*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Leicester City v AEK Athens [8.00pm] – Leicester to win to nil
Leicester have an excellent opportunity to seal top spot in Group G of the Europa League this season with a win against whipping boys AEK Athens.
The Greeks have picked up just three points from their five Europa League games this season and head to the King Power Stadium with nothing to play for.
Brendan Rodgers’ side know that a win will keep them above Braga and allow them to top the group and they really should do it with ease. Leicester have been excellent at home in the Europa League this season, scoring seven and conceding zero in two comprehensive victories.
They have struggled somewhat on their travels, but that doesn’t concern them on Thursday night. They also have the advantage of playing Brighton at home at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday evening, which allows the Foxes to turn their full attention to this final Europa League group game in the knowledge that they have plenty of time to recuperate ahead of that league fixture.
Rodgers can select a full-strength side for this one with a rare midweek rest on the horizon next week and his best XI should have far too much for a side that looks out of their depth in Europe’s secondary competition.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Antwerp [8.00pm] – Tottenham to win & over 3.5 goals
Unlike their league form, Tottenham’s Europa League form has been patchy and inconsistent. Jose Mourinho’s side somehow find themselves in a position where they could miss out on top spot heading into the final game of the group stages in what is easily one of the easiest groups in the competition, but they should put that right on Thursday.
Spurs currently sit two points behind Thursday’s opponents following defeat in Belgium earlier in the campaign, coupled with a last gasp draw with LASK last time out. They have been flawless at home in the competition, however, and should get the job done with the benefit of a home backing.
Unlike Leicester, Spurs have been handed an early kick-off on Sunday, which may force Mourinho to go for a weaker team against Antwerp.
Spurs’ squad players simply don’t inspire confidence at the back and there is every possibility that the Premier League leaders will concede on Thursday.
Having said that, they possess plenty of attacking quality at the other end and should have more than enough to overtake Antwerp in what will hopefully be a high-scoring affair.
Europa League double
Leicester City v AEK Athens [8.00pm] – Leicester to win to nil
Tottenham Hotspur vs Antwerp [8.00pm] – Tottenham to win & over 3.5 goals
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
More top tips for Thursday
- Arsenal to beat the handicap in this 8/1 Same Game Multi v Dundalk
- Our 22/1 acca for Thursday’s final round of Europa League action
Friday’s big bet
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