Martin Griffiths – Sports Handicapper

Rangers and Real Betis are set to clash in the UEFA Europa League group stage this evening with both teams determined to kickstart their Europa League campaigns after disappointing recent results.

Rangers have encountered a winless streak in their last three European home matches and are aiming to reverse their fortunes in this game, while Real Betis is embarking on its first European match of the season and aims to make a favorable impression. 

This game could actually go either way and I would not rule out a draw either, however, one thing I am very confident about is that we will see goals, regardless of the actual match result.

The reasoning is there for all to see, both sides will want to start their group campaign off with a win, both boast numerous attacking players with the potential to find the back of the net and recent matches have shown that both teams' defenses may not be performing at their peak.

While the possibility of a low-scoring match always exists, I believe the conditions are almost perfect for a high-scoring encounter.

Take over 2.5 goals

Qarabag and Molde are set to face off in the UEFA Europa League group stage at Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses in the Champions League qualifying rounds, but they will be eager to make a strong start to their Europa League campaigns.

Qarabag has an impressive record at home, remaining unbeaten in their last six home games in all competitions (W4 D2 L0). They will approach the match against Molde with confidence. Qarabag boasts a strong attacking threat, led by Redon Xhixha, who scored five goals during European qualifying this season.

Molde, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain consistency in away matches in recent years. They will be looking to reverse this trend on Thursday. The visitors possess several talented players, including Eirik Hestad and Magnus Wolff Eikrem, but they will need to deliver their best performance to secure a positive result in Azerbaijan.

Both teams have potent attacking capabilities, and they prefer to play an attacking style of football. Furthermore, both sides have been conceding goals in recent matches. Due to these factors, I predict that we will see at least three goals scored in this match.

Take over 2.5 goals

The New York Giants played to form in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals, and another blowout was on the cards. However, they rallied in the second half, racking up 31 points to claim the win. They showed remarkable fortitude, character, and resilience, and they must be given credit for that.

On the other hand, San Francisco showed, once again, why they are among the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. It is very difficult to go up against them, even with the big spread against them. They really are an excellent team.

I was tempted to back the 49ers to cover the spread, but it all depends on how the Giants perform, and that is something that, for me, is just guesswork at this moment in time. They may well kick on from the Arizona win and play far better than they did in the first six quarters of this campaign. However, they are just as liable to be blown out of the water again.

The way I have looked at this game is simple. I am very confident that the 49ers will rack up at least 30 points, and that is at a minimum. The question for me is how many points the Giants will score.

Providing that the Giants will not be walkovers as they were in the first game and first half last week, which I do not think they will be, then I do see them getting at least 14 points, quite possibly more. That makes me feel that the overs have been set far too low, and that is the bet I will be placing today.

Take over 44 points.