This week brings a series of crucial Euro Cup qualification matches. More than just advancing to the next round, national league prestige is on the line. We’re breaking down the favorites’ chances and sharing the most interesting bets for each game.
Ludogorets vs. Rijeka
The fate of qualification between the champions of Bulgaria and Croatia, respectively, will be decided in Razgrad.
Ludogorets has already played five official matches this new season. During this period, they suffered one defeat in regular time against Dinamo Minsk, but the Bulgarian champions managed to draw the game in extra time, which was enough to advance to the next round of the Champions League. Rijeka, on the other hand, prepared for their European debut through friendly matches. Last season, the Croats found away matches more challenging than home games. However, the team boasted the league’s most reliable defense and only lost by more than one goal on a single occasion.
The first leg was evenly contested, and something similar is expected in the upcoming match, though with a slight dominance from the home side. I anticipate a draw or a narrow victory for the hosts, but regarding the prediction, I recommend focusing on Ludogorets’ individual corner kicks.
Betting Tip: Ludogorets Individual Total Corners Over 4.5 at odds of 1.7.
Alternative Bet: Ludogorets Corners Handicap (-1.5) at odds of 2.02.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Pafos
Both teams are only formally playing their “home” games at their respective stadiums. A week ago, Pafos hosted their opponents in Limassol instead of their home arena, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Therefore, in Serbia, at the local Bačka Topola stadium, everything will start anew, considering neither team has a genuine home advantage.
I expect another evenly matched game with a slight edge for the formal hosts.
Betting Tip: Maccabi Tel Aviv to Win by 1 Goal or Draw at odds of 1.81.
Panathinaikos vs. Rangers
The Olympic Stadium in Athens is a reliable fortress for the Greeks, just as Ibrox is for the Scots. Rangers, not entirely convincingly in terms of their play, nevertheless proved this stadium hypothesis a week ago with a 2-0 victory. Now, it’s Panathinaikos’ turn.
Both teams played their first official match of the season in their head-to-head encounter. Neither side looked perfect. I’m confident we’ll see equally entertaining football in Greece as in the previous match. While I’m not certain the Greeks will advance, I have a feeling the hosts will secure a victory.
Betting Tip: Panathinaikos to Win at odds of 1.82.
Alternative Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at odds of 1.72.
Servette vs. Viktoria Plzeň
The result of the first leg (Servette’s 1-0 victory) gives the hosts of the upcoming match an advantage. If the Swiss can defend just as well throughout the game, and perhaps even score, their passage to the next stage is all but assured.
However, the Czechs, who looked better than their opponents, clearly have other plans. Koutoubek’s proteges have established themselves as a solid team in recent years, attempting to impose their game on every opponent. Over the past three seasons, the Czechs have played in all three major European club competitions.
Although Servette doesn’t often lose at home, looking at last season’s results (only four times across all competitions), there’s a feeling that this might happen in this particular game.
Betting Tip: Viktoria Plzeň to Qualify at odds of 2.24.