EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS: The Ultra previews BODO/GLIMT v TOTTENHAM and MANCHESTER UNITED v ATHLETIC BILBAO with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
BODO/GLIMT V TOTTENHAM
8pm The massive week from Europe continues on Thursday as we finish the Europa League Semi-Finals on BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE! Unlike the Champions League Semi-Finals this week, the two Semi-Finals here already look to be decided after very one sided first legs. The only question is can Spurs defend a two goal lead away from home given the amount of disappointing results they have had this season – Manchester United are in a much stronger position three goals up with home advantage for the second leg. Despite the ties seemingly “decided” we should have an interesting night ahead. Spurs and United have conceded so many goals this season, you never know what might happen. We kick off the evening in Norway as Bodo/Glimt host Spurs – that goal in the last ten minutes for Bodo/Glimt would have at least given them some hope coming into this tie, and their aim has to be to score early and see how nervous Spurs get. As we all know this season, Spurs have had some incredible errors at the back – something “Spursy” is never far away and this game will only get interesting if Bodo/Glimt can put them under some pressure. An early goal for Spurs should kill the tie off.
We have a reasonably open betting heat; Spurs come into the game as the favourites at 2.36 with Bodo/Glimt 2.92 and the draw is 4.1 at the time of writing. Spurs absolutely dominated the first leg, but as I said above that late goal for Bodo/Glimt just leaves the door a little open. You just know all the chat coming into this game is going to be about the artificial pitch and how Spurs are going to deal with that – to be honest Bodo/Glimt should feed into that and try to get into the heads of Spurs. Given how many embarrassing moments Spurs have had this season, I wouldn’t be rushing to take the 2.36 on them here despite the obvious gulf in class between the sides. In fairness to Spurs, they have been much better in Europe compared to the Premier League though. Bodo/Glimt are going to have to chase the game here and Spurs always tend to play an open game – I know Ange Postecoglou might try to set up more cagey with his side here, but I still feel we’ll see goals here. Over 2.5 goals is trading 1.64 and Both Teams To Score is a couple of ticks shorter at 1.58. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some drama here and a high scoring game. I’m happy to take the 1.64 on Overs.
The Ultra Says:
Two points win Over 2.5 goals at 1.64 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/BodTot
MANCHESTER UNITED V ATHLETIC BILBAO
8pm We move over to Manchester to finish Thursday night as Manchester United host Athletic Bilbao. It was a perfect first leg for United in Bilbao – they were obviously helped by an early red card for Bilbao but it was also one of their best performances of the season. They finished the game with 72% possession and United fans maybe got a view of what things could be like under Ruben Amorim. As I said heading into that game, I strongly believe that United have been better away from home under Amorim and now they have to close things out at Old Trafford. They have suffered some heavy defeats here this season, and they’ve conceded a lot of goals in the Premier League too. Obviously Amorim has decided to focus on this tournament and play the under squad members in the Premier League at the moment; but you’d still have to go into this game with a little worry if you’re a United fan – an early goal for Bilbao could really make Old Trafford a nervous place to be. United have conceded over 50 goals in the Premier League this season, but in fairness to them they have been much better in Europe – they are still unbeaten in Europe this season!
As you would expect with home advantage, United come into the game as the favourites at 2.2 with Athletic Bilbao 3.55 and the draw is 3.7 at the time of writing. Given some of the woeful performances from United at home this season, I wouldn’t be rushing to take the 2.2 here to be honest. That being said, given Bilbao are three goals down they have to start chasing the game and going all out attack very early – that should provide plenty of counter-attacking opportunities for United. Bilbao have the fifth best attacking figure in La Liga this season with an average xG created of 1.47 – that’s not an overly impressive figure, but we do see plenty of mistakes at the back from United. Bilbao have built their success on being incredibly solid at the back this season, but those tactics have to change here. Over 2.5 goals is trading 1.92 and Both Teams To Score is 1.8. I’d be surprised if United could keep a clean sheet here, and obviously Bilbao will have to leave space at the back too – Both Teams To Score is worth backing at 1.8 in my opinion.
The Ultra Says:
Two points win Both Teams To Score at 1.8 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/MunAth
