Aberdeen's trip to Bosnia could be lively

Siroki Brijeg v Aberdeen
Premier Sports, 7.45pm Thursday

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes signed a contract extension this week and he is hoping to celebrate that deal by leading the club into the Europa League third qualifying round.

The Dons have made things difficult for themselves, however, after a sloppy performance and a 1-1 draw in the home leg of their tie with Bosnia’s Siroki Brijeg.

Celtic loanee Ryan Christie put Aberdeen ahead with a lovely goal but the home side missed several chances to extend their advantage and they were punished when Stipo Markovic equalised with 20 minutes remaining.

Aberdeen have been well backed to win the second leg but the trip to the Pecara Stadium won’t be one for the faint-hearted.

Siroki have been forced to play three domestic games behind closed doors after their fans chanted fascist slogans and booed their own national anthem.

Goalscorer Christie warned his teammates against a gung-ho approach in the return leg but it may be hard to keep a cool head in the atmosphere and backing over 2.5 goals appeals at 6-4.

The Dons’ rearguard looked wobbly in the first leg so attack could be the best form of defence for a side who scored 74 goals in 38 Ladbrokes Premiership games last season.

McInnes’s men should pose a threat on the counter and an early goal to either side would be likely to lead to an open encounter.

Galatasaray, who suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away to European debutants Ostersund of Sweden, are 7-20 for a victory at home.

Cork City, who lost 1-0 in the home leg against AEK Larnaca, are 5-1 to win the second game in Cyprus.

Midtjylland came from 2-1 down at half-time to beat Ferencvaros 4-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Jacob Poulsen and the Danes should frank that form in the second leg at home.

They were helped by the sending-off of Julian Koch just before half-time but they battered Derry City 10-2 on aggregate in the previous qualifying round and a two-goal cushion means they can play with a bit of freedom.

Midtjylland have plenty of European experience – two seasons ago in the Europa League they beat Southampton, Club Brugge and Legia Warsaw in the group stage before taking a 2-1 first-leg lead over Manchester United in the last 32.

Recommendations
Over 2.5 goals in Siroki Brijeg v Aberdeen
1pt 6-4 Betfred, Paddy Power
Midtjylland
3pts 8-13 Betfair