BOOKINGS boff Gavin Murphy (@GamePlanGavin) runs the rule over Thursday night’s crucial Europa League qualifier from the Olympic Stadium.
West Ham v NK Domzale | Thursday 19.45
West Ham play their first competitive home match at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday evening in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.
Slovenian outfit NK Domzale hold a 2-1 first leg advantage and will be keen to preserve their lead in front of 54,000 spectators in East London.
I have assessed the 29 matches from the corresponding fixtures at this stage of last year's Europa League qualifiers and the away team averaged 3.24 cards-per-game.
French whisteblower Fredy Fautrel is in charge this evening and is sure to be influenced by a partisan home crowd. Fautrel has good history of giving cards to away teams in Europa League qualifiers over the past three seasons.
In 2013/14 he gave five to Hapoel and in 2014/15 he issued three to Linfield. Last season he dished out seven to Alshkert.
NK Domzale received two cautions in the first leg from lenient Turkish official Mete Kalkavan. Surely more can be expected here as the stakes get raised and they have a lead to protect.
An early West Ham goal won't help us but with the likes of Dimitri Payet absent, I'll take my chances on the Slovenians keeping things tight.
With very supportive historical stats from the referee and the previous qualification games, I'm recommending backing 30 or more NK Domzale Bookings Points at 11/8 (SkyBet).
Best Bets
West Ham v NK Domzale – NK Domzale to receive 30 or more Bookings Points (11/8 SkyBet)
