Europa League Playoff Betting: Danes to have a great time

Midtjylland v Apollon Limassol
Thursday August 24, 19:00
Live on Betfair Live Video

Apollon Limassol travel to Denmark with an advantage after a thrilling 3-2 win in the first leg. The Danes twice came back from a goal down, only to concede a last-gasp goal.

It's no real surprise that a game involving Midtyjlland contained lots of goals. 11 of their 13 competitive games this season have featured at least three goals. That makes backing Over 2.5 Goals tempting at 1.67, but actually I'm going to back the hosts to win.

Midtjylland have won their last eight home games in all competitions, a winning sequence that stretches back to the start of June. Apollon have already lost against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and they have lost three of their last four away games in this competition. They may come to regret conceding two away goals last week.

Recommended Bet
Back Midtjylland to win at 1.96

Fenerbahce v Vardar Skopje
Thursday August 24, 18:30

Last week I advised you to lay Fenerbahce at 1.50, and they promptly lost 2-0 to Vardar in the Macedonian capital Skopje. Now the Turkish giants have a mountain to climb, and I don't think they'll find it straightforward against a Vardar side that has already punched above its weight in this competition.

Vardar knocked Malmo out of the Champions League, and scored in both legs against Copenhagen. They have found the net in all five of their European games this term, and I'm backing them to score again, especially considering that Fener haven't kept a clean sheet this season.

Recommended Bet
Back Both Teams To Score at 2.88

Rosenborg v Ajax
Thursday August 24, 19:45

I thought Ajax would struggle last week, but I went for the wrong bet. I plumped for BTTS, but instead I should've waited for some liquidity and backed Norwegian champions Rosenborg on the Asian Handicap market. Anyway, Rosenborg's excellent 1-0 win has put them in the driving seat to reach the group stage.

Ajax have made a dreadful start to the season under new coach Marcel Keizer. They crashed out of the Champions League on away goals to Nice, lost their Eredivisie opener 2-1 at Heracles, and are now in danger of not even reaching the group stage of the UEL. Just a few short months ago, they were contesting the Europa League final.

Coach Peter Bosz went to Borussia Dortmund, key defender Davinson Sanchez is moving to Spurs, and Bertrand Traore is now turning out for Lyon. The return to old names like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and possibly Siem de Jong is a worrying development for a club that sets such store by its prowess at youth development.

Rosenborg surprisingly lost at home to Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers, but I don't think they'll make the same mistake here. Ajax are trading at evens here against a side that is six points clear at the top of the Norwegian Eliteserien, and that's too short.

Recommended Bet
Lay Ajax at 2.00

Shkendjia v Milan
Thursday August 24, 19:45

I have to hold my hands up and admit I got the first leg of this totally wrong. With so many new players arriving at once, I thought Milan might struggle for rhythm, but instead they demolished Shkendjia 6-0.

Given their squad depth, they could make a whole host of changes and still field a strong team. For example, Andre Silva will be raring to go after he was left out of the team for the weekend's trip to Crotone, with teenager Patrick Cutrone preferred.

Shkendjia only have pride to play for, and having been smashed last week, they may even rest one or two players themselves. I think a second-string Milan can still achieve a good result.

Recommended Bet
Back AC Milan -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.95