Scots kept busy
Thursday sees all three of the Scottish Premiership sides involved in the Europa League return to action as they take part in the qualifying first round second legs. Rangers are all but through thanks to a 4-0 first leg lead while Kilmarnock and Aberdeen have their work cut out if they are to protect the 2-1 wins achieved last week.
The Europa League qualifiers are far from the most glamorous fixtures we’ll enjoy this summer, but they are seen as a sign that club football is returning, and the start of the new season is in sight. There’s also plenty to bet on in these games at Betfair, including specials markets that offer punters a shot at a nice price pay-out.
Go big on Rangers goals
Rangers v St Josephs
Thursday July 18, 19:45
The first game of the new season at Ibrox and that will ensure the stands are packed at the iconic Govan venue as Steven Gerrard’s Rangers take to the field for the first time since beating Old Firm rivals Celtic 2-0 here back in May. Much has changed since, with a number of improvements made to both the squad and the stadium. The locals enjoy a four-goal advantage from the first leg and will go through to round two with a bit to spare but that will take nothing away from the occasion.
It took the Gers until the 50th minute to break down St Josephs’ resistance last week despite their opponents finishing third in the Gibraltar Premier Division, but the floodgates opened following Ryan Jack’s strike on 50 minutes. Rangers looked a team still a couple of weeks away from peak physical fitness, but they had enough about them to see off the minnows of St Josephs, goals from Ojo, Goldson and Morelos following.
There’s 1/50 available on the Betfair Sportsbook about a home win, a price that will force punters into the specials. Rangers -4 on the handicap looks worthwhile at 13/8 and that should help keep things interesting. Cheered on by a large support, the home side are expected to make a better start than they did last week, although they’re sure to find St Josephs camped in their own half, desperate to avoid an embarrassing scoreline.
Kilmarnock can give Connahs a drubbing
Kilmarnock v Connahs Quay
Thursday July 18, 19:45
Kilmarnock won in Wales last week, but they were made to work hard for the victory by the part-timers of Connah’s Quay. The Nomads finished second in the Welsh Premier League last season but appeared to match Kilmarnock for much of the game and even took the lead through a Taylor own goal on 75 minutes.
That looked to be their best chance at beating an unfit Killie side who are still adjusting to life under new manager Angelo Alessio, but they couldn’t take it. Brophy levelled things from the penalty spot on 82 minutes and that was followed by a late winner from Findlay in stoppage-time. Kilmarnock were given credit for a battling performance and there’s more to come from this team.
Back at Rugby Park the locals are hot favourites in the betting to improve and finish the job. The Betfair Sportsbook offers 1/12 for a home cheer, 15/2 the draw and 13/1 about an away win. With 90+ minutes in their legs Killie should come on from last week’s performance and can be backed at 11/10 to win -2 on the handicap.
Aberdeen to edge out RoPS
RoPS v Aberdeen
Thursday July 18, 17:00
Live on Premier Sports 1
This looks the most competitive contest of the evening as Aberdeen take a 2-1 lead to Rovaniemi, Finland for a 5.00pm kick-off. The Dons claimed a win at Pittodrie last week but leaked an away goal and that threatens to end their Europa League campaign almost as soon as it has begun. The Dons face a tough night’s work and could be out before their Premiership rivals take to the field.
McGinn gave his employers the lead with an opening goal on 36 minutes and they looked in control when Cosgrove doubled up early in the second half. Heading towards a comfortable 2-0 home win, disaster struck in added on time, Jantti netting an away goal with 93 minutes on the clock. In the blink of an eye a polished performance and home win was erased, replaced by a nervy 2-1 advantage heading into their opponent’s backyard.
The betting is competitive, although Aberdeen remain 19/20 favourites on the Betfair Sportsbook. A draw wouldn’t be the worst result for The Dons and that’s available at 12/5 while the home win has been marked up as a 23/10 option. For 90 minutes Aberdeen were better than RoPS and that makes a bet on the jolly worthwhile.
Source: Betfair Europa League
