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Europa Conference League Best Bets: Thursday February 23rd
The second instalment of last week’s games is upon us. Last Thursday brought a couple of surprising results, and it seems there could be more twists to the ties this week.
With a decisive match on the cards for all teams ahead of the next round, we can expect an action-packed run of games.
Without further ado, here are the best value bets to go with ahead of the latest round of action…
In this article:
- Anderlecht vs Ludogorets Preview & Best Bet
- CFR Cluj vs Lazio Preview & Best Bet
- Partizan vs Sheriff Tiraspol Preview & Best Bet
- Fiorentina vs Braga Preview & Best Bet
- Gent vs FK Qarabag Preview & Best Bet
Anderlecht vs Ludogorets Preview
Thursday, February 23rd, 17:45 (UK Time)
Anderlecht will have to give their all in order to overcome the one-goal deficit with Ludogorets when the two sides meet at Lotto Park. January signing Islam Slimani is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts, while Michael Murillo is banned for the match. However, the home side can dig deep to turn the tie around.
On the other hand, the Bulgarian champions will be focused on defending their slim lead, but it will be a difficult task.
Anderlecht vs Ludogorets Best Bet
Although the home side’s form has not been great compared to the visitors, it is still evenly balanced, with 90 minutes or more to be played. You can expect the Belgian side to turn up the heat on home turf, where they are usually more formidable on the continent.
- Selection: Anderlecht Win
- Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
More Anderlecht vs Ludogorets Tips
CFR Cluj vs Lazio Preview
Thursday, February 23rd, 17:45 (UK)
Cluj and Lazio will battle for a spot in the Europa Conference League last 16 at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Radulescu on Thursday. Both Nana Boateng and Yuri Matias are banned for the match, which has further hampered the chances of the home side turning the tie around.
The Biancocelesti, on the other hand, laboured to a 1-0 win over Cluj at Stadio Olimpico despite Patric’s sending off last time out.
CFR Cluj vs Lazio Best Bet
One would expect Maurizio Sarri’s men to complete the job with another assured performance this Thursday after the 2-0 win over Salernitana at the weekend. Ciro Immobile, who scored the winner in the first leg, will continue to lead the line for the Serie A outfit in what could be a low-scoring affair.
- Selection: Under 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.65 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
Partizan vs Sheriff Tiraspol Preview
Thursday, February 23rd, 17:45 (UK)
Partizan will look to consolidate on last week’s result, when they host Sheriff in the Conference League last 32, return leg. Partizan won the first leg thanks to Ricardo Gomes’ goal, and warmed up for this fixture with a 2-1 win over Spartak Subotica. They hold the advantage to reach the next stage, but the Moldovans should not be written off just yet.
Sheriff were underwhelming at home and have struggled to score goals in attack over the past few games and have won just one of their last five away games. However, Nigerian forward Rasheed Akanbi returns from suspension and that should boost their chances.
Partizan vs Sheriff Tiraspol Best Bet
Give or take, the home side are expected to see out the tie by avoiding defeat at least but given what is at stake, the goal market is a much safer and enticing option to explore in the return tie.
- Selection: Over 2.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 2.25 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
More Partizan vs Sheriff Tiraspol Tips
Fiorentina vs Braga Preview
Thursday, February 23rd, 20:00 (UK)
Fiorentina and Braga will face off for the second leg of their playoff tie at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday. The Viola played out a 1-1 draw with Empoli in the local derby on Sunday, and are huge favourites to book their spot in the Conference League last 16. Even if they fail to win here, the 4-0 advantage from the first leg should be enough to take them to the next stage of the competition.
Elsewhere, the Reds were disappointing in the reverse leg and now have their work cut out for this tie in Florence.
Fiorentina vs Braga Best Bet
The bashing in Portugal must have been difficult for Braga to take and it was quite disappointing that they failed to score at home last time out. Following that explosive game last Thursday, we expect the game to be more open and both teams should be able to get goals.
- Selection: Both teams to score
- Best Odds: 1.72 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
Gent vs FK Qarabag Preview
Thursday, February 23rd, 20:00 (UK)
Gent will be at the Ghelamco Arena to host Qarabag for their Europa Conference League last 32, second leg. Gent lost 1-0 in Qarabag and should have played better but it did not happen.
Despite the injuries on their part, the Belgian giants have enough firepower in their arsenal to win this game and possibly turn the tie around.
Meanwhile, the visitors warmed up for this fixture with a win over Zira at the weekend, but they will need to double their efforts if they want to progress at the expense of their hosts.
Gent vs FK Qarabag Best Bet
Hugo Cuypers, who impressed in a 2-0 win over Leuven at the weekend, will be hoping to lead the home side to victory again on Thursday night. The hosts are favourites to win on home soil and they should do just that at the KAA Gent Stadium.
- Selection: Gent win
- Best Odds: 1.90 (bet365)
- Stakes: 6/10
Odds via bet365 as of 20:00 February 21st 2023. Odds may now differ.
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