SCOTTISH football expert Mr Fixit (@MrFixitTips) previews Thursday night's Europa League action.
Aberdeen v Burnley | Thursday 26th July 2018, 19:45
Aberdeen take centre stage on a massive night for Scottish clubs in Europe.
An early Battle of Britain clash isn’t what Derek McInnes anticipated as his men launch their Europa League campaign.
Burnley are in Europe for the first time in 51 years so the Dons win on experience but McInnes faces a rebuilding job after losing the likes of Kenny McLean, Adam Rooney, Ryan Christie and Kari Arnason.
McLean’s the biggest miss and the players signed such as Sam Cosgrove are in unknown territory north of the border.
Sean Dyche’s men returned to training later and look a little skinny at 17/20 with Coral to win and 1/4 to qualify but I’m taking them to edge it at Pittodrie despite the home men losing one out of 11 home qualifiers – and that was to Real Sociedad.
Aberdeen are underdogs at 7/2 with Bet365 and 11-2 to make it through.
Chris Wood is Burnley’s top marksman and if he starts back him at 23/10 with William Hill to score first.
Osijek v Rangers | Thursday 26th July 2018, 19:45 | Premier Sports
Rangers face a step up from the last round when they travel to Osijek who beat PSV home and away last season before losing to Austria Vienna in the play-off round on away goals.
Osijek have injury worries and struggled past Moldovans Petrocub 3-2 in the first round so Steven Gerrard will be looking to at least draw.
Rangers are a best 9/4 at Ladbrokes while the Croats are 11/8 and the draw 11/5.
To qualify Gers are 7/10 at Marathon but will need to improve and the best bet on Thursday night could be Under 2.5 Goals at 8/13 (Bet365).
Hibs v Asteras Tripolis | Thursday 26th July 2018, 19:45
There were an incredible 17 goals in Hibs’ opening tie as they beat Runavik 12-5 on aggregate.
Neil Lennon’s men are electric in attack but leaky at the back and have conceded in their last six European ties at home.
Hibs should win at 6/4 with Ladbrokes but a stronger angle might be to play Over 2.5 Goals at 123/100 (Marathon).
TNS v Lincoln Red Imps | Thursday 26th July 2018, 19:45 | BBC
TNS look a decent shout at 8/11 (188BET) at home to Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps.
The Welsh champs almost pulled off the biggest ever Euro comeback when they beat Shkendija 4-0 at home after losing 5-0 away in their Champions League qualifier last week and look a decent price to take top honours.
Best Bets
Aberdeen v Burnley – Burnley to win (17/20 Coral)
Osijek v Rangers – Under 2.5 Goals (8/13 Bet365)
Hibs v Asteras Tripolis – Over 2.5 Goals 123/100 (Marathon)
TNS v Lincoln Red Imps – TNS to win (8/11 188BET)
