Wolves v Torino: Europa League playoff betting preview, TV channel and tips

TV: Premier Sports 2, 7.45pm Thursday

Wolves have been treating their Europa League campaign with the utmost respect and they can advance to the group stage in style by defeating Torino at Molineux.

'Big six' Premier League clubs are often less than thrilled about the prospect of Thursday-night football but Wolves are relishing the challenge and are in a fantastic position after their 3-2 first-leg success in Turin.

Supporters have been fully behind Nuno's side with over 29,000 turning out for the home victories over Crusaders (2-0) and Pyunik Yerevan (4-0), and there should be an extra edge to the atmosphere as Wolves look to finish the job against a decent Italian outfit.

There was a sting in the tail last Thursday when Torino's star striker Andrea Belotti slammed home an injury-time penalty.

But Wolves remain in a strong position knowing a draw or narrow defeat – either 0-1 or 1-2 – would be enough for them to progress.

Torino's manager Walter Mazzarri, has some experience of English football after spending the 2016-17 campaign at Watford.

He was criticised for defensive tactics during his time at Vicarage Road but will have to change his approach against Wolves as Torino need a minimum of two away goals to have a chance of going through.

Belotti, scorer of 15 Serie A goals last season, is an obvious danger man and approaches the game with plenty of confidence after bagging the winner in Sunday's 2-1 home victory over Sassuolo.

The other player Wolves need to keep an eye on is Simone Zaza, who is off to a bright start to the campaign, netting four goals in six appearances.

However, Torino do not look secure at the back and if they take risks in search of a route back into the tie it could play into Wolves's hands.

Wolves are a counter-attacking team who tend to fare well against the big clubs and struggle against smaller teams reliant on massed defence.

Last season they took 16 points against the Premier League's top six teams but collected just 14 against the bottom six.

And there was evidence of a similar pattern emerging last week when Nuno's side posted an encouraging 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United before a more frustrating 1-1 stalemate with Burnley.

Given their opponents' strengths and weaknesses, it was imperative for Torino to secure a better first-leg result. With a lead or a 0-0 draw to protect, they might have been very difficult to budge.

However, having to chase the game puts them in a difficult position, exposing them to the qualities of speedy Wolves attackers Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota.

The hosts will be quite comfortable sitting in and waiting for moments to strike and they can carry out the plan to perfection, ensuring a sixth successive Europa League victory.

Recommendation
Wolves
1pt 19-20 Coral

Bet on this match at soccerbase.com

Team news
Wolves
No fresh injuries have been reported since the 1-1 draw at home to Burnley.

Torino
Cristian Ansaldi (muscle injury) has joined Simone Edera (shoulder) and Iago Falque (ankle) on the sidelines.

Key stat
Wolves are unbeaten in their last 15 home matches.

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