FOOTBALL BETTING: Live on Channel 5: Thurs 18:00 All 3 English teams take a slender one-goal lead into the 2nd legs of their Europa League ties but it’s Liverpool that should have the easiest passage.
Live on Channel 5: Thurs: 1800. Unirea Urziceni V Liverpool
Rafa Benitez’s troops, who kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win, troops are 1/7 with Totesport to make it through to the next stage and 5/6 courtesy of Betdaq to get the job done with a victory in Romania.
At Anfield, the Reds were dominant but lacked cutting edge, however, they were pretty comfortable at the back; a prevalent feature of their game in recent weeks and the defensive stability that has seen them concede just once in seven matches, should be the key here.
Liverpool are 11/10 (Paddy Power) to keep a seventh clean sheet in eight outings and more specifically they’re 11/2 at 888Sport to grab the only goal, as they did in the first leg.
Fernando Torres meanwhile, could play some part having made a return from injury at the weekend but at 5/1 with Stan James, Dirk Kuyt is a better first scorer bet given that he is almost certain to start.
Live On ESPN: Thurs: 18:00 Shakhtar V Fulham
Fulham are 6/4 with Stan James to get through to the last 16 following their stunning 2-1 success at home to Shakhtar Donetsk but the defending champions can turn the tables on their own patch; they’re 4/6 (Victor Chandler) to reach the last 16 and 1/2 with Ladbrokes to defeat the Cottagers.
Live On ESPN: Thurs: 20:00 Sporting Lisbon V Everton
Everton only take a 2-1 advantage to Portugal after Sporting Lisbon’s late penalty at Goodison Park put the tie back in the balance.
Nevertheless, the buzzing Toffees, fresh from their outstanding win against Manchester United can just do enough to get through (4/7 bet365) by holding the hosts to a draw in the Estádio José Alvalade; a result Betfred offer at 12/5.
The hosts’ defence certainly didn’t convince on Merseyside and subsequently David Moyes’ men will back themselves to find the net.
Punters should share that confidence and the correct score value therefore lies with 888Sport’s 6/1 marked against a 1-1 scoreline.
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