Thursday Betting thoughts – Some Europa League Snips

I’m not going to pretend that the Europa League is one of my favourite betting mediums… It isn’t. But one thing it does have going for it is the fact that these games really confuse the bookmakers, and you quite often see them going all over the shop with their odds.

I’ve been looking for a couple of days for any potential value in Thursday night’s fixture list, and here are my thoughts:

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Metalist  Kharkiv rate pretty good value to get the better of Newcastle in the Ukraine tonight. With the first leg finishing 0-0 at St. James Park, Newcastle will feel somewhat aggrieved that they didn’t at least manage to take a lead into the 2nd leg, and I can see that biting them hard tonight.

Newcastle haven’t won away from home in their last 5 European clashes, and Metalist Kharkiv have lost just 1 of their last 11 home games (0-2 loss to Shakhtar), also handing out a 2-0 beating to German Bundesliga high-fliers Bayer Leverkusen.

The 10/11 about a Kharkiv win is very fair indeed. Newcastle haven’t really looked a threat in this competition this season and I think they’ll really struggle tonight.

Recommendation – Back Metalist to win 10/11 Betfred

Levante go into their game in Greece against Olympiakos with an almost unbeatable 3-0 advantage, but I really fancy them to take something away from the Greek Champions.

Olympiakos often do the business on home turf, but given the complexion of this 2nd leg, and the fact that we already have the first game as a reference- Olympiakos are just far too short for the win.

A bet I really like the look of is Levante Double Chance (Levante or draw) which is paying out a massive 11/10 at Bet365.

Recommendation – Back Levante Double Chance 11/10 Bet365

Anzhi Makhachkala are really trying to get themselves on to the European big stage, and I can see them getting something from Hannover here.

3-1 up from the first leg in Russia, Anzhi have the advantage, but are growing into a real force to be reckoned with this term, hence their quote as 2nd favourites to win the Europa League outright.

I think a safe bet here that gives plenty of value in the Anzhi (draw no bet) market at 11/10 with Sky Bet. With Hannover chasing the game, Anzhi are sure to get their chances on the counter, and I’m happy to have the insurance of a refund if the tie finishes all square.

Recommendation – Back Anzhi (draw no bet) 11/10 Sky Bet