Paddy’s insider believes Europe wins for Lille and Panathinaikos.
He european league Playoff action begins Thursday night as six more teams target the round of 16 in the 8 p.m. window. The stakes are high across the board as the race for the knockout stage progresses.
Lille host Red Star, Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros visit Ludogorets and Panathinaikos visit Viktoria Plzen. Paddy Power News Football Tipster Brennan Feargal has three value picks for Thursday that add up to an excellent Acca.
Thursday’s Europa League predictions
8:00 p.m.: Lille – Red Star
Lille wins
8:00 p.m.: Ludogorets – Ferencváros
Petar Stanic write down
8:00 p.m.: Panathinaikos – Viktoria Plzen
Panathinaikos gain
An acca with these bets pays approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are up to date with our stylish widgets, while the odds in the copy are accurate at the time of publishing but are subject to change..
Lille v. Red Star
WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pierre-Mauroy Stadium, Lille.
TV: TNT Sports 3
Lille wins
Lille sealed a playoff spot in dramatic fashion in the final round of league matches when Olivier Giroud’s 90th-minute penalty snatched a 1-0 victory over Freiburg. Their form has been completely polarizing with three home wins and four away defeats in Europe this season.
One of those away defeats came against Thursday’s rivals Red Star, when Marko Arnautovic scored a late penalty to take three points in Belgrade. However, that was not enough to seal an automatic place in the round of 16 as they only finished two points behind Lille in the final table standings.
Lille are not in great form, but Red Star have generally struggled against strong teams away from home, as evidenced by the defeats at Porto and Sporting Braga. I’m betting on a local victory, but the tie will not be resolved after 90 minutes, if the visiting team still has a chance to play the second leg.
ludogorets v Ferencváros
WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ludogorets Stadium, Razgrad.
TV: Sports TNT 7
Petar Stanic write down
Keane’s Ferencvaros head south to Bulgaria for a real test against Ludogorets. His team looked strong in the league stage and their only defeat, in the last game at Nottingham Forest, denied them a place in the top eight.
One of their victories came at home against Ludogorets, 3-1 at home in November, but they only picked up seven points from four away games in the competition. Those seven points were equaled by Ludogorets at home. so it is difficult to make a result call, based on the uniformity of their respective form.
A more attractive market could be the scorer, since Ludogorets has the top scorer in the league phase, with Petar Stanic with seven goals. Five of those goals came at home, including the winning goal over Nice that took them into the playoffs, and they have one goal in their last three league games.
Panathinaikos v. Victoria Pilsen
WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ludogorets Stadium, Razgrad.
TV: Sports TNT 6
Panathinaikos gain
Rafa Benitez (yes, him!) is unbeaten in five Europa League games since taking charge in Greece in October. The veteran Spanish coach achieved victories over Malmo, Sturm Graz and drew with Viktoria Plzen, Ferencvaros and Roma.
Despite dominating that match against Viktora Plzen, Rafa was unable to claim victory and will be keen to change that on Thursday night. They have only lost one in 11 home games and, with a wealth of European experience under their belt, I imagine they will get a win in the first leg.
Thursday’s Europa League predictions
8:00 p.m.: Lille – Red Star
Lille wins
8:00 p.m.: Ludogorets – Ferencváros
Petar Stanic write down
8:00 p.m.: Panathinaikos – Viktoria Plzen
Panathinaikos gain
An acca with these bets pays approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are up to date with our stylish widgets, while the odds in the copy are accurate at the time of publishing but are subject to change..
READ MORE
Tap here to see the latest football odds from PP.com
Paddy Power’s Guide to Safer Gaming – Everything You Need to Know
