Our betting tips focus on two captivating matchups in the Europa League and the Conference League: APOEL vs Rigas and Panathinaikos vs Lens.
APOEL vs Rigas: Can APOEL Overturn the Deficit?
APOEL Nicosia take on Latvian champions Rigas Futbola Skola (RFS) at the GSP Stadium on Thursday in the Europa League’s fourth and final qualifying round, looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession in last week’s first leg with 62%, the Cypriot title-winners struggled to convert their control into clear chances, managing only five shots and three on target. This bluntness ultimately cost them, but Thursday’s return leg presents a chance for redemption.
With centre-back Radosav Petrovic, who served a suspension in the first leg, available for this match, APOEL should find it easier to contain Rigas’ attacks than they managed in the first leg. APOEL will also look to Youssef El-Arabi, a seasoned forward with recent European success, to continue his form in front of goal on Thursday. The Conference League winner with Olympiacos last season opened his account for APOEL in the first leg.
Additionally, playing at home also gives APOEL a significant advantage. They were excellent at GSP Stadium last season, winning 11 of their 13 home league games. This season, they remain unbeaten at home after two games, underlining their strength on familiar turf. With the support of their passionate fans, APOEL will be confident of turning the tie around and progressing to the group stage of the Europa League.
Betting Tip: APOEL to Win
29/08 18:00 APOEL – Rigas APOEL to Win @ 1.53 (Betano)
Given the context of the first leg, where they were dominant but slightly unlucky, coupled with their exceptional home record, we can’t see beyond an APOEL win.
APOEL should be better equipped to defend against RFS’s attacks with the return of Radosav Petrovic, and the attacking presence of Youssef El-Arabi adds a serious goal threat for the hosts.
Additionally, their need to overcome the first-leg deficit will likely drive APOEL to play with intensity and determination, making a home win a likely outcome.
Therefore, our betting tip is APOEL to win at 1.53 odds on Betano.
APOEL vs Rigas - APOEL to Win @ 1.53
Europa Conference League Playoff Round: Panathinaikos vs Lens
Panathinaikos welcome Lens to the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis on Thursday evening, needing to overturn a one-goal deficit to advance to the league phase of the Europa Conference League.
The Greek side fell to a 2-1 defeat in France last week, putting them in a challenging position. Panathinaikos will look to leverage home advantage and the passionate support of their fans but would need to be much improved to overturn the deficit going by their performance in last week’s first leg.
Despite playing against the ten men of Lens for over an hour, the Greek side failed to make their numerical superiority count as Will Still’s side ground out the win. The visitors will be heartened by the resilience they displayed in the first leg and will enter this tie confident of their chances after winning all three of their competitive games this season.
With a full squad available for the away leg, Lens will be confident of their chances to win in Greece and progress to the group stage.
Betting Tip: Lens to Win
29/08 19:00 Panathinaikos – Lens Lens to Win @ 2.65 (Betano)
Lens displayed remarkable resilience to win under challenging circumstances in the first leg after playing with ten men for significant portions of that encounter.
This suggests they have the mental and tactical fortitude to manage this tie effectively despite what should be a hostile away environment.
With all eleven men on the pitch, Lens should be confident of replicating their success in Greece.
The 2.65 odds on Betano for a Lens to win is excellent value and is our recommended betting tip.
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