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Top football tips for Thursday: Thursday’s European schedule offers a packed line-up with several fascinating contests across the continent. Our experts have studied the numbers, the form lines and the tactical setups to bring you four carefully selected wagers. Each bet comes with detailed reasoning, drawn from the teams’ recent performances and player availability.
Let’s now dive into the top football tips of the day and make the most of the many betting opportunities.
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📊 Three Key Stats Behind Today’s Picks
- Rangers have conceded in six of their last seven European matches at Ibrox.
- Porto have won five of their last six games against Austrian opponents.
- Lyon have scored in every competitive match this season, averaging over two goals per game.
Aston Villa vs Bologna
Tyler Morris; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Aston Villa are yet to record a league win this season, but continental football could provide the perfect setting to rediscover momentum. Unai Emery remains the competition’s most decorated coach, and his sides usually thrive in Europe. Villa’s attacking setup is likely to see Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott play behind Ollie Watkins, which injects extra creativity into an attack that has been blunt in the league. Bologna, meanwhile, are inconsistent travellers, and their defensive unit is weakened by injuries and suspensions, including the absence of Lorenzo De Silvestri and Nicolo Casale.
However, Bologna still carry an attacking punch through Riccardo Orsolini and Santiago Castro, which makes them dangerous. The clash of Villa’s need for victory and Bologna’s attacking options points towards an entertaining evening at Villa Park. A tight contest should still lean in Villa’s favour, with home advantage proving decisive.
Best bet – Aston Villa to Win and Both Teams to Score
Aston Villa to Win and Both Teams to Score | |
3/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Villa’s desperation to kickstart their campaign, Emery’s European expertise and Bologna’s attacking quality suggest a lively encounter. While Bologna can score, Villa’s stronger squad and home crowd should help them edge a game that delivers goals for both sides. | |
Rangers vs Genk
Steve Harrington; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Ibrox will be demanding as Rangers return to Europe after their Champions League embarrassment against Club Brugge. Russell Martin’s side did restore some confidence with a cup win over Hibernian, and that should give them a lift. Bojan Miovski looks sharper in attack, with support expected from youngsters Mikey Moore and Djeidi Gassama.
Captain James Tavernier’s constant overlaps ensure service into the box, but Rangers’ defensive unit has been shaky, especially when pressed quickly. Genk, despite sitting mid-table in Belgium, are dangerous in attack, with Joseph Ito and Adedeji-Sternberg capable of unsettling any defence. Zakaria El Ouahdi has been an unlikely source of goals from right-back, further underlining their offensive potential. With Rangers needing a win at home and Genk threatening on the break, goals are the most reliable outcome.
Best bet – Both Teams to Score
Both Teams to Score | |
8/13 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Rangers’ home form and Genk’s attacking options suggest that both sides will find a way through fragile back lines. Tavernier and Miovski should trouble the visitors, while Genk’s direct forward play ensures they carry scoring potential of their own. | |
Red Bull Salzburg vs Porto
John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Salzburg’s record in this competition is respectable, but their recent form is patchy, with no wins in three and a poor defensive record at home. Porto, by contrast, arrive in relentless form, winning all of their domestic games this season. Francesco Farioli has re-energised the Portuguese club, and with attacking talents like Samu Omorodion and Pepe, they look capable of outscoring almost any opponent. Salzburg’s pressing style may create opportunities, but it also leaves gaps at the back, which a ruthless Porto side can exploit.
Austrian sides often struggle against Portuguese opposition, and Porto have a strong track record against teams from this region. With their confidence sky-high and momentum on their side, the Dragons are expected to leave Salzburg with three points, even if they have to work hard for it.
Best bet – Porto to Win
Porto to Win | |
10/11 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Porto’s unbeaten domestic run and firepower through Samu and Pepe makes them favourites against a Salzburg team leaking goals. Salzburg’s energy will cause issues, but Porto’s superior experience and cutting edge should carry them to victory. | |
FC Utrecht vs Lyon
Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Utrecht are back in the Europa League group stage for the first time in over a decade, and their run through qualifiers was impressive, but Lyon represent a major step up in class. The Dutch side have been inconsistent in the Eredivisie, and with Dani de Wit and Victor Jensen sidelined, their attacking options are limited. Lyon, meanwhile, are flying domestically, sitting joint-top after four wins from five.
Their defence has been solid, anchored by Nicolas Tagliafico and Moussa Niakhaté, but the absence of suspended Corentin Tolisso means more pressure on Malick Fofana and Martin Satriano to deliver in the final third. Utrecht’s home support will drive them on, and their adventurous style should mean they score, but Lyon’s depth and quality should prove telling in the end. Expect a goal-filled affair with the French side just shading it.
Best bet – Lyon to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
Lyon to Win and Over 2.5 Goals | |
12/5 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Utrecht will push forward at home and should score, but Lyon’s superior quality and attacking depth make them strong favourites to win. The French side’s solid form suggests they will come out on top in a high-scoring contest. | |
🧲 Thursday Super Double
For today’s enhanced value, we combine two fresh angles from the above fixtures:
- Aston Villa vs Bologna – Over 2.5 Goals
- FC Utrecht vs Lyon – Both Teams to Score
Rationale:
Both games look set up for plenty of attacking action. Villa’s desperate need for points and Bologna’s forward threat should bring goals, while Utrecht’s fearless approach at home combined with Lyon’s quality makes BTTS likely. This double leans into the high-scoring potential across two entertaining Europa League ties.
Thursday’s Super Double | |
2/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Both games look set up for plenty of attacking action. Villa’s desperate need for points and Bologna’s forward threat should bring goals, while Utrecht’s fearless approach at home combined with Lyon’s quality makes BTTS likely. This double leans into the high-scoring potential across two entertaining Europa League ties. | |
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