Photo: FC Porto in an eager battle against Utrecht (1-1) on Matchday 4 | fcporto.pt
The other set of Europa League group stage matches is full of intrigue as in the eyes of many the matches will determine the place in the knock out stages of their matches. It is not just the prestige, but also the carrying on of the European campaign that is under the spotlight, and thus, fans are in line to be accorded ruthless football. By analyzing the odds, experts provide interesting betting tips for the upcoming matches. The following are the most interesting matchups.
Porto vs. Nice (November 27, 7:45 PM)
Venue: Estádio do Dragão, Porto;
Prediction: Porto will win by a (-1) handicap.
Porto have 7 points, and are comfortably placed to come out of the pool. With a win in their home, it would be practically assured that they have a spot in the knock-out phase. Nice, however, have not been having a great time in the tournament since they lost all the four games with a cumulative score of 4-9, and go to Portugal without any competitive drive. The most crucial players in the hosts will be the centre-forward Aghehowa and left winger Borja Sainz who are the primary source of threat.
In the case of Nice, monitor the actions of Mohamed Ali-Cho since he can make anything out of nothing. Porto will be expected to reign supreme. With no pressure, the French will be able to score yet unlikely to take any points.
Lille vs Dinamo Zagreb (November 27, 7:45 PM)
Venue: Pierre Mauroy stadium, Decathlon arena;
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
It is a first place battle in the group where six points can be the determining factor of the leader. Dinamo lead Lille (7 to 6), but the performance of both of these teams is rather consistent but impressive. The star forward of the French team is Hamza Igamane, and the Croatians are backed with the defensive experience of Ismaael Bennacer as their midfielder.
Lille depend on fast flank attacks.
Dinamo make effective use of set pieces.
The focal point of the field will be the main location in the battle of the initiative.
It will have a close match with little scoring opportunities. The probable result would be the draw as this would get the visitors better.
Celtic vs. Feyenoord (November 27, 7:45 PM)
Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam;
Prediction: Both teams to score.
This is more likely a desperation initiative by the two teams. Feyenoord (3 points) and Celtic (4 points) are forced to win in order to keep their hopes of progressing out of the group. Dutch team is also relying on the forward Ayase Ueda, and Scots team on forward Benjamin Nygren. There is an expectancy of open football because both teams have no option of getting back.
In the case with Nice, one should monitor Mohamed Ali-Cho who has the capacity to avert nothing into goals. Porto will have everything to be dominated. France, unlike the stressful English, will be able to score but will not most likely pick up any points.
Lille vs Dinamo Zagreb (November 27, 7:45 PM)
Location: Decathlon Arena, Stade Pierre Mauroy;
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
It is the first place battle in the group, and there are possibly six points that will define the leader. Dinamo leads Lille (7 to 6) by only a point and both clubs are performing inconsistently though impressively. Hamza Igamane is the proponent striker of the French club, and the Croatians are counting on experience of Midfield Ismael Bennacer.
Lille depend on speedy counter-attacks along the flanks.
Dinamo makes use of set pieces.
The engagement of the middle of the field will be the main location in the battle of the initiative.
It is supposed to be a close match with few goals. The natural result is a draw which would be more acceptable to the visitors.
Celtic vs. Feyenoord (November 27, 7:45 PM)
Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam;
Prediction: Both teams to be score.
It is likely to be a final stand of both the teams. Feyenoord (3 points) and Celtic (4 points) have to win to steady their position of continuing out of the group. Dutch team is dependent on forward Ayase Ueda and the Scots on forward Benjamin Nygren to provide attacking elements. It will be an open one, because there is no room to retreat on the part of the two teams.
Bologna vs. Red Bull Salzburg (November 27, 10.00 PM)
Venue: Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna;
Prediction: Bologna to win.
Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna are playing in a better ball handling and generally, they are organized football players. Bologna are at playoff contention with 5 points and Salzburg (3 points) is heading towards the road after three straight losses thus this is a crucial match to the Austrians. The Italians can be represented by midfielder Riccardo Orsolini, whereas the visitors include Petar Ratkov, who is the most impressive player.
Bologna are exhibiting strategic elasticity and a good defence.
Salzburg will count on their high pressing that is signature.
The outcome of this game will have serious consequences in terms of the end group results.
The Italian club appears to come out as the favorite due to its home field and a more decentralized game.
The fifth round is going to be a test of strength indeed. This is where the character of the clubs and their aspirations are unveiled and to the fans it is a terrific chance to watch dramatic and unpredictable football to the very end.
