In the UEFA Europa League, three clubs remain with maximum points after three matches, while four others have only lost so far. What will change during the fourth round and which matches to pay attention to in general? We invite you to familiarize yourself with the traditional digest of TipsGG experts, in which we offer you predictions for the most interesting matches of Thursday, November 6.
Crvena Zvezda vs Lille
First of all, one should expect a high-scoring game from both opponents in this confrontation. Crvena Zvezda will probably try to take advantage of the home field advantage, even despite their unremarkable form. Not once since the beginning of the year have the “red and white” left the field without scoring goals, and in 16 matches during this period, they hit the opponents’ goal at least twice.
At the same time, Lille can respond with their own performance indicators. In the last 12 away matches in European cups, the French have failed to score only twice. The “Dogs” will probably try to show themselves from the best side, but the efficiency in attack may be nullified by the French’s weak play in defense.
Taking into account all the factors that do not highlight an obvious favorite in this pair, it is worth considering an exchange of goals in this match.
Bet: Total Over 2.5 (odds 1.71)
Basel vs FCSB
Both teams have suffered two losses and won one each after three rounds. Notably, Basel lost both times away, but won at home. FCSB, on the contrary, earned maximum points away, but lost both home matches.
The last match of the “red and blue” left rather a negative impression. Playing almost half the game with a numerical advantage, Ludovic Magnin’s charges still failed to realize the advantage in the match with the principled opponent Young Boys. Away games are difficult for Basel – half of the matches the team lost. At home, however, just one minimal loss in seven matches, and the last three ended without conceding.
FCSB does not show the kind of play that amazed Europe last season. Things are also going badly in the Romanian championship: eighth place and trailing the leader by 13 points already. Not what you expect from the champion of the last two seasons.
I do not expect a repeat of the result in Deventer, where FCSB won minimally. On the contrary, I expect a confident win for the hosts.
Bet: Basel to Win (odds 1.55)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Celta
The teams play in championships of different levels, but currently there is no clear difference in class between them. Both are going at a good pace in the Europa League standings, and there is no favorite in the confrontation, one can say. Dinamo is now trying to prove itself precisely in the European arena, even at the expense of results in the Croatian league. The hosts demonstrate effective football, score a lot, and so far have not made too many mistakes on their half of the field.
Celta obviously faces a difficult trip, but they are hardly afraid of difficulties – away since May, they have lost only twice in different tournaments. In the Europa League, they also recently broke their unbeaten streak. At the moment, there is just one point difference between the teams, so the face-to-face meeting takes on important significance – a win is needed.
Dinamo will have an advantage with their fans, their goal is undoubted. And yet, Celta is capable of earning points. Each will remain with their own.
Bet: Both Teams to Score (odds 1.71)
Betis vs Lyon
One of the central matches of the fourth round of the Europa League will take place in Seville, where Betis will host Lyon at the formally home stadium during the reconstruction of Benito Villamarín.
The “Béticos” approach this meeting in the middle of their group table, while the “weavers” are among the top three leaders, having a 100% result after three rounds. The green and white demonstrate bright attacking football, but often lose points due to instability in defense. At home, the team performs confidently – just one draw in seven home matches with five wins.
Lyon under Paulo Fonseca’s leadership acts more pragmatically than last season. This approach brings results – just 4 points behind the Ligue 1 leader and maximum points in the Europa League. At the same time, the squad situation is not the best: the participation of captain Tolisso is in question, and one of the key attacking players – Fofana – will miss the match due to injury.
Such circumstances are unlikely to allow the French to act aggressively in attack. Betis looks confident at home, so I expect a tight but tense match where the hosts will have a greater advantage.
Bet: Betis Win by 1 Goal or Draw (odds 1.93)
Viktoria Plzen vs Fenerbahçe
After Martin Hříška’s arrival as head coach, Viktoria noticeably revived and won 5 matches in a row. In the Europa League group, the Czechs have 6 points and occupy the fifth position, but the density in the table is such that each round can change everything.
Fenerbahce is also in excellent form – 7 matches without defeat in all tournaments, including 4 wins in the last. However, away for the Turks, things are going worse: in 9 matches, just 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. In the previous away Europa League match, the “canaries” lost to Dinamo Zagreb 1:3, creating minimal scoring opportunities.
Both teams are currently in excellent form, so an intriguing, dynamic match is expected. Fenerbahce is not a model in away play. Therefore, I suggest playing through an exchange of goals, and for the more daring, add the hosts’ non-loss.
Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (odds 1.59)
Alternative Bet: Viktoria Plzen Double Chance (1X) + Both Teams to Score – Yes (odds 2.43)
Bologna vs Brann
Bologna in the new season is again considered one of the contenders not only for a European spot, but is not so far from the leadership in the Italian championship. The hosts have no serious squad problems, Orsolini is slightly out of form, but Castro successfully replaces him, and at home, the “rossoblu” have not lost in this season.
Brann made two critical mistakes and deprived themselves of theoretical chances for the championship. Now the Norwegians have only to defend the third position, but even with this, difficulties may arise, since the team has an epidemic of injuries, which undermined, in particular, the prolific Magnusson. Instead of him, Emil Kornvig now answers for the result, but the optimal form is lost.
Norwegians traditionally find it harder to play outside their own field, which the last away results in European cups confirm, so from the fresh, collected, and most importantly home Bologna, it is reasonable to expect another three points.
Bet: Bologna to Win + Total Under 3.5 (odds 2.2)
Braga vs Genk
Braga, along with Lyon, remains one of the few teams that have not yet lost points in the group stage. At the same time, the Portuguese have not conceded a single goal in three rounds, which indicates exemplary play in defense. At home, the “archbishops” are always dangerous – just 5 conceded in 11 matches this season.
Genk, on the contrary, demonstrates different results: a win, a draw, and a loss. However, recently the team has gained momentum – 6 matches without defeat in all tournaments. Away, the Belgians have lost only twice in nine meetings, and both times with a minimal score.
Both teams act organized in defense, so waiting for a fireworks of goals scored is not worth it. The likely scenario is a tight struggle with a minimal advantage for the hosts or a draw.
Bet: Braga Double Chance (1X) + Total Under 2.5 (odds 2.47)
Stuttgart vs Feyenoord
Stuttgart desperately needs points to maintain chances of advancing to the playoffs, but in Europe, the “Swabians'” position is difficult – after starting with a win over Celta, two losses followed in a row, and the match against Feyenoord becomes largely decisive. Sebastian Hoeneß will probably not radically change the lineup, but may return Finn Jelcic to the starting lineup and possibly release Thiago Tomas instead of Undav. At home, the “Swabians” are extremely strong: six wins in a row on their field, including European cups, and four of them – to zero.
Feyenoord is also obliged to earn points – after three rounds, the team is below the playoff zone, and the win over Panathinaikos, although it helped slightly correct the situation, but stability in the Europa League is not visible yet. Van Persie, most likely, will refresh the squad more noticeably, giving a chance to other players. In the Dutch championship, Feyenoord’s attack looks powerful, but in European cups, realization often fails – all three goals scored in one match.
Both teams are motivated and capable of exciting football, but with the current balance of power, the advantage is more likely with the hosts.
Bet: Stuttgart Double Chance (1X) + Total Over 2.5 (odds 2.00)