Thursday’s Football Tips: Goals Galore in Alkmaar and Roma’s European Test

The Europa League knockout playoffs begins this Thursday, with crucial clashes set to unfold across Europe. From AZ Alkmaar’s attacking battle with Galatasaray to Porto’s test against Roma, we analyse the best betting opportunities in these high-stakes encounters.

Let’s dive into today’s top football bets.

AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray

Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You

Rationale:

This Europa League clash promises entertainment, with both AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray boasting considerable attacking prowess while showing vulnerabilities at the back.

AZ have been clinical in front of goal in recent weeks, finding the net seven times across their last three matches. Troy Parrott has been a standout performer, scoring in consecutive European outings, while the likes of Mijnans, Addai, and Lahdo provide further attacking threat. At home, AZ tend to play on the front foot, and with Galatasaray’s defensive issues, they are likely to create plenty of chances.

The visitors, however, are even more prolific. Galatasaray scored more goals than any other team in the Europa League’s League Phase, netting 19 times. They have also seen both teams score in all eight of their European fixtures this season, underlining their attacking strength and defensive frailties. To make matters worse for them, key defensive players Davinson Sánchez and Lucas Torreira are unavailable, making it even harder to keep a clean sheet.

Given the trends, it’s difficult to see either team shutting the other out. With both sides capable of scoring and suspect at the back, this match is perfectly set up for goals.

Best bet – Both teams to score

PAOK vs FCSB

Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You

Rationale:

PAOK will be determined to take advantage of their home fixture as they aim to progress past the knockout playoff round, but history is not on their side. The Greek side have failed to win any of their last eight knockout games in this competition, with inconsistency continuing to plague them.

That said, PAOK have been impressive at home in recent European matches, winning their last two group-stage games in Thessaloniki without conceding. They will rely on their ability to breach FCSB’s defence, which has been shaky on the road. The Romanians have struggled away from home in European football, losing six successive away matches in major continental competitions. Their last victory of significance on the road came way back in 2006 against Real Betis, illustrating just how difficult they find travelling at this level.

Despite this, FCSB will take confidence from their 1-0 victory over PAOK in the League Phase earlier this season. The visitors also finished higher in the group standings and will be eager to build on that. However, with PAOK’s solid home form and FCSB’s away struggles, the Greek side are well-placed to get the job done here.

Best bet – PAOK to win

Porto vs Roma

John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You

Rationale:

Porto may be a force at the Estádio do Dragão, but their current form raises doubts about their ability to overcome a Roma side that has been improving in Europe. The Portuguese club have only managed one win in their last eight matches across all competitions, and their title hopes domestically have faded due to a lack of consistency.

Defensively, Porto remain relatively solid, especially at home, but they have lacked attacking sharpness in recent weeks. With four of their last five matches producing under 2.5 goals, this could be a cagey encounter. Roma, meanwhile, have been far from spectacular away from home in the Europa League, winning just three of their last 19 away fixtures in the competition. However, they have recently shown signs of resilience, losing just once in their last six European outings.

Given both sides’ struggles in front of goal, a tight, low-scoring affair looks likely. Roma’s cautious approach on the road, coupled with Porto’s struggles in breaking teams down, suggests that a low-scoring outcome is the value bet.

Best bet – Under 2.5 goals

Port Vale vs Notts County

Tyler Morris; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You

Rationale:

Thursday’s League Two clash at Vale Park carries significant weight in the promotion battle, with both Port Vale and Notts County desperate for points. The hosts are clinging onto a play-off position, while the visitors are pushing for automatic promotion.

Port Vale’s recent defensive displays have been a cause for concern. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches, conceding 12 goals in that period. While they salvaged a 3-3 draw against Swindon Town last time out, their inability to see out games is proving costly. Their home form has been inconsistent too, with just two wins in their last seven matches at Vale Park.

Notts County, by contrast, have been in fine form. They have won five of their last six games, keeping four clean sheets in that run. Their defensive improvements have provided a solid platform for success, and with Alassana Jatta in excellent form, they carry a real attacking threat. Having scored in each of their last six outings, they are likely to trouble Port Vale’s fragile backline.

With Notts County’s strong away record and Port Vale’s defensive struggles, backing the visitors to score at least twice looks a solid bet.

Best bet – Notts County over 1.5 goals

Thursday’s Super Double

For today’s combined selection, we are backing two value bets to create a strong double:

• AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray – Over 2.5 goals
• PAOK vs FCSB – PAOK to win

With both AZ and Galatasaray showing attacking intent, goals should flow in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, PAOK’s home form and FCSB’s away struggles suggest the Greek side will take control in Thessaloniki.

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