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
FC Zurich to win & Both Teams to Score | |
1/1 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Zurich are solid going forward but remain shaky defensively. Sion have shown enough in previous meetings to suggest they can score, even on the road. Zurich’s attacking strength at home should give them the edge, but it’s hard to see a clean sheet for either side. Goals expected at both ends. | |
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
Sligo Rovers to win | |
2/1 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Cork are in freefall, winless in the league for months and missing key players. Sligo are on the up, buoyed by recent wins and solid forward play. Despite inconsistent away form, Sligo’s quality and confidence should see them take full advantage against the league’s bottom side.
| |
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
Waterford United to win | |
11/4 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Waterford arrive with confidence after back-to-back wins and a potent frontline led by Amond. Galway’s ongoing slump and injury issues leave them vulnerable. With sharper attacking options and stronger recent form, Waterford look well-placed to take three points from an inconsistent home side. | |
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
Both Teams to Score | |
1/2 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Dallas struggle to defend at home but still manage to find the net regularly. NYCFC are similarly open and have scored in most recent away games. With both teams showing attacking promise and defensive flaws, BTTS looks a strong option in what should be an entertaining clash. | |
🧲 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 | |
9/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Derry are usually strong at home and capable of scoring across both halves, especially with Liam Boyce and Michael Duffy in form. Meanwhile, Zurich and Sion both have leaky defences and goal-hungry forwards. Combining Derry’s scoring consistency with Zurich’s end-to-end style makes this double a value-packed Friday night punt. | |
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