BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is back to preview matchday 5 in the football Europa League. The five British sides all hold hopes of qualification to the next round and will be aiming to take steps closer with wins this evening. So, let’s find out what the best bets are ahead of the action.
Tottenham to win -1
Tottenham Hotspur v Ludogorets Razgard
Tottenham go into their match against Ludogorets as heavy odds-on favourites. The home side are fresh from an excellent 2-0 win against Man City at the weekend, and despite suffering one defeat in their Europa League group, they sit top of the table.
Spurs have over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 games and it comes as no surprise given the form of Messrs Kane and Son. That said, Jose Mourinho may decide to rest his star pairing here, with Gareth Bale pushing for a place in the starting XI.
Even if Mourinho does change things slightly, there’s no getting away from the fact that the visitors will be concerned about leaking goals. They’ve conceded at least 2 goals in all of their last 5 matches. With that in mind, I fancy Spurs to take full advantage in London.
Arsenal to win 1-0
Molde v Arsenal
Arsenal travel to Sweden having won their previous 3 Europa League matches. When these two met before the international break, the home side ran away 4-1 winners and I think Arsenal have enough in their locker to make it a double.
If Molde decide to have a go like they did at the Emirates, it could leave them very exposed to Arsenal on the counter-attack.
Goals have dried up a bit recently for the Gunners domestically, but there have been no such problems in the Europa League.
They have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches in the competition, and whilst I don’t think there will be a repeat of the previous 4-1, I do fancy the Londoners to come away with the points.
Draw
Rangers v Benfica
Rangers welcome Benfica to Ibrox with both sides undefeated so far in the Europa League. Prior to the international break, both sides played out a 3-3 draw in Portugal as Benfica came back to snatch a late point.
The Gers will have been disappointed not to win that, especially with their opponents going down to 10-men early on.
Ibrox has been a fortress this season. Rangers have yet to concede a goal domestically there, so they will be hoping for more of the same here That said, Benfica showed how dangerous they are going forward in the last match, so I think this one could end up with both sides sharing the points once again.
Leicester to win & BTTS
Sporting Braga v Leicester City
Leicester have been flying in Europe this season. The Foxes will almost certainly secure top spot in the group with a win here which will be crucial for them further down the line.
With 9 goals in 3 games, Leicester have been really enjoying their European football. It was 4-0 when Braga visited the King Power a couple of weeks ago, and whilst this may not be as one-sided as that match, I still fancy the away side to travel back with the points.
1-1 correct score
Sparta Prague v Celtic
Celtic travel to Prague in the midst of a patchy run of form. They suffered a heavy defeat in Glasgow when these sides last met, and Neil Lennon will be demanding a response here.
It’s simply a must win game for the Celts. Prague will no doubt fancy their chances, however, they could be missing up to 5 players.
I think this one will be a lot tighter than the previous encounter and can see the sides playing out a score draw.
