Jose expects more from his attack
United’s sloppy strikers to rise to the challenge
Manchester United look to get the job done at the second time of asking when hosting Anderlecht in the standout of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final ties. All four matches are played out in front of the live BT Sport cameras from 8.05pm, and Coral have everything you need to profit from proceedings.
Click now to place your individual match bets, including first goal scorer, correct score and to qualify, or read on as Coral’s football guys talk you through the best bets in each fixture. With so much to choose from, where does the smart money go? Let’s find out…..
United to take their chances
Manchester United really should have been home and hosed after the first leg in Belgium. The English Premier League giants took the lead through Mkhitaryan on 36-minutes last week, but threw away a hatful of chances to put the game to bed, before paying the price late in the day, Dendoncker netting an equaliser on 86-minutes to keep the fixture alive.
64 per cent of the overall possession, 15 shots, seven on target, one goal, no wonder manager Jose Mourinho huffed and puffed his way through the post-match press-conference. The Special One, probably as sick of seeing his side draw matches as fans are, blamed his ‘sloppy strikers’ for the level finish. A fair comment, but it also looked like a challenge for the attack to step-up in the second-leg.
They certainly delivered in the Premier League on Sunday, Marcus Rashford playing a blinder in that famous 2-0 win over Chelsea at this venue. The boss will demand more of the same here. A home win looks nailed on at 1/4, but taking the locals -1 on the handicap offers more value, with our traders giving 7/10. That bet would’ve banked you a return in each of United’s last two league starts.
More goals expected in Genk
Punters were treated to a five-goal thriller when Celta Vigo hosted Genk, and now back on their own patch, the Belgians have a great chance of going through. Not according to the odds compilers though, who have Genk to qualify at 15/8, against Celta’s 2/5. Form in this competition would push you towards siding with the Spanish club, but those looking for the value may want to have a dabble in our special market. We’re giving a stunning 4/1 on the home team to win and both to score. That would certainly make things interesting, and looks worth a go.
Lyon half-way there
French cracks Lyon take a 2-1 lead to Turkey, but that away goal from Besiktas means there is still plenty of life left in this one. Babel put the Turks ahead on 15 minutes, but a late double from Tolisso and Morel saw Les Gones save face. The visitors will set-up to frustrate here, and keep the score low. Lyon are 4/11 to go through, but the game producing under 2.5 goals looks to be the better option, with 31/20 available. If Lyon are to get their name in the hat for the next round, a backs-to-the-wall effort is likely.
Ajax on easy street
Each of the other three quarter-finals have one goal or less between the sides after the first-leg. Not this one. Ajax caught the eye when strolling to a 2-0 win in Holland, Klaassen scoring both goals, the first from the penalty spot. They dominated the game that night and looked, on that performance alone, likely winners of the trophy. A play on them to win again here is something to get excited about, with 3/1 up for grabs.
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