FC Thun meets Stoke City in the Europa League Play-off stage, on August 18th 2011 at 18:30 UK time
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FC Thun
The Swiss team is just one step away of getting in the groups of Europa League, after surprisingly eliminated Palermo. After scoring 2 goals on Italian soil, and finishing 2:2, FC Thun managed to hold off Palermo at home a game that ended 1:1, and with an away goal, the Swiss advanced to the play-offs. While many of you may not be familiar with this football team, FC Thun was in the Uefa Champions League groups in season 2005/06 where the team was in a groups with Arsenal, Ajax and Sparta Praha. FC Thun managed to record a victory and a draw against Praha, leaving them with 4 points which is their biggest achievement so far in Champions League.
Stoke City
Stoke City seems to be taking Europa League, very seriously, as the only pre-season games won from the team where exactly part of this tournament ( victories over Hajduk Split with the minimal 1:0). The first rounds of Premier League also showed that Stoke are in a great shape, after the team held off Chelsea on Britannia stadium, a match that ended 0:0. Stoke City hasn’t been on European stage since 1974-75 where the team has been eliminated in the first round of UEFA Cup by Ajax with an away goal. This is their chance to be a part of this years edition of Europa League.
Prediction
FC Thun proved to be an uncomfortable opponent, after eliminating the Italian Palermo. Last obstacle for their Europa League entrance, Stoke City a team with great ambitions this year. Both teams have never met before, so this should be an interesting match to watch. Bet365 broadcasts over 10,000 events and this game will be shown live, so be sure to
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Sportsbooks do not have a clear favorite here as FC Thun’s odds are at 2.87 (bet365) while Stoke City’s are at 2.50 (bet365).
Considering the way FC Thun advanced to the play-offs (after 2 consecutive draws), seems like the draw is the most valuable bet here, priced at 3.20 (bet365).
However I believe Stoke City got the edge here, especially after watching them against Chelsea, therefore my prediction for the match would be a minimal victory for Stoke City.
Be sure to check Betfred’s Europa League Cash Back Offers for today.
Recommended Bet:
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Stoke City to win @ 2.50 | Visit Bet365 Now |
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