Marseille can progress by silencing Salzburg

Europa League
Matches from 6pm Thursday

Marseille v Salzburg8.05pm

Marseille have been making hard work of qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages but they can get over the line by beating Group I leaders Salzburg at the Stade Velodrome.

The match is of limited importance to Salzburg, who are guaranteed top spot after taking 11 points from a possible 15.

Head coach Marco Rose has spoken about the importance of finishing the group well and of helping to enhance the Austrian league's five-year Uefa ranking.

But Rose is also likely to have Sunday's league match at Wolfsberger at the back of his mind.

Salzburg are level on points with Sturm Graz at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga and their main focus will be on winning the remaining two league games on their 2017 schedule.

The visitors might not be at full throttle but Marseille know they cannot afford any more slip-ups.

They need only a point to make sure of finishing above third-placed Konyaspor but look solid odds-on favourites to get all three.

Recommendation
Marseille
2pts 8-13 Betway

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Slavia Prague v Astana6pm

Astana have competed well in Group A and will qualify for the knockout stage if they defeat Slavia Prague in the Czech capital.

Second-placed Slavia need just a point to advance but are only one point superior to third-placed Astana, who held them to a 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan on matchday two.

That match was evenly contested, although Astana might have felt a little more frustrated about the outcome after winning the shots-on-target count 8-3.

It will be more difficult to defeat Slavia in their backyard but Astana have a decent chance and look overpriced.

Recommendation
Astana
1pt 9-2 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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