Goals Galore: Betting Tips for Thursday's Europa League Matches

With just one round of fixtures left in the Europa League group stage, the competition is heating up. Only seven of the 36 teams have been mathematically eliminated, and none of the remaining 29 sides have secured their final positions. This makes for an exciting final matchday where goal difference could play a pivotal role.
The current Europa League campaign has averaged 2.83 goals per match, the third-highest since 2012/13. Over 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in 70 out of 126 games (55.56%), making it a trend worth following. Additionally, the most common scoreline has been 1-1, appearing in 13 matches (10.3%).
High-Stakes Showdowns to Watch
Anderlecht vs. Hoffenheim
Anderlecht and Hoffenheim face a must-win situation. The German side need three points to keep their play-off hopes alive, while the Belgians must secure a victory to guarantee a top-eight finish. Both teams’ need for goals makes backing over 2.5 goals and both teams to score a strong betting option.
Porto’s Struggles Continue
Two-time Europa League winners Porto travel to face Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israelis have managed just two clean sheets in 13 European matches this season, while Porto are winless in their last five games. With newly appointed Martín Anselmi at the helm, this could be a low-scoring affair, making under 2.5 goals an appealing market.
Viktoria Plzen Challenge for Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao, motivated by the chance to play the final at their San Mamés stadium, host Viktoria Plzen. The Czech side are unbeaten in 13 away European matches, scoring in 11 of them. With both sides boasting similar xG values (1.47), betting on both teams to score is a solid choice.
Odds Favour the Hosts
Elsewhere, Roma’s home form (six consecutive wins) makes them strong favourites against Eintracht Frankfurt. Backing Roma on a double chance and for them to score twice offers good value.
Europa League: Matchday 8 | Odds |
Anderlecht vs Hoffenheim: Over 2 Goals and Both Teams To Score – Yes | 1.91 |
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Porto: Porto Win And Under 5 Goals | 1.73 |
Athletic Bilbao vs Viktoria Plzen: Over 2.25 Goals Asian Line | 2.00 |
Roma vs Eintracht Frankfurt: Roma or Draw And Goals Range: 2-4 | 1.83 |
Nice vs Bodo/Glimt: Nice Asian Handicap -0.25 | 2.00 |
Dynamo Kyiv vs Riga Futbol Skola: Dynamo Kyiv Or Draw And Under 4 Goals | 1.75 |
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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