THE Europa League resumes this midweek with the remaining last-16 fixtures being played across Wednesday and Thursday before a single-leg last-eight format gets underway next week.
There are match previews on site for both of the Inter vs Getafe and Man Utd vs LASK Linz matches and I'm going to have a look at both of those respective fixtures for the purposes of having a play on a cross-match Bet Builder.
Inter vs Getafe (20.00)
I highlighted Getafe's ill-discipline in my match preview and that's something I'm going to factor into my cross-match Bet Builder when the La Liga outfit lock horns with Inter on Wednesday night.
Getafe averaged 3.6 cards per-game last season and that average was the highest across Europe's top-five leagues so with that in mind I'm happy to back Jose Bordalas's side to collect at least two cards when they come up against a star-studded Inter side.
What's more, controversial whistler Anthony Taylor will take charge of this one-off contest at the Veltins Arena and Taylor's average card count of 3.9 per-game last term adds to the appeal of backing two or more Getafe cards in this bout.
It's also worth noting that in-form Inter have lost just one of their 14 post-break fixtures whereas Getafe limped to an eight place finish in La Liga following a wretched run of just one win from 11.
With that in mind, coupled with the array of attacking talent that Antonio Conte has at his disposal, I'm going to combine Inter to qualify with 2+ Getafe cards as the first half of the Bet Builder double.
Man United vs LASK Linz (20.00)
Manchester United meet LASK Linz in a long-awaited Europa League last-16 dead rubber at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils have all-but secured their quarter-final place after obliterating the Austrian outfit 5-0 at the Raiffeisen Arena back in March.
Consequently, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to ring the changes here, however, the United boss has no shortage of quality in reserve with the likes of Daniel James, Juan Mata and Odion Ighalo expected to feature in the second-leg.
LASK's domestic season ended in lacklustre fashion but given that both sides have little to play for I suspect that could lead to an open and entertaining affair at Old Trafford.
Therefore, I'm going to add Man United to score and at least one LASK card to the the second half of the Bet Builder double to give us a nice looking 5/6 shot with Bet 365.
Indeed, this second-leg is effectively just a glorified friendly, however, given that card-happy Greek official Anastasios Sidiropoulos is averaging an eye-watering 6.7 cards-per game I'm happy to back the Austrian's to collect at least one card in this clash.
Recommended Bet
- Inter To Qualify & Getafe 2+ Cards
- Man United 1+ Goal & LASK Linz 1+ Card
- Bet Builder Double – 5/6 (Bet 365)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
Great work BOSS