It may seem strange, but this year sees the introduction of Europa League fixtures in the month of January.
Usually, the opening phase of the tournament has concluded by now and teams are looking towards the knockout stage.
But the new-look League Phase means we still have two more matchdays left to play and there is so much that needs sorting out in the 36-team table.
So, to celebrate the Europa League’s return, betFIRST has run the rule over the fixtures and provided some handy tips for betting online, complete with the latest football odds from our website.
As well as great odds, we have exciting games for our customers to enjoy such as Prono Foot, with amazing jackpots available to win each week!
*All odds are subject to change
Anderlecht to beat Viktoria Plzen @ 3.20
It is no secret that Anderlecht are having a bit of a rough time domestically, winning only one of the last four in the Jupiler Pro League.
But Belgium’s most successful club are flying in Europe and can book a spot in the last 16 with a win in Plzen.
What more motivation could the players need?
Of course, Plzen are a strong outfit on home soil, although Anderlecht should have enough to pick up the win – even if talismanic forward Kasper Dolberg misses out again through injury.
Hoffenheim vs Tottenham: Draw @ 3.60
Two teams enduring tough seasons will go toe-to-toe in Germany on Thursday evening.
Injury-depleted Spurs may still be reeling from a devastating 3-2 loss at Everton, which has seen them drop to 15th in the Premier League table.
Hoffenheim occupy the same position in the Bundesliga, but did pick up a vital 3-1 win at Holstein Kiel last weekend.
It is a game which could go either way given the unpredictability of both sides. However, we are playing it safe and opting for an entertaining draw!
Elfsborg to beat Nice @ 2.90
It is slightly surprising that home side Elfsborg are the underdogs in this fixture.
The Swedish side occupy the final play-off position in the table (24th), while Nice are 35th having lost four of six games.
With an away game against Tottenham to come on Matchday 8, Elfsborg will surely be targeting this fixture as the one to win in order to secure passage to the play-off round.
Nice’s hopes of qualifying are all but over and they may opt to utilise squad rotation as a result, which would certainly play into the hosts’ hands.
FCSB to beat Qarabag @ 3.20
Romanian side FCSB have been one of the surprise packages in the Europa League this season.
They are 10th in the table with three wins, two draws and a sole defeat, which in fairness was a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Rangers on Matchday 3.
However, FCSB should fancy their chances of seeing off a Qarabag team languishing in 33rd having lost five of six matches.
And with Manchester United awaiting them on Matchday 8, the time is now for FCSB to make their move!
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