Football predictions for tomorrow

AZ Alkmaar enters this home leg with a massive mountain to climb after their 3–0 first-leg defeat in Krakow. However, their home form at the AFAS Stadion is exceptional, having won seven straight home games in all competitions, including a recent 3–0 domestic victory over Heerenveen. While overcoming the three-goal aggregate deficit is a tall task, AZ is heavily favored to win this specific match as Shakhtar Donetsk will likely adopt a defensive "protect-the-lead" strategy, allowing the Dutch side to dominate play.

This fixture has a high historical goal average, with more than 2.5 goals scored in 100% of the last three meetings between these two teams. AZ Alkmaar’s home games have been high-scoring affairs, averaging 3.2 goals total, and their recent 3–0 win over Heerenveen confirms their offensive potency. Since AZ needs at least three goals to stay in the tie and Shakhtar has the quality to exploit the resulting defensive gaps, the Over 2.5 goals line is well-aligned with both teams' current tactical needs.

Celta Vigo scored at least one goal in 12 of the last 14 matches. On the other hand, scored in every one of the previous five games. We should see goals on both sides on Thursday in Vigo. 

Celta Vigo conceded 12 goals in the last four matches. In contrast, Freiburg scored 13 goals in the previous five games. We will likely see another high-scoring tie on Thursday evening.

Celta Vigo are not playing well lately. They lost three of the last four matches. On the other hand, Freiburg won four of the previous five games. Also, the German side won 3-0 last week. Freiburg shouldn't lose in the rematch, either.

Statistical data strongly supports both teams finding the net; AZ Alkmaar must commit players forward from the first whistle, which inevitably leaves space for Shakhtar's dangerous counter-attacking duo of Pedrinho and Alisson Santana, who both scored in the first leg. Shakhtar has been lethal on the attack, having scored 10 goals in their last four European outings on the road, while AZ averages 1.73 goals per game at home. Given the high-stakes nature of the comeback attempt, a clean sheet for either side is statistically unlikely.

The Arsenalists have won three of their last four matches, which gives them a bit of momentum coming into this. Betis, with just one win in their last ten, do not inspire full confidence, so Braga avoiding defeat feels realistic.

I backed Porto to win at plus money a week ago, but they just couldn’t score the second goal and ended up with a 1-1 draw. Yet the Dragons were the better team in every aspect of the game except for finding the net. They are unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, and I just can’t see them going out of the Europa League on Thursday.

Nottingham Forest haven’t lost in their previous five matches, but they should be mostly thinking about survival in the Premier League nowadays. They were defeated in the last two home games in the competition by Fenerbahce and Midtjylland, who are far weaker than the Dragons. I’m staying by Porto’s side in this one, as overall class and motivation should make the difference.

A narrow home win with both teams scoring is expected, with Bromley tipped to edge a 2-1 victory. The hosts recorded a 2-1 win in their last home outing against Shrewsbury, and a similar result could be on the cards here.

Aston Villa have been brilliant in the Europa League, winning ten of 11 matches in the competition this season. With an open contest expected, a high-scoring home win offers plenty of market value.