Football Betting Tips – 3rd-5th May
Well, it was a mixed bag of results for the British teams left in Europe last week. There was good news in the Champions League where both Manchester City and Liverpool landed wins, but in the Europa League and Europa Conference League there wasn’t quite so much joy.
The Europa League saw both West Ham and Rangers succumb to defeats, the Hammers losing 2-1 at home to Frankfurt, while Rangers were 1-0 losers away to Red Bull Leipzig.
However, in the Europa Conference League, Leicester City came back from a goal down to clinch a 1-1 draw at home to AS Roma to set up an intriguing second leg at the Stadio Olimpico next week.
In the other ECL semi-final 1st leg, Feyenoord defeated Marseille 3-2 in Rotterdam meaning they take a narrow lead into the away leg at the Stade Velodrome on Thursday.
Last week, we landed one winner in record time as Kevin De Bruyne’s opening goal after 90 seconds or so meant that my first bet came up almost immediately, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to add to that, although I felt I was pretty close on my other selections in the main.
I’m hoping though that my tips for the weekend in the Premier League will have got me back into profit once again before these tips.
In one way, second leg games are easier in that teams are abundantly clear as to what is required, especially now that there is no away goals rule. For example, Real can’t try and nab a 1-0 win and try and win on away goals. They need to win by two clear goals to go through. A victory by any scoreline by one goal would see extra time.
In a way that does make these games a little easier to predict I feel, as it means teams have to press for a specific result, rather than trying to sneak through on away goals.
Here’s my selections for this week’s big European semifinal ties.
Champions League Tips: Tuesday 3rd May
Key Stats
Analysis
Villarreal had just one shot off target in the entire game at Anfield, which at times resembled more a game of attack v defence than a Champions League semifinal. The Spaniards came to frustrate Liverpool, as Everton did at the weekend and just the same as happened on Sunday, they went home with a 2-0 defeat.
Two goals in quick succession in the second half put Liverpool in a very strong position in this tie. Jordan Henderson’s cross deflected off Pervis Estupinan for the opener, and then Sadio Mane prodded home just two minutes later to put the Reds in a very strong position.
Of course, Villarreal will be more expansive at home as they chase the 3-0 win needed to put them into the final, but I honestly can’t see them achieving it. Liverpool will be so dangerous on the counter, I feel they will be able to pick the Spanish team off in this way.
This game could be any score really, so I am not getting involved with the result betting markts and instead, I am backing Mo Salah to score at any time to double my money.
Prediction
Champions League Tips: Wednesday 4th May
Key Stats
Analysis
What an incredible game of football the first leg of this game was. It was worthy of being a Champions League final, so exciting and dramatic was the game. City deserved the win, there’s no doubt about that but you have to admire just how dogged and determined Real Madrid were to stay in the tie despite being outclassed for large proportions of it.
That ability to remain in a game served them so well against Chelsea and PSG in previous rounds and Manchester City will be well aware that with just a one goal lead heading into the Bernebeu, this tie is far from over and that they are likely going to have to approach this game much as they did the first leg.
However, as strange as it sounds, I think that may well suit City. With Real needing to push on, I think City’s pace on the counter can be hugely effective against that Madrid back line which sorely lacks pace and I think City will profit from this.
The last two times these teams met, City won both legs 2-1 and I think we may well see a similar outcome here. I am actually predicting more goals than that but I do feel City will land the win and progress into the final.
Prediction
Europa Football Tips: Thursday 5th May
Key Stats
Analysis
I think West Ham fell to a couple of sucker punches in this game and had Jarod Bowen been a little more clinical in front of goal, rather than hitting the woodwork twice, the Hammers will have been going to Germany with a narrow lead here.
That said, Frankfurt were always dangerous on the counter attack and they did push West Ham to the limit at times. Kostic looks a real talent and his crossing is a key part of Frankfurt’s weaponry and I’d expect him to be at the forefront of their most dangerous attacks in the home leg.
However, Frankfurt’s home record in Europe isn’t great with 4 draws and a win in 5 games. If the Hammers can win in Lyon, then I feel confident that they can produce another solid performance and get a result against another solid European side in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt are a team that do blow hot and cold, as their lowly position in the Bundesliga testifies, so that win in West Ham was probably one of the better performances they have had of late. However, at home, their form isn’t that great and I think West Ham really can do this.
Prediction
Key Stats
Analysis
The first leg between these two teams was very interesting. Roma will be happier with the draw, especially when you consider that Leicester very much had the upper hand in the game but the Foxes will know they need to be more creative and clinical in the final third if they are to stand any chance against the Italians in the away leg.
Jose Mourinho’s team were 2-1 down in the quarterfinal against Bodo Glimt but bounced back with a 4-0 win at home and Rodgers team will be well aware of just how dangerous Roma can be on their home patch. Especially with their current form in Serie A being so strong.
However, in the last round, Leicester were held at home by PSV Eindhoven but produced a fine performance in Holland to progress through with a 2-1 win and if they play to their best and can take some of the chances that they create, then I think they can really push Roma hard here.
The problem I have is that I think both these teams are pretty well matched and in truth, I can’t see either side losing this game. My gut feeling is that we will see a draw at the end of 90 minutes with the game perhaps being decided in extra time and penalties.
Prediction
*Tips are exactly that tips (predictions) and do not guarantee success.