With the final round of European qualifiers getting underway on Thursday, we have another string of intriguing affairs from across the continent.
So, for those of you looking to stick on a midweek flutter, we have found a pair of fixtures that are worth keeping an eye out for.
18:00 Slavia Prague vs Zorya
While Slavia Prague might have been disappointed after only settling for a silver medal finish among Czech Republic’s elite last season, Thursday’s hosts have enjoyed a hugely impressive flurry since opening the 2023/24 campaign. Extending on their Europa League qualifying adventure earlier in the month as they landed a 3-1 aggregate victory against Dnipro-1, Jindřich Trpisovsky’s side will now have their sights set on claiming another Ukrainian scalp.
Picking up some perfect momentum while on domestic duties last weekend as they secured a 1-0 win at home against Ostrava, the Slavists are unbeaten in each of their first seven appearances across all formats.
Rightfully tipped as a standout contender here, the Czech heavyweights will also be excited by their continued success at the back.
Including that 1-0 win against Ostrava last time out, Trpisovsky’s men have shipped just a single strike in their previous four outings.
Although Zorya might have impressed many among Ukraine’s Premier League last season as they punched another European ticket, Thursday’s guests are in the midst of an extended struggle.
Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a shock 2-1 loss away at Rukh Lviv while on top-flight duties, Nenad Lalatovic’s side have won just one of their opening five domestic appearances.
Likewise, last seen over the weekend having to settle for a sluggish 0-0 stalemate at home against Oleksandriya, the Luhansk-based outfit are rightfully tipped as a landslide underdog here.
Betting Tip: Slavia Prague win to nil @ 21/20 with Pribet
19:45 AZ Alkmaar vs Brann
While AZ Alkmaar might have suffered major Europa Conference League semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Premier League outfit West Ham last season, Thursday’s hosts are looking to mount another genuine title charge this time around. Extending on their qualifying adventure earlier in the month as they secured a routine 3-0 aggregate victory against Andorran outfit Santa Coloma, Pascal Jansen’s men will be smelling the chance to make another statement here.
Desperate to pick up a significant first-leg advantage when they return to the AFAS Stadion, the Cheeseheads have continued to shine since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.
Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they landed a 3-1 romp away at Waalwijk while on domestic duties, Alkmaar could be calling on the red-hot Vangelis Pavlidis to spearhead their charge on Thursday night.
Along with notching a brace away at Waalwijk a few days ago, the 24-year-old has now found the net in each of his previous three appearances across all competitions.
On the flip side, although Brann might have extended on their own Europa Conference League qualifying adventure thanks to an action-packed 4-3 aggregate victory against Arouca, Thursday’s guests will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge on foreign soil.
Including a first-leg 2-1 loss over in Portugal on August 10th, the Reds have certainly shown some extended issues on the road.
In fact, on a rut that is highlighted by a 2-0 defeat against Molde last month, Brann have lost four of their previous five away fixtures across all competitions – a run that stems back to June 28th.
Betting Tip: AZ Alkmaar half-time/full-time @ 23/20 with Luckster
Thursday’s European Double
- Slavia Prague vs Zorya – Slavia Prague win to nil @ 21/20
- AZ Alkmaar vs Brann – AZ Alkmaar half-time/full-time @ 23/20
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with Vegas Land and pocket £44.08 if all predictions are correct.
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