football | Thursday, February 16, 2023 11:12 AM (Revised at: Thursday, February 16, 2023 3:15 PM)

Europa League Best Bets: Feb 16th - 3 Value Picks this Thursday

Scott Thornton

Europa League Best Bets: Thursday, February 16th

There are several bug match-ups in the Europa League on Thursday as the Champions League dropouts prepare for their first match of the competition. Barcelona, Juventus and Ajax head the list of heavyweights that have dropped into Europe’s second-tier competition.

This competition is Juve’s best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. This round also pits Barcelona against Manchester United in what promises to be a fantastic tie.

In this article:

Barcelona vs Man United Preview & Best Bet
Juventus vs Nantes Preview & Best Bet
Ajax vs Union Berlin Preview & Best Bet

Barcelona vs Man United Preview

Thursday, February 16th, 17:45 (UK)

Barcelona welcome Man United to Camp Nou for a highly-anticipated match. Xavi’s men are leading the way in La Liga and there are signs that they are returning to their former glory. The Catalan giants were disappointed to drop into the Europa League but they have set their sights on winning it after falling short last season.

Erik Ten Hag has rejuvenated Manchester United this season and they have a remote chance of winning the Premier League. United are still competing in four competitions so their squad is spread very thinly. This could have an impact on this tie against Barcelona.

Barcelona vs Manchester United Best Bet

Barcelona have scored in 11 of their last 12 home matches. The game at Camp Nou against Bayern Munich is the only match in front of their own fans since the first of the season where they have failed to score. They average 2.31 goals per game over that period.

Manchester United will be without Lisandro Martinez for this one and will be more vulnerable at the back without the Argentine. However, the Red Devils are menacing going forward. They have scored in their last 15 matches on the road and are averaging 1.73 goals per game. They scored five across the Manchester City and Arsenal matches away from home despite losing both. They have enough quality to hurt Barcelona

Selection: Both Teams To Score
Best Odds: 1.80 (10Bet)
Stakes: 7/10

More Barcelona vs Man United Tips

Juventus vs Nantes Preview

Thursday, February 16th, 20:00 (UK)

Juventus had been in resurgent form in Serie A but they were rocked by a 15-point deduction. The club had won their five league game prior to being penalised and had climbed into the top four. They have since bounced back from the news with some positive displays in the league but the Europa League now looks to be their focus as they look to return to the Champions League.

Nantes have struggled in Ligue 1 this season. They have 28 points after 23 games and are marooned in 13th place. They secured their place in this competition by beating Nice in the Coupe de France last season.

Juventus vs Nantes Best Bet

Juventus have kept a clean sheet in their last three competitive matches and have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 15 matches. Their domestic opponents are averaging just 0.64 goals per game in Turin this season. Allegri’s side are more than capable of shutting out this Nantes side that have scored just once in their last five matches where they have been similarly priced to win.

This bet landed in two of Nantes’ three Europa League group games. They have failed to score in nine of their 19 away games in all competitions this season. They are averaging just 0.84 goals per game over this period.

Selection: Juventus To Win & No To Both Teams To Score
Best Odds: 2.10 (Bet365)
Stakes: 6/10

More Juventus vs Nantes Tips

Ajax vs Union Berlin Preview

Thursday, February 16th, 20:00 (UK)

Ajax have endured a tough season after Ten Hag departed last summer. They are 3rd in the Eredivisie but things are looking up for the Dutch giants. Johnny Heitinga has replaced Alfred Shcreuder as boss until the end of the season and things have started well. The team have won his first four games in charge and the teams above them have dropped points; opening the door for Ajax in the title race.

Union Berlin are also in good form. They have won their last six competitive matches and are just one point behind Bayern in the Bundesliga.

Ajax vs Union Berlin Best Bet

Ajax have been frail defensively this season. They are conceding 1.64 goals per game at the Johan Cruyff Arena. They also conceded in Heitinga’s only home game in charge against midtable, RKC Waalwijk. Ajax are still a huge threat going forward. They are averaging 2.71 goals per game at home and have failed to score in just one of those 14 matches.

Both teams have scored in seven of Union’s last eight matches. Over this period, Union have averaged two goals per game while their opponents are averaging 1.38. The German side are averaging 1.27 goals per game on the road this season.

Selection: Yes on Both Teams To Score
Best Odds: 1.83 (Betway)
Stakes: 6/10

Best odds available as at 12:00 February 15th 2023. Odds may now differ.

More Ajax vs Union Berlin Tips

WHAT ARE FOOTBALL BEST BETS?

Our best bets are posted by some of the best tipsters around. These are our tipsters best value bets. A best bet can be placed on any number of different markets. The most common of which are 1X2, the Asian handicap, BTTS, and the goals markets. Value can be found in matches from leagues across the world. Be sure to follow bettingexpert for the latest best bets.