EUROPA LEAGUE MD7 TIPS: GOALS & CARDS APLENTY IN PENULTIMATE TIES
It’s all to play for in the penultimate round of Europa League matches.
Aston Villa can all but guarantee automatic progression with a win away at Fernerbahce while Nottingham Forest can still make the top eight but need a result at SC Braga or it will almost certainly be a play-off spot for the Tricky Trees.
At the other end of the table, Rangers simply must beat Ludogorets to keep their highly unlikely knockout stage hopes alive.
We’ve scoured the fixture list and have constructed three best bets for Matchday 7…
Tip 1 – Fenerbahce-Aston Villa draw @ 5/2
Villa sit in third spot, level on points with leaders Lyon, but face a tough test in Turkey as they travel to face Fenerbahce.
Unai Emery’s men have been in blistering form – or had been until Sunday’s defeat to Everton ended their 11-game winning run at home.
A disappointing loss at Go Ahead Eagles aside, their Europa League campaign has been flawless.
Their opponents here are also enjoying a strong campaign – especially at home.
They’re in 12th place but can go into the all-important top eight with a win here.
Yet to lose in the Turkish Super Lig, only Dinamo Zagreb have beaten them in the Europa league phase so far and the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is an intimidating place to go.
Villa, though, have shipped just four goals in their six games and that defensive solidity will be important here.
Odds of 5/2 for the draw represent a solid shout and definitely suits the visitors more than the home side, but would still allow Fernerbahce to qualify automatically by winning their final game.
They have drawn a third of their league games, too, and the Villans will fancy their chances of assuring qualification with a game to spare.
Tip 2 – Rangers vs Ludogorets BTTS @ 4/6
Danny Rohl’s Rangers are all but eliminated from the Europa League, with their slim hopes of a play-off spot hinging on picking up maximum points here.
Bulgarian side Ludogorets arrive in Glasgow harbouring genuine qualification hopes. They currently occupy 23rd spot but can still finish in the top 16, ensuring they would be seeded for a play-off clash.
Goals have followed them around so far. They have scored 11 in their six games but only Maccabi Tel Aviv have conceded more than their 14.
The Gers have scored just three times but have netted in their last two European games and haven’t failed to find the net domestically since November.
All but one of Ludogorets’ league phase matches have seen both teams score, while half of Rangers’ matches have had the same outcome.
It is 4/6 for both to find the net in this one and, given the visitors’ record and Rangers’ desperate need for three points, that represents strong value in the penultimate league phase game.
Tip 3 – Elliot Anderson be carded vs Braga @ 12/5
Despite an underwhelming season domestically, Forest are having a strong league phase in the Europa and stand a very solid chance of progression.
They are two points outside the top eight and have just one defeat so far – the same number as their opponents here.
They would leapfrog their hosts with victory in Portugal but that will be no easy task; so far, only Genk have taken maximum points from them.
They are unbeaten on their European travels but notably have had their fair share of yellow cards over their six games.
The Tricky Trees have picked up no fewer than 14 bookings, two of which in their last two games have been shown to Elliot Anderson.
The former Newcastle midfielder is a crucial cog in the middle for Forest and would be a big miss should he pick up another caution here. Unfortunately for Sean Dyche, though, that is something we can see happening.
He has also picked up four Premier League bookings and, with a lot on the line in this one against an impressive opponent, it could well be a game high on bookings.
The 12/5 for Anderson to be booked is a price well worth considering.
Though he would be a huge miss for the final game as a result, if Anderson can inspire Forest to victory the yellow card may be a price worth paying.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
