


Will Anderlecht and Udinese still be fighting for this trophy after tonight?
The Europa League is dominating Jonno Turner's thoughts on Thursday, as he backs first-leg blank-firers Anderlecht and Udinese to deliver at the second attempt...
Sometimes I look at my bets on obscure European teams and wonder if I have a problem. Trouble is, I have an addictive personality. I used to be addicted to mud wrestling, but I've been clean four years now.
We're off to Belgium for our first tip of the day, as Jupiler League leaders Anderlecht welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
The hosts go into this tie with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, but Ariel Jacobs' side are formidable on their own patch and I think we could see plenty more from the home side tonight.
Anderlecht haven't lost in ten games in front of their fans, and have won nine of those. That form has pushed the home side seven points clear domestically, and Jacobs' side is playing with confidence, smashing nine goals in their last four games.
The visitors approach this tie occupying second place in the Eredivisie, and are enjoying an impressive season themselves, but their away form does leave a lot to be desired.
Two wins in nine on the road shows that Gertjan Verbeek's side are susceptible to travel sickness, and they have conceded 14 in their last seven outings away from the DSB Stadion.
And here's a stat for you: they have not won on the road in this competition for 12 games - six losses and six draws making up the misery.
The first leg was a tight affair - and I feel that, considering the two sides' relative form, the home win is excellent value here.
Bet 1: Anderlecht (HOME) to win @ [2.02]
You can't say that kids are oblivious to the news. I was testing my little brother on his geography homework yesterday, and when I asked him "What's the capital of Greece?" he replied "about €30".
And that's where we're off next, as Europa League surprise package PAOK host Udinese in the second leg of their duel. The first tie between these two sides ended in a 0-0 stalemate, and PAOK will now fancy their chances of causing yet another upset this season.
But Lazslo Boloni's side have not won in three games on their own patch, and that is sure to knock the confidence of a team who has relied on their home stadium being something of a fortress for most of this season.
And it's worth noting that PAOK have only won one of their last three games at the Toumba Stadium in this competition.
Udinese are enjoying a great season domestically, and are currently third in Serie A. Francesco Guidolin has seen his side lose just twice in 18 at home, and the Bianconeri now need to turn that home form into a solid away performance.
Seven goals in their last four away games shows that the Italians are able to nick a goal or two, and if they can notch first in Greece, this tie will look very different. Udinese are still firmly in this, and will be desperate to leave Greece with their place in the next round of the competition secured.
Bet 2: Udinese (AWAY) to win @ [3.05]
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