and with plenty hanging in the balance we have five bets for Thursday’s Tipsheet. 

AEK Athens vs Brighton 

Kick-off: 17:45 Thursday, TNT Sports 2

Europa League group B hangs in the balance as all four sides stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages. Brighton head to Athens seeking revenge on the side who edged a five goal thriller on their European debut back in September. 

Victory for the Seagulls could see them go top of the group but more importantly it would put real daylight in between themselves and the chasing pack. Roberto De Zerbi could have as many as 10 absentees though. 

You would not believe it from the way the Italian gaffer talks about him but Joao Pedro has scored the most goals in the competition. Brighton’s record signing also hit a brace at the City Ground on Saturday so will come into this one brimming with confidence.  

Prediction: Joao Pedro to score anytime @ 2.74

Marseille vs Ajax

Kick-off: 20:00 Thursday, TNT Sports 4

In the other bit of Group B action Ajax head to France knowing only a win will stand them with a chance of progressing, as the odds suggest though this is not very realistic. 

John van't Schip's unbeaten start domestically has hoisted the Dutch side from the foot of Eredivisie to the top half, they remain 24 points off the title pace though. 

The dynamic of this clash lends itself to goals and with two offensively obliging sides involved siding with over 2.5 goals and both teams to score appeals. It is a bet that has clicked in all bar Marseille's most recent EUL clash, where AEK Athens failed to score. 

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score in Marseille vs Ajax @ 2.0

BK Hacken vs Bayer Leverkusen 

Kick-off: 20:00 Thursday

Bayer Leverkusen advance to the next round if they maintain their 100% record in Gothenburg where they face Group H whipping boys BK Hacken. 

The hosts have failed to win a point in Europe this term shipping 13 goals in their opening four games, four of which game in the reverse. 

Xavi Alonso’s side have made a habit of humiliating their opponents this season, averaging 3.44 goals per game and bagging at least three in 72% of their 18 games in all competitions. 

Backing the Germans to score at least three goals in the bet here. 

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen to score over 2.5 goals @ 1.99

Servette vs Roma 

Kick-off: 20:00 Thursday, TNT Sports (Press Red)

Servette welcomes Roma knowing anything other than a win sees them crash out of the competition. 

The Swiss side are formidable at Stade de Genève though, winning their last six on the spin and only losing two of their 13 matches on home soil this campaign. Combine this with Roma’s rotten form on the road and there is certainly a case for getting the hosts onside. 

Jose Mourinho returns to the dugout but his side have only won two away games all season. The hosts have scored eight times in their last three games and will be bolstered by the last gasp nature of their victory over FC Sheriff, where they scored twice within the last six minutes. 

Prediction: Servette win-draw double chance vs Roma @ 2.02

Aston Villa vs Legia Warsaw

Kick-off: 20:00 Thursday, TNT Sports 2

A victory confirms Aston Villa’s place in the knock-out stages. 

The Villains have only dropped four points from the last 30 on offer and with Unai Emery, a European maestro, expected to name a strong XI they should put Legia Warsaw to the sword.

At Villa Park this campaign, the hosts have averaged three goals per game, covering the -1.5 handicap in 70% of those fixtures. 

As the defeat in the reverse showed, Legia Warsaw’s frontline are more than capable of exposing Villa’s high line which is why I expect the hosts to edge a goal-laden affair. 

Prediction: Aston Villa to win and both teams to score vs Legia Warsaw @ 3.1

Recommend Bets

Back Joao Pedro to score anytime @ 2.74
Back over 2.5 goals and both teams to score in Marseille vs Ajax @ 2.0
Back Bayer Leverkusen to score over 2.5 goals @ 1.99
Back Servette win-or-draw double chance vs Roma @ 2.02
Back Aston Villa to win and both teams to score vs Legia Warsaw @ 3.1