Europa League Betting: Back Gerrard's men to bounce back from weekend defeat

Salzburg v Celtic
Thursday, 17:55
Live on BT Sport

Red Bull Salzburg head into week two of the Europa League proper on top of Group B following a convincing win over RB Leipzig. The 1994 UEFA Cup runners-up edged an energetic encounter with a fellow Red Bull-sponsored team on the opening night, claiming all three points with the odd goal in five.

Dabbur, Haidara and Gulbrandsen were all on target for the victorious side, bettering replies from Laimer and Poulsen. Salzburg went into the break 2-0 up that night but needed an 89th minute strike to get over the line. A thrilling fixture and neutrals will be hoping for more of the same on Thursday.

Hoops heading in the right direction

Celtic also got off on the right foot but there wasn't the same drama in Glasgow as the Scottish champions battled to a 1-0 over Rosenborg at Parkhead. With the game heading towards a frustrating goalless draw, Griffiths hauled himself off the bench to make the difference in the dying minutes. An inspired change by manager Brendan Rodgers or a mistake to leave the Scotland striker out in the first place?

The Hoops added a weekend win over Aberdeen at the same venue, improving to fifth in the table. Another 1-0, Sinclair bulged the net on 63 minutes. A precious three points that'll provide a tonic to the team following a difficult couple of weeks, but they remain six points off early pace-setters Hearts.

Home win perfect for accas

Salzburg are favourites in the betting and on the evidence of Europa League week one they deserve our support. The Austrians were impressive in front of goal and will fancy their chances of scoring a few more on their own patch with the backing of the crowd. The 1.62available on the Betfair Exchange is worth a spot in midweek accumulators. Celtic are 5.70, the draw 4.40.

Celtic's away form is poor, both domestically and on the continent, but they did get goals at Suduva in the Europa League and AEK Athens in the Champions League in August. Those on the lookout for a bigger price can try Salzburg win and both teams score at 23/10 (Betfair Sportsbook).

Pressure on Blues to fire back

Rangers v Rapid Vienna
Thursday, 20:00
Live on BT Sport

Rangers turned in, arguably, their worst performance under Steven Gerrard when losing 1-0 away to Livingston on Sunday. The hosts were simplistic in their approach, lumping the ball forward at every opportunity, competing in the air and battling for every second ball. It worked a treat. Menga's 34th-minute winner proved to be the major talking point of a scrappy contest. Rangers slumped to sixth in the league, two behind Celtic and eight off Hearts.

It was night and day when compared to round one of the Europa League where The Gers claimed a point at Villarreal thanks to a stunning 2-2 draw. Twice they fell behind, twice the team showed the belief and ability to fight back. With the pressure on, Gerrard will demand plenty more of that spirit on Thursday.

Vienna sack Djuricin

Three leagues defeats on the bounce has Rapid Vienna eighth in the Austrian Bundesliga, carrying stats of 2-3-4 this season. That was more than the board could bare and they moved to sack manager Goran Djuricin. Managing director Fredy Bickel admitted it was a difficult and hurtful choice, but thought it was the right step to make.

Despite their poor league form, The Green-Whites got off to a winning start in Group G when beating Spartak Moscow at Allianz Stadion. A surprise result, Timofeev knocked the ball into his own net early in the second-half before Murg made sure of the points with a strike on 68 minutes. Job done, but they'll surely face a tougher test here.

Rangers must be courageous

With European football back in Govan there's a special feeling in the air on match day but many fans are furious following Sunday's defeat as Steven Gerrard continues to tinker with his formation. Those who pack the stands will demand a courageous effort and there's no doubt this is a winnable match.

A performance similar to what they gave in Spain should be enough to bank three points, but the exchange suggests we're in for a close contest. Rangers are evens favourites, against the 14/5 of Vienna and 5/2 the draw. Home advantage and the backing of a vocal support should be enough to see Rangers edge past an out of form opponent.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Salzburg to beat Celtic and both teams to score @ 23/10 (Sportsbook)

Back Rangers to beat Rapid Vienna @ evens (Sportsbook)