Goals, pressure and new beginnings headline the Europa League action on Thursday, with Sean Dyche’s Forest debut, Lille’s home dominance, and Villa chasing another European win.
Young Boys (1.74) vs Ludogorets (4.60) – Draw 4.10
Young Boys remain unbeaten at home in European competition this season, averaging 2.8 goals per game in Bern. They’ve scored in 14 straight competitive fixtures. Ludogorets have lost both away games in Europe and conceded at least twice in five of their last six continental outings. The Swiss side’s home record gives them the edge, though BTTS has landed in four of their last five matches.
Nottingham Forest (2.70) vs FC Porto (2.70) – Draw 3.35
Sean Dyche’s first match in charge of Forest is a tough one. His side have conceded 23 goals in all competitions and are winless since August. Their Europa resuls, a 2-2 draw with Real Betis and a 3-2 loss to Midtjylland, leave them under pressure. Porto, top of Liga Portugal, have won four of their last five matches and conceded just once domestically, scoring 19. Forest should be more disciplined under Dyche, but Porto’s efficiency makes them favourites.
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Malmö (3.30) vs Dinamo Zagreb (2.21) – Draw 3.55
Dinamo Zagreb lead Croatia’s HNL and are unbeaten in seven games across all competitions. Malmö’s home form is strong, five wins from six, but they’ve conceded in four straight European ties. With both sides averaging over 1.9 goals per match, the BTTS (1.80) market has appeal.
Lille (1.49) vs PAOK (6.40) – Draw 4.70
Lille are unbeaten at home in 12 matches and have scored 10 in their last three Europa League appearances. PAOK sit third in the Greek Super League but have just one clean sheet in five European outings. Lille’s control in possession and home strength justify the short price.
RB Salzburg (1.98) vs Ferencváros (3.50) – Draw 4.00
Salzburg are winless in their last three home UEFA fixtures. Ferencváros arrive with a five-match unbeaten run on the road in Europe (2 wins, 3 draws). The Austrian side have scored in 12 straight competitive games, but their defensive frailty keeps this contest balanced.
Go Ahead Eagles (8.20) vs Aston Villa (1.34) – Draw 5.80
Aston Villa top their group after two wins and a +5 goal difference. They average 3.1 goals per game this season under Unai Emery. Go Ahead Eagles have lost four of their last five matches in Europe and conceded 11 goals in that run.
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