Olympiacos vs Aston Villa Prediction and Betting Tips: Keeper to be carded with time wasting expected
Few punters predicted that Aston Villa would suffer a 4-2 defeat on home soil in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final to Olympiacos. Unai Emery’s men now travel to Greece looking to turnover a two goal deficit and reach their first European final since 1982. Read below about our best bets for the game.
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If Olympiacos can prevent a comeback from Villa, they will achieve a historic first by reaching the final of a major European competition for the first time. A hat-trick at Villa Park from Ayoub El Kaabi in the first leg gave the Greek side a huge advantage heading into this second leg and he is now the top-scorer in the competition having netted on eight occasions.
Aston Villa are the favourites to win the game on Thursday priced at 10/11, but they are not fancied to overturn their defeat seven days ago, priced at 7/2 to advance to the final. Villa could see the return of Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans, and Nicolo Zaniolo for Thursday's match, although Morgan Rogers is expected to sit out due to a hamstring strain suffered in the weekend loss to Brighton.
Olympiacos vs Aston Villa Tips
Our first selection on Thursday is for Ollie Watkins to score or assist. Sky Bet have a boosted 10/11 on offer via their match page, which is considerably bigger than the standard 4/6 that most other firms have available on this selection.
It’s been a sensational season for the Aston Villa front-man who has now recorded 36 goal contributions across the Conference League and Premier League (24 goals 12 assists).
Watkins scored their first goal in the initial leg, bringing his tally to five for the season in this competition. Another goal will see him establish a new club record for the most goals scored in major European competitions in a single campaign. The visitors have to score at least two goals if they are to get back into this tie and backing Watkins to contribute looks a generous proposition at just below even money.
Olympiacos lost 1-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie with Fenerbahce, though they still progressed on penalties. Goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis was booked in that game and we fancy a repeat here at 8/1 with Quinn Bet.
The prospect of reaching their first ever European final is massive. The only other Greek side to achieve this feat is Olympicacos’ bitter rivals Panathinaikos who did so back in 1970. Manager Jose Luis Mendilibar guided Sevilla to Europa League glory last season and it would be no surprise to see his side enforce some time-wasting tactics as they look to run down the clock in the second half and preserve their lead. Keeper Kostas Tzolakis was also carded against West Ham in the Europa League group stage this season and 8/1 looks a little big for another considering the game-state of this clash with Villa.
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