The Europa League returns this week, and it can’t get any better than this as the tournament enters the crucial Week 5 that can make or break the hopes of the teams aiming to make it to the next round.
Sure enough, it will be another action-packed live betting event with several football games to watch. However, with Arsenal and Lazio the only clubs from Europe’s Top 5 leagues that are already assured of a ticket to the next stage, all eyes will be on the other heavyweights to perform and live up to the betting odds.
La Liga clubs Villareal and Real Sociedad are in pretty good positions to advance, but they can’t let their guard down with the points close in their respective groups.
The Yellow Submarine visit Astana to battle for the top of Group A and a ticket to the Round of 32, while Sociedad take a trip to Lerkendal Stadion with the chance to pull away for good from Group L third-placers Rosenborg.
Moreover, another Spanish giant Athletic Bilbao face a tall order against Bundesliga side Hertha BSC. Both sides are separated by only a point in Group J and a win here will be crucial to salvaging their European dreams.
German outfits Hoffenheim and FC Koln, meanwhile, are fighting for survival. They are currently out of the qualifying places, so they both need to win their remaining games. Despite being at tight odds of 1×2 @ 2.47, however, the Billy Goats won’t fancy their chances as they are up against the Gunners this week.
In Group K, which Lazio dominated, Ligue 1 strugglers OGC Nice have an opportunity to make it up to their fans by securing the second place. A defeat to Belgium’s Zulte Waregem, nonetheless, will put them in a perilous situation of possibly exiting the competition.
On the other hand, France’s Lyon and Italy’s Atalanta need just a point to make it through Group E, and they are in for some luck as they face the bottom teams—with Atalanta expected to dominate against the slumping and already out Everton at Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.94.
Group D leaders AC Milan shouldn’t be forgotten as well. Vincenzo Montella’s men might be having a hard time catching up in Serie A, but they are undefeated in the group and should be able to delight against Austria Wien.
There are still a total of 19 spots left to be filled, and that should make for an exciting week of European football fixtures. And with how things are looking, there will be certainly fireworks this Friday!
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
