Top football tips for Thursday: Thursday’s European qualifying fixtures offer a goldmine of betting opportunities. From Scotland to Slovenia, our analysts have assessed the form, injury news, and tactical trends to bring you four standout selections. These are the best football tips for Thursday, each hand-picked by one of our trusted experts.
Four expert selections, full match analysis and a Super Double – read on to view the tips and profit.
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1. Dundee United vs UNA Strassen
Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Herrin Kendrick is turning his attention to Tannadice Park, where Dundee United face Luxembourg’s UNA Strassen in their Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie. While the hosts have had a stuttering build-up to this fixture, they are overwhelming favourites to advance. Their squad is significantly stronger, and despite Sam Dalby’s departure, new recruit Zac Sapsford is expected to make a difference.
Dundee United’s European experience may be limited, but their previous campaigns – and more importantly their domestic pedigree – place them in a different category to their opponents. Strassen, though having finished second in the Luxembourg National Division, have never progressed past the first round of European qualifying and looked uninspired during pre-season.
With Dundee United expected to dominate, the key question is whether they will do it with authority. Herrin believes the Tangerines will look to kill the tie early, and a -1 handicap win is excellent value.
Best bet – Dundee United -1 Handicap
Over 2.5 goals | |
2/9 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Bayern’s attack remains ruthless, and Leipzig’s defence looks fragile without Šeško’s pressing up front. Expect Kane and company to deliver in a fixture that rarely stays quiet. Over 2.5 goals is the sensible play. | |
2. Anderlecht vs Hacken
Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Wolfgang Shotten focuses on Belgium this Thursday, tipping the high-scoring potential between Anderlecht and Swedish visitors Hacken. With the Belgian season yet to start, Anderlecht enter this tie without recent competitive matches, while Hacken are mid-campaign in Sweden and arrive with better match fitness and rhythm.
Despite this, Anderlecht boast serious firepower up front. Kasper Dolberg remains a key figure, with support from Luis Vazquez and youngster Keisuke Goto, who both impressed in pre-season. Their recent friendlies saw goals at both ends, as the defence remains a work in progress.
Hacken, meanwhile, arrive on a five-game unbeaten run and have already knocked out Spartak Trnava, showing their capability in tight European fixtures. Samuel Holm has been pivotal in attack, and even with some injury doubts, they’re expected to threaten the Anderlecht back line.
Wolfgang predicts a back-and-forth encounter, with both sides likely to get on the scoresheet.
Best bet – Both Teams to Score
Bristol City to win | |
11/8 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Derby have goals in them but leak far too many. Bristol City are disciplined under Struber and carry a strong away record. With Derby’s defence exposed again, Bristol City are fancied to win. | |
3. Celje vs AEK Larnaca
John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
John Pentin is backing goals in Slovenia as Celje take on AEK Larnaca. The Slovenian side are building momentum after a dramatic extra-time win over Sabah Baku and a confidence-boosting domestic victory against Maribor. With attacking intent clear, they’ve scored multiple goals in each of their last four competitive matches.
AEK Larnaca, meanwhile, are seasoned European campaigners. They edged past Partizan Belgrade on penalties in the previous round and possess a technically disciplined midfield. However, they haven’t been defensively solid, and playing away to a lively Celje side could expose their back line.
Celje’s approach is direct and pacey, while AEK’s experience ensures they’ll create opportunities of their own. With both teams having netted in their last European ties, and with defences still finding their early-season shape, John expects goals at both ends once again.
Best bet – Both Teams to Score
PSG to win to nil | |
4/5 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning PSG’s quality across the pitch dwarfs Angers, who arrive without key midfielders. Dembélé now leads the attack, and with Paris dominant at home, a routine win without conceding looks the standout call. | |
4. Varazdin vs Santa Clara
Gram Dodd; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Gram Dodd heads to Croatia for his top tip of the day, eyeing NK Varazdin’s meeting with Santa Clara. With both teams kicking off their European campaigns, Gram sees promise in backing Over 2.5 Goals. Pre-season form has been strong for Varazdin, with three wins and 10 goals scored across their friendlies.
They’ve made astute signings – Ivan Mamut, in particular, has made an instant impact in attack. Meanwhile, Santa Clara arrive with optimism after a strong finish to their domestic season, going unbeaten in six and averaging over 1.5 goals per match.
Both clubs favour an attacking style, and while Varazdin’s home form hasn’t been the most convincing, they’ve regularly scored. Santa Clara also come into this with momentum and plenty of talent in the final third, including Henrique Pereira and Wendel. This match could easily develop into a goalfest, and over 2.5 goals is excellent value.
Best bet – Over 2.5 Goals
Joao Pedro to score anytime | |
6/4 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning West Ham look fragile without Kudus, while Chelsea boast superior depth. Joao Pedro loves this fixture, scoring six against the Hammers in his career, and he is well placed to strike again. | |
🧲 Thursday Super Double
Hacken Draw No Bet vs Anderlecht
Under 2.5 Goals – Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Rationale of the Double:
Thursday’s Super Double brings together a safety-first pick on Hacken, who have superior match fitness and are unbeaten in five, and an unders selection in Besiktas vs Shakhtar, where early-season conservatism and a cagey opening leg are expected to limit chances. This low-risk double offers solid value and returns.
Friday’s Super Double | |
7/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Kane thrives at the Allianz Arena and should get plenty of chances against a leaky Leipzig defence. Meanwhile, Derby and Bristol City both carry attacking threat but struggle defensively, making goals likely at Pride Park. This double focuses on goals and Bayern’s talisman to deliver at short odds. | |
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