Thursday’s action serves up some brilliant continental clashes, and our experts have combed through the stats to select four of the strongest bets across Europe. Whether it’s Spanish control, Scottish collapses, or English inconsistency, each selection is backed by form, insight and edge. These are our best value selections today.
Backed by form analysis, tactical insight, and detailed stats, these tips are crafted to give you the edge when placing today’s wagers.
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Lyon vs Manchester United
John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Lyon are flying under the radar but have been quietly impressive, winning six of their last seven matches and scoring 19 goals in that span. At home, they’ve rediscovered attacking fluency, with Cherki stepping up in the absence of Nuamah, and Mikautadze finding form at a crucial time. Their approach is bold and positive – often leaving gaps in behind but also overwhelming weaker defensive sides with movement and tempo.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency all season. Despite a recent run in Europe, they’ve lacked control in matches, particularly away from home. That said, they’ve shown a knack for scoring when needed – Bruno Fernandes continues to be the man for big European nights. However, their defensive structure is frail, especially without Martinez, and they’ve not kept many clean sheets. With both sides preferring attack to caution, the ingredients are there for a goal-laden match in France.
Best bet – Over 2.5 goals
Chelsea to win & Under 2.5 goals | |
19/5 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Chelsea’s organisation and Benfica’s lack of cutting edge up top should make this a cagey affair. With temperatures again soaring, stamina will be key, and Chelsea’s ability to conserve energy gives them the edge. A Blues victory with limited goals looks the most reasonable outcome in this knockout tie. | |
Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao
Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Rangers’ aura at Ibrox has completely faded. They’ve now lost five consecutive home games and look bereft of belief in front of their own fans. Injuries and suspensions haven’t helped either – Souttar and Diomande are absent, stretching an already thin squad. Even with moments of inspiration from the likes of Cerny and Tavernier, they’ve struggled to turn flashes into full performances.
Bilbao, in contrast, are disciplined and organised. They’ve gone five matches unbeaten and shown they can handle pressure, coming back from behind to knock out Roma. Nico and Inaki Williams bring flair and unpredictability on the wings, while Sancet and Guruzeta offer clinical finishing. They’re strong in transition and rarely give the ball away cheaply. With Rangers needing a result before heading to Spain, they could leave themselves vulnerable to Bilbao’s direct counter-attacking style.
Best bet – Athletic Bilbao to win
Over 2.5 goals | |
3/5 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning England and Germany U21s have produced exciting, open football across the tournament. With both sides filled with creative midfielders and pacey wingers, expect a game full of chances. History and form suggest another goal-packed clash, making Over 2.5 goals the logical selection.
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Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Steve Harrington; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Tottenham might be inconsistent, but at home in Europe, they’ve delivered. Four wins and a draw from five home Europa League matches proves their strength at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With Son, Maddison, and Solanke all available, their attacking threat is formidable. However, defensively they remain suspect – one clean sheet in their last 11 tells its own story.
Frankfurt are not much better defensively, conceding multiple goals in the majority of recent away matches. But they have goals in them too – with Gotze and Ekitike linking up well, they’re capable of exploiting Spurs’ high line. Still, Spurs should have too much in the tank offensively, and their front four could overwhelm a leaky Frankfurt back line. Expect goals both ways, but the Londoners to come out on top.
Best bet – Tottenham to win and both teams to score
Both Teams to Score | |
8/13 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Montreal and New York City are evenly matched, with both showing recent attacking spark but defensive frailties. With Gold Cup absentees weakening both backlines, expect a match where scoring opportunities arrive freely. Both teams to find the net is a sound bet with current form taken into account.
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Real Betis vs Jagiellonia Bialystok
Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Betis are in the best form they’ve enjoyed all season. Eight unbeaten in all competitions and holding Barcelona to a draw shows they can compete at a high level. Isco is back from suspension, and with the likes of Fornals and Bakambu supporting, they’ve got the quality to dictate tempo at home.
Jagiellonia, on the other hand, are a fantastic story, but this might be a step too far. They’ve done well to reach this stage, but they’ve lost two of their last three away in Europe and conceded five in the process. Their defensive shape can’t always handle high-pressing, possession-based sides like Betis. The Spaniards will look to dominate the ball and limit transitions. A tight scoreline is possible, but Betis should be in full control of this leg.
Best bet – Real Betis to win and under 3.5 goals
Toronto to win & both teams to score
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9/2 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Toronto have been unlucky at home this season, often falling just short despite creating decent chances. Portland’s inconsistent away form and absentees give the home side an opportunity to strike back. With both teams showing a habit of conceding, a home win with both teams scoring holds value.
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Thursday’s Super Double
Selection 1: Manchester United to score 2+ goals vs Lyon
Selection 2: Real Betis to keep a clean sheet vs Jagiellonia
Daily Super Double Rationale (50 words):
United have scored at least twice in four of their last five Europa League games and face a Lyon defence that’s often exposed. Meanwhile, Betis have conceded just twice in their last six matches and should comfortably stifle Jagiellonia’s attack. Together, these two bets offer a solid double at good value.
Saturday’s Super Double | |
3/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning England’s young stars look primed for redemption after an unfortunate group-stage loss to Germany, while Chelsea and Benfica both have enough attacking talent to ensure goals at both ends. These selections offer balance between form and match narrative, combining well for a strong-value double. | |
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