GENT v SHKENDIJA
Thursday 18th August 2016 – Kickoff: 2030hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League Betting Tips
Following a string of pre-season friendlies which saw them lose just once, tonight’s hosts Gent will look to continue their impressive unbeaten run in the start of this new season when they play host to Macedonian outfit Shkendija at their GHELAMCO-arena.
Gent will be looking to build upon their good start to their new campaign with a win in this first leg of the Europa League play-off having disposed of Vittorul 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round to progress to this stage.
In addition, Gent are unbeaten in the Belgian Jupiler league with a win over Genk along with draws against Kortrijk and Sporting Charleroi (both away from home) – it’s also worth noting that Gent have lost just twice at home in their last ten Europa League matches on home soil to date.
Visitors Shkendija have progressed through to the Europa League play-off stage with wins over Polish outfit Cracovia Krakow 4-1 on aggregate, a narrow 1-0 win on aggregate over Azerbaijan side Neftci and a 2-1 aggregate win over Czech Republic side Mlada Boleslav.
However, it should be noted that Shkendija have managed just one win on the road in the Europa League in their relatively short history in this competition, which was the 2-1 win at Cracovia Krakow in one of the earlier rounds.
But defeats at Portadown, Zimbru and Mlada Boleslav perhaps show their vulnerability on their travels at this level, and so I’ll back the hosts to cove the line here this evening in their own back-yard.
Pick: Gent AH-1.5 @ 1.72 Bet Victor
