Europa League: Mixed evenings for Stoke, Fulham and Birmingham
Published:With the Premier League finally underway, the thought of some midweek Europa League games might not be the most appealing of prospects.
However, with Stoke City, Birmingham City and Fulham all in action tonight, there are plenty of ways to make a very tidy profit.
Thun vs Stoke City (6.30pm)
Stoke travel to Switzerland for their first-leg game against Thun this Thursday having already seen off the even more obscure Hajduk Split in the last qualifying round.
The Potters head into this game as 7/5 favourites and look good to head back to the Britannia with a lead.
They were solid in their goalless draw with Chelsea at the weekend and, with Thun winning just one of their previous five games, backing a victory for Stoke looks like the bet.
Nacional vs Birmingham (7.45pm)
Championship side Birmingham have had a mixed start in the second tier with a win and a defeat in their opening two games.
Meanwhile, Portuguese side Nacional have drawn their opening game in their top-tier league and comfortably dispatched FH and Hacken in earlier Europa League rounds at home.
The Blues haven’t won a competitive away game since a 1-0 victory over West Ham United in February so back Nacional to win at 5/6.
Fulham vs Dnipro
Fulham’s Europa League credentials are already established thanks to their final appearance in 2010.
They should continue their good European form on Thursday with a win against Dnipro of the Ukraine.
The Cottagers haven’t so much as conceded a goal in their four competitive home games this term and should comfortably see off Dnipro in the first leg.
Back Martin Jol’s men to win at 4/6.
