The UEFA Europa League returns tonight for matchday five, marking the start of the crucial second half of the group stage, where every game carries heightened significance for teams battling to secure qualification.
Here we take a closer look at a selection of the matches and picking out our top tips and best booking code (at time of writing):
AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen has enjoyed his start to life in Turkey, already netting eight times in 10 appearances across the Super Lig and Europa League for Galatasaray, leaving him in superb form heading into this one.
That includes two goals in the excellent victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their last Europa League outing, and with the striker and Galatasaray high on confidence following their string of recent performances, we believe Osimhen will score here.
Victor Osimhen to score anytime, 2.30
Qarabag vs Lyon
Lyon have enjoyed a largely positive start to the Europa League, winning two, drawing one and losing one to leave them ninth in the table with seven points from their four matches.
They have scored eight times in those games, while conceding just four, a record that undoubtedly leaves them as favourites going into the game against the struggling Qarabag.
The hosts have won just one of their four games, losing the other three, while conceding a massive nine goals in that time. With that poor defensive record, combined with Lyon's strong attacking play, Lyon should win this one with plenty of goals.
Lyon to win & over 2.5 goals, 2.71
Manchester United vs Bodoe/Glimt
Manchester United were denied the dream start to the Ruben Amorim era when Ipswich Town came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw, cancelling out Marcus Rashford 2nd minute opener. While they were far from at their best in the first game under the new boss, there were signs of improvement and things to come, and a first home match against Bodoe/Glimt could prove the perfect opportunity to secure their opening win under Amorim.
Bodoe/Glimt may be sat in 12rh, above Man United by a point with seven compared to the Red Devils' six, but the hosts are undoubtedly the stronger team, and should secure a dominant win here.
Manchester United to win, 1.21
Tottenham vs Roma
Tottenham have been extremely inconsistent throughout this season, especially in recent outings. After fantastically beating Manchester City 2-1 in the EFL Cup and blitzing Aston Villa 4-1 in the league, they were undone by Galatasaray and Ipswich in consecutive games.
However, they bounced back in their last outing against Man City in the league, breathtakingly demolishing the champions 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, a remarkable result that should leave them with huge confidence heading into this one against Roma.
Roma have won just two of their last 10 matches across all competitions, losing six and drawing two in that time, leaving them underwhelmingly placed 20th in the Europa League and 12th in the Serie A.
With Tottenham buoyed by that recent huge victory, while Roma are short on confidence given their struggles throughout this campaign, we believe Tottenham will win tonight.
Comments