Teams with their eyes on reaching the group stage of the Europa League and Europa Conference League will not be easing up on Thursday during the second legs of the latest qualifying round.
It is a busy evening and there are three bets that can help you through the packed programme of action.
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Bet of the day
Both teams to score in Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock @ 7/10
Cercle Brugge and Kilmarnock played out a 1-1 draw at a rain-swept Rugby Park last week and their Europa League return in Belgium also looks close to call.
Cercle will be pleased to be back on grass after complaining about the artificial surface in Scotland, but of more pressing concern could be the 2-0 defeat they suffered in their league opener at Westerlo at the weekend.
Killie are a decent side under manager Derek McInnes and more than matched their opponents in the opening game.
Having finished a creditable fourth in the Scottish Premiership last season, they are entitled to feel confident that they can complete the job, so expect them to adopt a positive attitude that results in both teams scoring in the second leg.
Special of the day
St Mirren -1 on handicap vs Valur @ 12/5
St Mirren secured a goalless draw in Reykjavik last week in the first leg of their Europa Conference League clash with Valur and they should complete the job in Paisley with a minimum of fuss.
The scoreline of that match in the Icelandic capital does not really tell the whole story as the Buddies mustered 15 attempts on goals, which bodes well for the chances of them winning by more than one goal in Thursday’s rematch.
St Mirren have scored twice in home friendlies against Fleetwood and Carlisle, and they can be confident about beating their opponents with a bit to spare, particularly as forward Aron Johannsson is banned after a first-leg red card and former Everton and Tottenham man Gylfi Sigurdsson is injured.
Take the Scottish team to cover the handicap by winning by a margin greater than one goal.
Long shot of the day
St Patrick’s Athletic draw no bet vs Vaduz – 31/10
St Patrick’s were excellent in beating Vaduz 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie and the odds of them getting something from the return in Liechtenstein appear generous.
The League of Ireland side can soak up pressure, but their opponents have failed to win any of their last nine matches in European competition and may not possess the firepower to force their way through against a team who have lost by more than one goal in just one of their last 12 continental clashes.Taking the draw-no-bet option may be sensible, but St Patrick’s could pull this out of the bag at 31/10.
Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*
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News Summary:
- talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Thursday 1 August
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