The Europa League has taken on a new dimension with the addition of both Manchester City and Manchester United following their dumping out of the Champions League. At the same time, Tottenham will struggle to make it through the group stage as will Birmingham while Fulham has its fate in its own hands. The only team guaranteed a berth in the knock out stage (apart from Manchester pair) is Stoke.
This week marks the final week in the group stage with Stoke traveling to Besiktas tomorrow night and Fulham hosting Odense BK. Fulham are currently second in their group and will progress with win. They are in danger of missing out altogether if they lose or draw and Wisla Krakow defeats group leader Twente. Odense are bottom of the group and Fulham are at home so you would think a win is on the cards in that game. Bookmakers feel the same with Europa League betting showing Fulham at 1/4 the draw at 5/1, and Odense at 14/1.
Stoke currently lead their group on eleven points two ahead of Besiktas. Stoke only need a draw to take the group while a loss will see the home side win the group stage. In Stoke’s favour is Besiktas position – they only need a point to secure a place in the knock-out stage, so if they play for the draw, Stoke will take the group win. Bookmakers have Besiktas at 18/19 the draw at 5/2 and Stoke at 10/3. We’re tipping the draw at 5/2 as the best value bet.
On Thursday, things are a little different. Spurs travel to Ireland to take on Shamrock who have yet to take a point in this competition. Unfortunately for Spurs, they will need results elsewhere to go their way if they are to progress through to the next round. Even then, goal differences could play a big part, so Spurs will want to score as many as possible and hope that PAOK soundly thrash Rubin. PAOK are at home so that’s quite achievable. They will also win the group if they beat Rubin – even more reason for them to play well. Bookmakers have Shamrock at 13/2 to win with the draw at 7/2 and Tottenham at 7/15. Spurs should win, but will it be enough – we think it just might.
The final game of interest sees Birmingham (6/11) at home to Maribor (6/1). Maribor have on the one point and should be easy pickings for the home side. However, they will need a result in the other match between Club Bruges and Braga. They are both on ten points, three ahead of Birmingham. It will still come down to goal averages, and if Birmingham can score a bagful and one of the others wins with a bagful, then they could just sneak into the knock out stage. Birmingham will win their game, and hopefully we’ll get the right result elsewhere.
In Europa League outright betting, Manchester City have taken over as favourites at 5/1 ahead of Manchester United at 11/2. Atletico Madrid and Valencia share the next line but they are now out to 14/1. I think bookmakers feel the Manchester pair have this trophy in the bag – time will tell.