Football betting tips: Europa League
3pts Rangers over 11.5 shots at 5/6 (bet365)
1pt Vaclav Cerny over 2.5 shots at 9/4 (bet365)
0.5pt Vaclav Cerny over 3.5 shots at 11/2 (bet365)
BuildABet @ 10/1
- Vaclav Cerny to score anytime
- Dejan Kulusevski to score or assist
- Rodrigo Bentancur to commit 2+ fouls
Thursday’s cynosure comes at Ibrox where Rangers take on Tottenham in the battle of Britain.
Ange Postecoglou is becoming a polarising figure for Spurs fans amidst his sides Jekyll and Hyde form. Tottenham have not won since inflicting Pep Guardiola’s heaviest ever home defeat, taking two points from the last 12 on offer.
Postecoglou’s Celtic ties won’t endear him to the home faithful in Glasgow but his familiarity with Thursday’s opponents could help get his side out of their slump. In two seasons north of the border, Postecoglou pipped Rangers to the title twice and won six Old Firm meetings.
Like Tottenham, Rangers are all but out of the title race meaning both clubs best chance of salvaging the season lies in the Europa League and the hosts have been turning it on on a Thursday evening.
Ten points from five games means Philippe Clement’s men start the evening level on points with Spurs, ahead of them on goal-difference.
Expect a raucous evening in Scotland in a game that looks impossible to call.
What are the best bets?
After much deliberation, shots could be the best way into this contest. RANGERS certainly take enough averaging 17.9 a game in the Scottish Premiership and 16.2 (joint 5th most) in this competition.
Bet365 have the line at OVER 11.5 SHOTS which looks fair considering the Gers went within one of this tally at Olympiacos and have hit it against Nice, Malmo, Lyon and FC FCSB.
Since the 4-0 win over Manchester City, Tottenham have shipped plenty of shots as each of their last four opponents (Roma, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea) have met this line comfortably. Their injury crisis in defence must have been a factor.
Sticking along similar lines, VACLAV CERNY is worth a tout in the shots market. He tops his sides charts notching up an average of 3.4 on the continent.
Both the wingers price to have OVER 2.5 and OVER 3.5 appeal with bet365 as he has hit the former in 80% and the latter in 60% of his five appearances in Europe this term.
Team news
Rabbi Matondo returned to training but is unlikely to be forced straight back into the starting line up. Tom Lawrence also has an outside change of featuring for the hosts.
Tottenham rushed both Mickey van de Ven and Cristian Romero back for the Chelsea defeat at the weekend and it backfired spectacularly as both were forced off early leaving the pair doubts on Thursday.
Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray look the most likely to slot into the heart of an injury ravaged central defence with Ben Davies nursing a hamstring strain.
Rodrigo Bentancur should start at the base of midfield as his suspension only applies domestically. With Yves Bissouma also suspended for the weekend's trip to Southampton, he could also start in the middle of the park, although James Maddison might be preferred.
Predicted line-ups
Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Raskin, Hagi; Cerny, Diomande, Igamane; Danilo
Tottenham: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentacur, Maddison; Kulusvski, Lankshear, Werner
Odds correct at 1200 GMT (11/12/24)
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