Europa League predictions, betting preview and free tips for Thursday's matches

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Braga v AEK, Qarabag v Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Molde v Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday.

When to bet

From 5.55pm Thursday

Best bets

Braga
2pts 23-20 Betfair

Maccabi Tel Aviv
2pts 11-10 general

Dundalk +2 on Asian handicap
2pts Evs bet365

Preview

Braga were kicking themselves last Thursday night for failing to secure qualification to the last 32 of the Europa League but they can get it right the second time by winning in Greece against AEK.

The Portuguese side had the lead three times against Leicester and three times they gave it up with the Foxes' third equaliser coming in the 95th minute.

But Braga bounced back at the weekend beating Farense 1-0 to sustain their push to break the Primeira Liga triopoly for the second successive season, so they travel to the Greek capital in good heart.

AEK have played two Group G home games and lost them both, 2-1 against Leicester and 3-0 against Zorya, and they are missing suspended Ukraine international midfielder Yevgeny Shakhov.

Home advantage isn't in the Qarabag lexicon since they are being forced to play in Istanbul due to unrest in Azerbaijan.

They have lost both their Group I home games, against Villarreal and Sivasspor, and have also lost both their away games.

The first of those was at Maccabi Tel Aviv in October and the in-form Israelis can complete a double at the Fatih Terim Stadium.

It has been a baptism of fire for Dundalk, who are pointless after four games and bottom of Group B.

But if they needed a confidence boost going to Molde then they got it in spades on Sunday with an 11-0 romp at Athlone Town in the FAI Cup.

Dundalk haven't been embarrassed in the competition so far, sustaining one-goal losses to Molde at home and Rapid Vienna away and they held Arsenal at bay for 42 minutes in a 3-0 loss at the Emirates.

The Irish side would dearly love to get on the board and having given Molde a run before they can test the Norwegians once more. Back the outsiders on the handicap.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport