Europa League: Thursday tips and betting preview

5.55pm & 8pm Thursday

Real Betis and Rennes shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller at Roazhon Park last Thursday, but the return leg in Seville should be a more one-sided contest.

Diego Lainez’s last-minute strike rescued Betis on their trip to France and having three away goals in the bank will delight manager Quique Setien.

However, it was still a missed opportunity for Betis, who enjoyed 75 per cent possession, won the shot count 15-6 and forced nine corners compared to three for Rennes.

The Spanish outfit were much the better side and should make amends at their beloved Seville base, where they have lost only one of their last 14 games.

Setien’s side have recorded home league wins over Atletico Madrid and bitter rivals Sevilla, as well as holding Valencia to a 2-2 draw in this month’s Copa del Rey clash.

Betis are one of La Liga’s most reliable teams when armed with home advantage and can secure their progress to the last 16 with a convincing victory over French side Rennes, who are not at their happiest on their travels.

The Red and Blacks, who find themselves 11th in Ligue 1, suffered away defeats at Astana and Dynamo Kiev in the group stage and this looks a step too far.

La Liga strugglers Villarreal sprung a surprise at Sporting in their first leg but could struggle to repeat the trick at home.

Alfonso Pedraza’s early effort was all that separated the sides in Lisbon, but it was just one of two shots on target for the Yellow Submarine and the early goal changed the complexion of the match.

Sporting know they need to score to keep their European adventure alive and this weekend's 3-0 win over highflying Braga will have given them the confidence to do so.

Villarreal silenced Sevilla by the same scoreline on Sunday but that was their first home win since December and Sporting, who drew at Arsenal in the group stages, should put up a fight.

Recommendations
Real Betis
2pts 4-6 bet365, Betfred, Ladbrokes
Sporting or draw double chance
1pt 10-11 bet365

Bet on these games at Soccerbase.com

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport