ANALYSIS ATHLETIC BILBAO VS ELFSBORG:
Elfsborg finished in an anonymous spot in Allsvenskan but showed high peaks (on par with Malmö FF) after Oscar Hiljemark took the reins. Their form leveled out when the tight match schedule began causing issues. They’ve had plenty of time to recover and looked sharp in a friendly against Djurgården (3–0). Squad situation looks bright.
However, the challenge ahead is daunting. To put it into perspective...
Nico Williams (Athletic’s winger) alone is worth three times the entire Elfsborg team.
Athletic may drop their tempo and intensity slightly compared to their derby against Real Sociedad this past weekend. Still, they have the capacity and quality to secure a win regardless. That said, the odds are far too low.
They often attack down the flanks, leveraging players with speed and one-on-one ability.
Niklas Hult, one of Elfsborg’s most experienced players, is always alert and takes significant responsibility in these types of matches. He’s already on two yellow cards, but honestly, he likely wouldn’t mind missing the next game (Qarabag) if it means being “clean” for the big matches against Nice and Tottenham.
ANALYSIS TOTTENHAM VS ROMA:
Roma continues to churn through managers, but the root issue is deeper, and they might need to take a long look in the mirror. It’s a shaky team setup. Ranieri, who has enjoyed success in England before (read: Premier League winner...with Leicester!!!), will likely field this starting XI: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; El Shaarawy, Cristante, Koné, Zalewski; Dybala, Dovbyk.
In Serie A, Roma has already conceded three goals from corners—a figure that understates their defensive struggles.
Tottenham obliterated Man City over the weekend, and the market has responded: odds slashed from 1.90 to around 1.70. They’re the likely winners, but it would be “classic Spurs” to slip up tonight. Skipping the 1x2 market.
Ange Postecoglou continues giving opportunities to young talents, including Swedish midfield prospect Lucas Bergvall. This will be his biggest and most exciting "test" to date. He doesn’t shy away, wants to be involved, takes responsibility, and demands the ball.
He’ll also have the chance to exchange words with tonight’s referee (Glenn Nyberg, also Swedish). With James Maddison expected to rest, Bergvall will likely handle set pieces—particularly relevant given Roma’s inability to defend corners and indirect free kicks effectively.
ANALYSIS SPORTING BRAGA VS HOFFENHEIM:
Sporting Braga has had poor results so far. Now they’re “unfairly” under pressure, even as they downplay tonight’s match importance ("We can still win the last two games, so there’s no panic").
Still, it’s likely the crowd will feel the urgency. Hoffenheim is also a team always ready to bring physicality if needed.
I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams exceed 2.5 yellow cards...
Vitor Carvalho (a midfield warrior who often does more than required) is priced surprisingly high. 4.50 odds feel very appealing!
