The Europa League competition’s group stage is drawing to a close and all four English teams have chances too make the knockout stage. Tottenham are precariously placed on seven points from four games, equal with PAOK and Rubin. Spurs host PAOK tonight in a game that could determine who goes through to the next round, and who gets left behind – what neither side really wants is a draw, that could open the door for Rubin to win the group stage, and group winners have better luck in progressing to the final 16 compared to runners up in the group stages.
Bookmakers have made Spurs hot 4/9 favourites to win this Group A encounter with PAOK very good value at 7/1. Spurs are in form and should win, however, at 7/1, PAOK are a tempting bet. We’ll stick with the home side although there’s not a lot of value.
Stoke are in Group E and they are looking good for the final 32 having accumulated 10 points from four games. Stoke host Dynamo Kiev tomorrow night where a win will secure a final 32 placing, and most likely give them the Group E title. Bookmakers have Stoke at 7/5 with Kiev and the draw both at 23/10. Stoke have not performed that well at home, and since a draw will assure them of a final 32 place, don’t be surprised to see them defend more than attack. We’re tipping the draw at good value in this game.
Group H looks a little like Group A with three team sitting on seven from four games. Birmingham have put in a sterling performance so far in this competition, however, they have a tough ask tonight when they travel to Braga. Europa League betting has Braga short at 4/7 with Birmingham unwanted in betting at 6/1. I think punters may be a little harsh, Birmingham’s away record is as good as any and they would fancy their chances going into this game tonight. The draw at 3/1, while not perfect for either side, will keep them both alive. We’re tipping the draw, and having a little on Birmingham at those good odds – we think they may surprise everyone.
The final game of interest is in Group K where Twente lead on 10 points from Fulham on 7. Twente can seal their place in the final 32 with a win tomorrow while Fulham can make life interesting with a win. Unfortunately for one of them, they play each other, and for Fulham, luck is against them as they travel to Twente for this game. Bookmakers are wary of Fulham, they too have a good away record, so bookies have posted them around the 3/1 mark leaving Twente at evens. Like Birmingham, we think Fulham can pull of win in this game almost ensuring that both sides make it through to the final 32 – for Twente, a draw will seal them a spot in the finals so if they play defensive, they could be found wanting. Fulham to win.