This Europa League both teams to score predictions article looks at which teams may be unable to keep it tight at the back, and which have the defensive nous to keep a clean sheet in continental action.
A trio of English clubs are looking to book their spot in the knockout stages of the Europa League this Thursday, but a few of them will have to do it the hard way, especially with our first two picks playing on hostile turf at what is generally a busy time of the season.
Europa League both teams to score predictions
AEK Athens vs Brighton both teams to score – Yes (8/15)
Although they've improved since a nightmare European debut for the Seagulls gave AEK three points in the reverse game, Brighton still have a defence that can leak frustrating goals at key moments. It's also difficult to forget how easily AEK managed to net more than twice away to opposition from a top-five European league – something no AEK side had done since November 2000.
Brighton are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season too, and will know that a win books their spot in the next round of the Europa League. Therefore, the likelihood of both teams scoring after the last encounter seems extremely high, as Brighton look to make attack the best form of defence once again.
TSC vs West Ham both teams to score – Yes (4/5)
West Ham have now played 10 away games across all competitions this season, and they have managed to keep just the one clean sheet. That came in the Carabao Cup away to League One outfit Lincoln City. In addition, the high chance of some fringe Hammers making it into the XI only heightens the likelihood of a positive BTTS result.
It took a spirited second-half fightback from the Hammers to topple TSC last time out too, as the Serbian outfit took a shock lead at the London Stadium, before eventually falling to a 3-1 loss. And with a fanatic home fanbase behind them, it would be surprising to see David Moyes' side keep a clean sheet alongside a widely-expected victory.
Liverpool vs LASK both teams to score – No (8/15)
If Liverpool needed any more confidence heading into this crucial Europa League clash, then they certainly got that over the weekend, after drawing 1-1 with title rivals Manchester City. Although there was no clean sheet, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip undeniably did a great job of limiting Man City's electric attack on their own turf.
The Anfield side won this reverse fixture 3-1, blowing LASK away in the second half after trailing at the interval. Jurgen Klopp's side have a 100% win record at Anfield this season, keeping five clean sheets in the process. So, even if the Reds do heavily rotate, it will be a tough ask for LASK to break down a stubborn Reds defence.
Marseille vs Ajax both teams to score – Yes (4/7)
Both teams know that three points are crucial if they wish to stay in control of their own future in Europe. And with both stuttering for consistency in their respective domestic leagues, a straight shoot-out could be on the cards in Amsterdam this midweek.
Ajax in particular look vulnerable, as despite their clear talents in attack, they have been unable to keep their domestic troubles just in the Netherlands. The Amsterdam side sit bottom of their Europa League group on two points, and hence teeter on the brink of being knocked out of the competition.
Yet, a 3-3 draw to Marseille in the reverse clash can only give them hope of pulling off a minor miracle. On another note that indicates an incoming positive BTTS result, there have been at least two goals in each of Marseille's Europa League games this season, with the Olympians keeping just one clean sheet against AEK Athens…
…but if you're still not convinced that these predictions are solid, our free betting tips page has an abundance of tips and suggestions to help you win your midweek bets!
