One of the most interesting Europa League groups in which all four teams still have a chance to advance to the eight-finals is the Group F. FC Copenhagen (Denmark), Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova), Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia) and Fastav Zlin (Czech Republic) are all ranked inside a four-point difference and the teams are in front of the decision time when it comes to securing the European soccer next spring. The Danes and the Moldavians have the upper hand for now but the Russians are just behind the corner with only one point deficit. Let’s go smart in here and calculate some easy picks having in mind every team’s tendencies so far.
Lokomotiv Moscow (Rus) vs. FC Copenhagen (Den)
Three-Way: 1: Lokomotiv Moscow -111; X: +244 Draw; 2: FC Copenhagen +338 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Lokomotiv Moscow -112; FC Copenhagen -104
Total +2.5: Over +122; Under -153
LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW
The Russian side is in front of the crucial game of this stage of the Europa League competition and if they emerge victoriously they will make their eight-finals case almost unbreakable. The team ranks third right now with five points and 5-3 goal difference. The first matchup against the Danes in Copenhagen ended with a goalless point-splitting and a win here is probably expected among the fan base of the Moscow team.
In the Russian Premier League, the team ranks at the top of the table with 36 points after 17 rounds and an 11-3-3 record. Their goal difference is 26-13 and 65% of their overall matches had under 2.5 goals in total. They are currently riding a four-game undefeated streak during which they defeated the main opponent for the title, Zenit St. Petersburg squad on the road (3:0). Manuel Fernandes tops the team in scoring in the Europa League so far with three goals while Jefferson Farfan and Anton Miranchuk collected one each.
Guilherme (wound) and Eder (unknown) are ruled out for Thursday.
FC COPENHAGEN
The Danes have held on this far as they’re ranked on the top of the group with six points and 1-3-0 record but the matchup that could change everything for them will take place during the midweek in Moscow. The first duel between these two foes ended peacefully but that will probably not be the case now. FC Copenhagen would definitely agree to the point-splitting before the match even starts but if they start the game with the mindset on a draw, they will lose. 100% focus and high-level motivation will be of the major importance here.
In the Danish Superleague team ranks at the No.6 spot at the moment with 22 points earned after 16 rounds. They’ve been facing some difficulties lately with two consecutive losses in last two games in which they didn’t manage to score a single goal while conceding four. They are 6-4-6 at the moment and their goal difference is 26-20 while 56% of their overall showdowns had over 2.5 goals in total. Benjamin Verbic is the team’s top scorer on the European scene with two goals so far while Danny Amankwaa has one assist recorded.
Erik Johansson (cruciate ligament), Federico Santander (fatigue fracture), Mikael Antonsson (knee) and Jan Gregus (fractured foot) are ruled out for Thursday’s duel.
Lokomotiv Moscow (Rus) vs. FC Copenhagen (Den) – Match Prediction
When we look at the both teams performances right now in the domestic competitions, the hosts are the clear favorites and that’s where I will go with my first pick. Also, under 2.5 goals in total makes much sense because both teams have low-scoring tendencies and the game is very important meaning that there should be some initial heed in both squads.
MY PICK: Lokomotiv Moscow (-102)
Additional pick: Under 2.5 goals (-153)
Sheriff Tiraspol (Mol) vs. Zlin (Cze).
Three-Way: 1: Sheriff Tiraspol -141; X: +261 Draw; 2: Zlin +449 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Sheriff Tiraspol -143; Zlin +118
Total +2.5: Over +127; Under -160
SHERIFF TIRASPOL
Similar to Apollon Limassol, the Moldavians are writing one of the most successful soccer stories of the season. The Moldavian champions have six points earned at the moment and 1-3-0 record that includes taking the scalp of Lokomotiv in Moscow (2:1 win). A victory over the squad against which they secured a 0:0 road draw previously would present a big step towards the Europa League eight-finals, the accomplishment that only the most loyal and craziest team’ fans could expect prior to the season start.
The team is superior in the Moldovan Premier League with 45 points and 14-3-0 record. Their goal difference is 50-13 and 76% of their overall matches had over 2.5 goals in total. They are coming off from a 2:0 road win over the second-ranked Milsami Orhei (second straight win). Their longest winning streak this season lasted for 11 games (between July 29 and October 28). Team’s leading scorer in the Europa League is Ziguy Badibanga with two goals while Josip Brezovec added one so far.
Zlatko Tripic (wound) is ruled out for the upcoming duel.
ZLIN
The Czech side ranks fourth in this interesting Europa League group with two points earned but they are also keeping some eight-finals hopes alive. Naturally, they’ll need to emerge victorious in both remaining matchups but that’s not entirely impossible as it sounds. The first duel with their next foe ended with a draw (0:0) but there will be no time for caution on Thursday because both teams must go all in if they want to see the next stage.
Team ranks at the spot No. 10 in the domestic competition with a 4-4-6 record and 16 points earned so far. Their goal difference is 15-21 and 57% of their overall duels had under 2.5 goals in total. They are coming off from a 2:0 road loss by second ranked Sigma Olomouc on Saturday and they are winless in last four league games. The squad has only one win in last eight rounds in Czech Premier League and they’re nowhere near the last season’s form. Dame Diop scored the only goal for the team in the Europa League.
Manager Bohumil Panik has his entire roster available for Thursday.
Sheriff Tiraspol (Mol) vs. Zlin (Cze) – Match Prediction
The Czech side performs pretty poor on all fronts this season and the home team win should not come into question. Also, I’m not sure that the guests can even score a goal here and both teams don’t score looks like a pretty good option.
MY PICK: Sheriff Tiraspol to win (-122)
Additional pick: Both teams don’t score (-143)
