Welcome to Thursday night football or better still, the Europa league. Arsenal look to continue their 100% record alongside their fellow premiership big boys Chelsea fc. Germany also have a representative as Leipzig takes on Scottish giants Celtic. Ac Milan would be welcoming Spanish side Real Betis. Read on for more insight on these fixtures.
Ac Milan – Real Betis
After a rather disappointing outing against their neighbours over the weekend, the host would be looking to recover . In Europe so far they have had a smooth ride so far nevertheless, they did lose at the weekend. In their quest to secure a champions league spot this Europa league might just be their only path. This side still have quite a lot to work on but its also obvious they are getting better.
They have been quite impressive in Europe as their 2017 summer signings look to be yielding fruits. With a win in this match they could cement themselves in 1st position with 5points to spare.
Real Betis have showed real zeal in their quest to make it to the last 32 same cant be said about their league form. They are on a series of defeats as they have lost by a lone goal in consecutive fashion. Their inconsistency could have a real effect on their performance coming into this game. A visit to the Rossoneri would bring along fresh concerns as they haven’t been able to score in their recent trips. Milan should carry the day although it should be a low scoring affair.
PICK
Under 1.5 in 1st half
Sporting Lisbon – Arsenal
Both teams look to stamp themselves on the top of the group as the other members fail to provide much competition as expected. The host began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Qarabag at home which they complimented with an away win over Vorskla. Those games have set them on a path for qualification.
Even with such a performance in Europe they seem to be getting it wrong on the domestic scene as they now sit 5th in the Portuguese Primeira liga. It is also essential to state that so far , points dropped have been associated with away fixtures. In their own backyard they have won all 5 fixtures across all competitions.
The Gunners are far from having a similar issue on the road as they beat Leicester city by 3 goals to 1 in their most recent trip. Unai Emery is certainly loving life at the Emirates so far. After consecutive defeats to Manchester city and Chelsea , the visitors have gone on to be labelled as one of the high flying teams at the moment. Their latest win on Monday made 10 wins in 10 matches after those defeats and with a goal tally of 30 in that time.
On the flipside their defense could be the real source of concern as they have conceded in all but 3 of their last 12 matches this season. Facing a sporting side that have only failed to score just once this season, it is also worth mentioning that they haven’t failed to score at home in the Europa league since 2015. This game look set to produce a stunning encounter with goals enroute .
PICK
Over 2.5 goals
RB Leipzig – Celtic
The visitors have 3points from 2 matches , losing one and winning one in the Europa league so far. They took the lead in Austria only to lose 3-1 at the end of full time. It was a poor outing generally as they let their lead extinguish in the 2nd half alongside chances of celebrating a 2nd victory. However they come into this game with the most needed morale boost after scoring 10 goals in 2 matches on the domestic stage . Consecutive dominance against St. Johnstone with a 6-0 score line while Hibs ended 4-2. The Hops look to be back in form as the players are finding the net with ease. With Celtic being in such a frenzy the only issue could be their away form as they have lost all four on the road .
Unfortunately for the Hoops , Leipzig has been in terrific home form losing just once in their last 9 matches at home. They also have a general stat if 4 wins and 2 draws in the last 6games. However they seemed rather blunt against Augsburg as they played out a barren draw failing to convert their chances even as the opposition failed to register a shot on target. Even though that game ended without goals, its not in the nature of the German side as they have scored 23 goals in 9 appearances. Sitting 5th on the log they are only 2points away from 2nd position since they have lost just once so far.
However, they did lose to Salzburg as a resilient team failed to settle for a draw with a last minute strike to win it . Seeing that both teams are in terrific form there should be goals at both ends.
PICK
Both teams to score
Chelsea – Bate Borisov
On the domestic scene, the host may have let their lead slip away over the past month, but in Europe they still have a 100% record even as they weren’t so convincing with consecutive 1 nil wins over PAOK and Vidi. An away victory in the Europa league isn’t by any standard a poor performance even most impressive was MOL vidi as they showed great resilience at Stamford bridge. It took the home side almost an hour to find a way through but its is unlikely that would be the case when cone visiting.
Overall this season the Blues have been nothing but impressive despite dropping points against West ham, Liverpool and most recently Manchester United. Nevertheless the host are still unbeaten in 12 games this term with 9 wins coming from that run.
For Bate Borisov this is a very important clash although their fans would be expecting a defeat when they come visiting. They did manage a win against Vidi in their opening fixture but went on to lose devastatingly by 4goals to 1 at home to PAOK.
This trip to the bridge is yet another thorn in their skin. Their win against Vidi was their 1st in 13 away fixtures at a major European competition and they away reputation is no different with 5 losses in their last 9 matches. This includes their last visit to England where they lost rather disappointingly by 6 goals to nil at the Emirate after losing to Koln previously 5-2.
A team who losses by more than a goal visit another who has won by more than a goal in 4 fixtures this season, the latter might just rip them to shreds.
PICK
Over 2.5 goals
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