While it might be this summer s U21s European Championships that have stolen most of the midweek headlines, we are treated to a host of Thursday fixtures from across the footballing globe.
On that note, for those of you looking to stick on a Thursday flutter, we have found a pair of helpful tips which can offer a great return for your midweek flutter.
12:35 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs Qingdao Hainiu
Marking their return from the international break with a thumping display as they punched their FA Cup Round of 16 ticket, Shandong have continued to shine on either side of June’s fortnight break. Eventually breezing their way to a stellar 6-1 romp away at Dongguan Guanlian last week, Thursday’s hosts are riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum
Skyrocketing their way up the Super League standings, some in Choi Kang-hee’s camp will now have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine charge for the AFC Champions League places this season.
In fact, along with opening June with an eye-catching 2-0 victory against Dalian Pro, the one-time Saudi Arabia boss finds his side in the midst of an eight-match unbeaten run across all formats a run that stems all the way back to May 6th.
Gaining a reputation for their continued success on home soil, it should be noted that Shandong have won each of their last three Super League showdowns at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center by an aggregate score of 7-1.
On the flip side, also extend on their own FA Cup adventure last week thanks to an action-packed 4-3 win away at Nanjing City, it appears that Changchun Yatai have claimed a welcomed boost on either side of the international break.
However, while Thursday’s guests might have clinched back-to-back domestic victories for just a second time since the middle of April, the Reds will be worried by a downbeat record against the AFC Champions League hopefuls.
Including a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Shandong to the Nanling Stadium for their last meeting 11 months ago, Chen Yang’s inconsistent squad are remarkably without a win from any of their last 13 straight meetings against the midweek hosts.
Betting Tip: Shandong Taishan win Both teams to score @ 2/1 with
19:30 National Bank Egypt vs Al Ahly
Enjoying what has been a history-making Premier League romp this season, it is no secret that Al Ahly are breezing their way towards a first domestic crown since 2020. Marking their return from the international break with a rampant 3-0 victory away at Haras El Hodood on June 22nd, Marcel Koller’s men have only continued to gain a string of plaudits this year.
With the mood in Mahmoud El Khatib’s men at a red-hot high, the Red Devils are remarkably yet to taste a single defeat from any of their 25 top-flight appearances this season.
In fact, dropping points on just five separate occasions this season, Thursday’s hosts have also continued to shine with their free-scoring performances in the final third on either side of June’s international break.
It should be noted, despite holding at least four games in hand over all the teams battling it out with them at the top of the table, Al Ahly have notched 48 Premier League strikes this season the best-attacking return of any top-flight outfit.
However, although Koller’s side might be breezing towards Premier League history in 2023, the Reds should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge on Thursday night.
While National Bank Egypt might have accepted that the best they can settle for is a top-half finish this season, the midweek hosts are signing off the 2023 campaign with a stunning flurry.
Along with extending on their Egypt Cup adventure last week after edging past El Gaish, NBE have also mustered 10 points from just their last four top-flight showdowns.
With that run highlighted by a 3-1 romp against El Daklyeh on May 31st, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair here.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score @ 9/8 with
Thursday s Daily Double
Shandong Taishan vs Changchun Yatai Shandong Taishan win Both teams to score @ 2/1
National Bank Egypt vs Al Ahly Both teams to score @ 9/8
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with and pocket £63.75 if all predictions are correct.
