It’s the two Europa League semi-finals and then onto a Copa Libertadores fixture for Paul Robinson and the Daily Acca today. Here are his selections:
Salzburg to make a fight of it against Marseille
Bet 1: Back Salzburg @ 21/20 – KO 20:05 BST
Red Bull Salzburg come into this second leg knowing that not only do they need to win, they need to win by two goals – and that’s only if they keep a clean sheet.
Marco Rose’s side have been in a similar situation before as they trailed Lazio 4-2 in the quarters, before roaring back to win 4-1 at home and progress. They have also beaten Real Sociedad here this season and they beat Marseille in the group stage – 1-0.
Marseille will feel that they have almost done enough to qualify for the final later this month and although an away goal would almost put the tie to bed, I can definitely see them playing with a note of caution.
Their record on their travels in this competition doesn’t inspire too much confidence as they have already lost four away games in the Europa League this season – winning just one.
Gunners to breach the famous Atletico defence
Bet 2: Back BTTS in Atletico Madrid v Arsenal @ 1/1 – KO 20:05 BST
It has to be said that Arsenal blew a massive opportunity in the first leg as Atletico were reduced to 10 men from a very early stage and the Gunners still somehow managed to concede an away goal to draw 1-1.
What that means here is that Arsene Wenger’s side have to score at least once to have any chance of booking their place in the final and even though Atleti have a mean defence, we all know that Arsenal can be devastating on their day.
It’s pretty much all or nothing for the visitors this evening, so there is no point in them playing defensively. I have no faith in their defence keeping a clean sheet, but I do expect them to grab at least one goal.
Routine win for Racing Club
Bet 3: Back Racing Club @ 2/7 – KO 23:15 BST
Racing Club are a very short price to get the win against Universidad Chile tonight but they have home advantage and are a far superior team.
The hosts have eight points from their four Libertadores matches to date and in Lautaro Martinez, they have the competition’s leading scorer. They have also been pretty deadly at home of late as they have won six of their last seven in all competitions.
The visitors lie third in the group with five points, so they could do with winning this match really. A point would leave them two behind Cruzeiro and three behind Racing Club, with just one game to go. They would need to beat Vasco da Gama and hope the other result goes their way.
It’s also worth noting that they have gone five competitive games without victory – four of which were defeats.
2017/18 P/L (1pt each bet)
Wagered: 215pts
Returned: 187.49pts
P/L: -27.51pts
Source: Betfair Europa League