Football Bet of the Day: All out attack on Thursday?

Thursday’s Football Bet of the Day comes from the second leg of a key Europa League qualifier, as Shakhtar Donetsk play host to Panathinaikos (19:00 BST).

With the tie all square after a 0-0 in Greece, it’s all to play for as we head to the Estadio Henryk Reyman in Krakow. Read on for the Football Bet of the Day.

Shakhtar will be happy to have come away with a goalless draw after the first leg, and now they are the odds-on favourites to progress to the Europa League play-off round. The Ukranian outfit may not be playing their home matches in their own country right now, but they’ve done brilliantly well in the last two qualifying rounds, hammering Ilves 6-0 and Besiktas 6-2 to reach this stage. 

Arda Turan only joined the club back in May but he’s yet to lose a game in charge, winning four and drawing three competitive fixtures so far. The former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona midfielder has encouraged his players to “show more hunger to score” in this second leg, and I think it will be a far more attacking display from the hosts. 

Shakhtar vs Panathinaikos Odds

They’ve been a wonderful attacking outfit under Turan, scoring 16 goals in his seven matches so far, including three in their last Ukranian Premier League clash against Karpaty Lviv. The Miners have picked up four points from their opening two league matches and have also looked strong in Europe.

They’ve also never lost against Greek opposition, so I’m happy to side with them to have a profitable evening, even though it looks like star forward Kevin is heading to the Premier League. Panathinaikos have only lost once against Ukrainian teams in the past but were dumped out of Champions League qualifying by Rangers, 3-1 on aggregate. 

Today's Football Fixtures

Russell Martin’s new side did well to overcome the giants, and their European journey could turn into a Greek tragedy with a defeat here. I’ve been slightly concerned about them from a defensive standpoint as Rangers picked them off, while they could be slightly undercooked in comparison to their opponents as the Greek Super League doesn’t kick off until this weekend. 

All in all, I’m happy to back the hosts to progress, but to lengthen our odds on Thursday I’m going to back them to score over 2.5 goals. Turan will want his side to lay down a statement performance and with Eguinaldo and Alisson Santana on top form, I think they can tear into Panathinaikos. 

Football Odds

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