Europa League Tips: Celtic and Rangers feature in Thursday's predictions

Thursday night football is back once again and I have three Europa League tips for this evenings fixtures featuring both Rangers and Celtic. All three bets are with Bet365 and we've included a link to the treble should you wish.

After a rough start to the season for Celtic domestically, they turn their attention to the Europa League as they welcome an inform Leverkusen side. The Germans come into this fresh off the back of a 1-0 win vs Mainz with their only loss this season coming vs Dortmund.

I’m expecting to see goals here and this odds on shot is well backed by the stats. 10 of Celtics last 11 Europa League games have seen over 2.5 goals. With this huge home crowd behind them, you can never count Celtic out. They have also managed to score 2 or more in 6 of their last 7 outings in this competition. They opened their group G on the wrong side of a 7 goals thriller, losing 4-3 away to Real Betis.

Leverkusen are never too far away from the gaols either, especially in Europe. They have seen over 2.5 in 6 of their last 7 where they have netted 2 or more in 6 of these matches. With over 2.5 goals here as short as 4/6, I’m happy to add BTTS for a much more appealing 20/21 price.

For my second pick I’m staying involved with the Scottish teams, this time heading to Prague where they host Rangers but I’m siding with the hosts here.

Despite several first team players missing I do fancy the home side to come away from this fixture without defeat. They have won 5 of their 7 home games this term and Rangers are still yet to win on their travels in Europe. Sparta come into this off ten back of a 5-2 win on the weekend so will be full of confidence Thursday night.

I’m expecting a tight game where the home advantage may play its part. I’ve chucked in under 4 goals for a bumper price – all of Rangers last 5 Europa league games have seen under 2.5 goals.

Lazio come into this off the back of 3-2 win vs rivals Roma and will now look to get their first win in Group E. A 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in their group opener gives this game some added importance for the Italians. Lokomotiv picked up an impressive point vs Marseille in their opening game, despite playing the majority of the second half with 10 men.

There is no doubt the impetus will be with the hosts here which could expose their defensive frailties once again. The Italians have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 8 games, 6 of these matches have seen both teams get on the scoresheet.

A game I expect to be one sided in terms of shots and possession in favour of Lazio, I still feel the problems at the back could resurface once again.

With that being said, I expect Lazio’s quality to shine through enough to see then score at least one themselves.