Unlike the Group D, the travelers to the Europa League eight-finals from the Group E that features Atalanta (Italy), Lyon (France), Apollon Limassol (Cyprus) and Everton (England), are 98% known after first four rounds. The Italians and the French hold the edge with eight points and 2-2-0 record each while Cyprian squad has some theoretical chances of advancing through with three points at No. 3 spot. The English squad, on the other hand, is eliminated as they have only one point earned. The round that will probably determine the travelers to the next stage is in front of us so let’s take a closer look.
Lyon (Fra) vs. Apollon (Cyp)
Three-Way: 1: Lyon -250; X: +500 Draw; 2: Apollon +1200 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Lyon -105; Apollon +108
Total +3: Over -104; Under +110
LYON
The French squad has met the expectations so far as they’re undefeated in the group with eight points and a 2-2-0 record. Their goal difference is 7-3 and even a draw against the team with whom they’ve split the points in round 2 on the road, would seal the deal when it comes to the advancement to the next stage. Their biggest win came against Everton at Stade des Lumieres (3:0).
In French Ligue 1, the team from south of the country ranks at No. 3 spot at the moment with 26 points after 13 rounds and a 7-5-1 record. Their goal difference is 32-15 and 69% of their matches had over 2.5 goals in total. Only defeat so far into the season came on the road against Paris Saint-Germain and they are currently riding a seven-game undefeated streak. On Sunday they recorded a bit surprising goalless draw with Montpellier at home. Leading scorer for the team in the Europa League is Bertrand Traore with three scores while Memphis Depay has two in his account.
Pape Cheikh (sprained ankle) and Kenny Tete (knee injury) are ruled out for Thursday.
APOLLON
One of the best stories of the season in Europe soccer scene comes from the city of Limassol in Cyprus. The squad that hasn’t really been on the “soccer-map” of Europe so far, popped out of nowhere and managed to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League, fiercely defending the pride of the small island country. As all good stories eventually come to an end, Apollon’s one is obviously close to its conclusion as the team has three points earned at the moment and has only theoretical chances of advancing to the next stage. To accomplish that they’ll need victories in both remaining matchups.
In the domestic competition, they rank at No. 4 spot with 19 points after 9 rounds (5-4-0 record) but they have played three games less than the other teams thanks to their Europa League appearances. Their goal difference is 22-9 and they are coming off from a 4:1 road win over 12th ranked Alki Oroklini squad. Top scorer in the Europa League so far is midfielder Adrian Sardinero with two goals.
The squad has no injured players at the moment.
Lyon (Fra) vs. Apollon (Cyp) – Match Prediction
The difference in quality here is obvious and by my opinion, the French side will wrap this one up easily. Still, I think that the Cyprians can score at least one goal and that’s why I’ll go over in totals. There is also the possibility of this being one of the highest scoring games of the round and over 3.5 or 4.5 goals in total would not be a mistake.
MY PICK: Both teams score YES (+100)
Additional pick: Draw (+500)
Everton (Eng) vs. Atalanta (Ita).
Three-Way: 1: Everton +240; X: +252 Draw; 2: Atalanta +135 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Everton -137; Atalanta +131
Total +2.5: Over +100; Under +104
EVERTON
The Merseyside Blue team has been struggling in all competitions since the season started and the UEFA Europa League is no different. Only one point after four rounds and a 3:10 goal difference thanks to two 3:0 losses on the road by Lyon and Atalanta are pretty humiliating for the squad with such history like Toffees. They couldn’t even secure the win at home against the outsider in the group, Apollon Limassol (2:2 draw).
In the English Premier League situation is not much different as they’re ranked two spots above the relegation line with 12 points earned after 12 rounds. They are 3-3-6 at the moment and their goal difference is 12:24 while 50% of their overall duels had over 2.5 goals in total. Nevertheless, the squad has been showing some signs of life lately as they are undefeated in last two games in the EPL. They are coming off from a 3:2 home win over Watford that was followed by a 2:2 road draw at Crystal Palace. Wayne Rooney, Nikola Vlasic and Ashley Williams are the authors of three goals scored for the team in the Europa League.
Yannick Bolasie (cruciate ligament), Ramiro Funes Mori (knee), Seamus Coleman (leg) and Morgan Schniederlin (indirect card suspension) are unavailable for Thursday’s duel.
ATALANTA
The Italian squad stands at the top of the group ranking with eight points and a bit better goal-difference than Olympic Lyon (8-3). The advancement to the next round is almost a certainty having in mind that the Cyprians must defeat Lyon on the road in order to stir things up in this bunch. Also, if they snatch a point in England, it will secure the ballot with their name on it when the draw for eight-finals begins.
On the other side, they haven’t quite met the expectations in the domestic competition where they rank at very low No. 12 spot with only 16 points after 13 rounds. They are 4-4-5 at the moment and their goal difference is 19-18 while 54% of their overall matches had over 2.5 goals in total. The team is currently riding a three-game winless streak in Serie A and they are coming off from a 2:0 road loss at Inter Milan. Their leading scorers in the Europa League are Alejandro Gomez and Josip Ilicic with two goals each while Andrea Petagna collected team-high two assists so far.
Leonardo Spinazzola (muscle) and Boukary Drame (no eligibility) are unavailable for Thursday.
Everton (Eng) vs. Atalanta (Ita) – Match Prediction
Everton has shown some signs of life lately while Atalanta on the other side is definitely not playing in its best form of the season at the moment and that’s why my safe bet here would be over 2.5 goals in total. When it comes to the final winner, I would go bold and say that the home team gets the full prey even though a draw is more likely to happen.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 goals (+100)
Additional pick: Everton to win (+240)
