Europa League Group Stage Preview – Gameweek 3
Here’s a short preview of tonight’s Europa League group stage matches featuring Wigan, Tottenham and Swansea – all of which have seen successful starts to their European campaigns.
Wigan Athletic v Rubin Kazan:
Latics go into this well poised to advance into the knockout rounds, though this match will need to be a home win if they fancy topping Group D. Kazan currently lead Wigan by 2 points after impressively seeing off Maribor and Zulte Waregem in some fashion! Grant Holt is likely to start up front in favour of Nick Powell after recovering from injury whilst Maloney remains out injured. After victories over Chelsea and Spurs in recent years, it’s tough to see past the Russians in this tie.
Score Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Kazan. (8:05pm kick off, BT SPORT 1)
Sheriff Tiraspol v Tottenham:
The hosts are top of their league by 4 points and have a goal difference of +29 after just 12 matches, though Spurs should be looking to go halfway through a perfect group stage campaign with an away victory in Moldova. The gulf in class between these two sides should be evident in the back-to-back fixtures coming up and Jermain Defoe is expected to reek the benefits. Kyle Walker, Paulinho and Andros Townsend have all remained in England to prepare for Sunday’s match at White Heart Lane against Hull.
Score Prediction: Sheriff 0-3 Tottenham. (6pm kick off, ITV4)
Swansea City v Kuban Krasnodar:
Even with captain Ashley Williams still on the sidelines, Swansea can still be hopeful of a clean sheet against Krasnodar who are yet to find themselves on the scoreboard in Group A. Its clear Kuban aren’t taking this competition too seriously, well not as much as their Welsh opposition are which should ultimately decide tonight’s proceedings. In this group, there is yet to be a match in which both teams have scored – this stat is likely to continue as Valencia host St Gallen.
Score Prediction: Swansea 2-0 Krasnodar. (8:05pm kick off, ITV4)
Good luck to all three of our British sides this evening!
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