It’s an action-packed week in the second qualifying round where teams will be fighting to get through to the next round. We’ve looked at the odds and analyzed the stats and come up with our Top 5 Bets for the Europa League: July 25. Bet on the Europa League here.
Chikhura Sachkhere Vs Aberdeen – Aberdeen Win – 1.70
Both Sachkhere and Aberdeen comfortably triumphed in the last round, winning both legs, and will be looking to continue with same in this round. However, Aberdeen are unbeaten in their last six matches, winning four and drawing two. Georgian side Sachkhere have lost two of their last six matches. Given how the Dons dominated the last round, both home and away, they’re favourites to do the same in Georgia.
AZ Alkmaar vs BK Hacken – AZ Alkmaar Win – 1.65
AZ Alkmaar have had a decent pre-season and will be hoping that they can put in a good first leg performance in their first match of the season. AZ have won five out of their last six home matches in all competitions while Swedish side Hacken have won just two away matches in their last five. AZ are also more experienced and have a higher quality team, as well as playing in a highly competitive league. Therefore, the hosts should get the job done.
Shamrock Rovers FC vs Apollon Limassol FC – Apollon Limassol Win – 2.25
Cypriot side Apollon are an experienced Europa League side that certainly won’t be taking their trip to Ireland lightly. The visitors have qualified for the Europa League group stage since 2013. The hosts have only made it through to the group stage once before which means they’ll do their absolute best in thus clash. Apollon comfortably dispatched Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 6-0 on aggregate in the last round. Apollon have won three of their last six matches, while the hosts have failed to score in two of their last four home games. Despite the home advantage, Rovers will need a miracle to beat Apollon.
Aris Thessaloniki FC vs AEL Limassol FC – AEL Limassol FC Win – 1.75
Thessaloniki are looking to qualify for the Europa League for the first time since 2010 while Limassol are hoping to make another group stage appearance after doing it in 2012. The visitors have won four of their last five matches whilst Greek side Thessaloniki have lost three of their last five games. The Cypriots have the experience and quality heading into this clash and should overcome the hosts.
Alashkert vs Fotbal Club FCSB – FCSB Win – 1.50
Romanian giants FCSB (formerly Steaua București) are unbeaten in their last six matches, a run which saw them win four and draw two. Armenian side Alashkert have never qualified for the group stages and will try and have a go again against FCSB, who are a regular Europa League team. Both teams registered victories in the previous round. Again, the Romanians are better equipped in quality and experience in this type of matches.