Swiss side Young Boys take on Skenderbeu in the Europa League next week, with the home side having only pride to play for as a result of their poor performances in the competition so far. Despite this, many are predicting a close encounter in Bern, with the Albanian visitors requiring a win if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the next stage of the tournament.
Europa League – Stade de Suisse, Bern – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 29/10 at Unibet |
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Young Boys
SkenderbeuMatch Preview
Young Boys host Albanian side Skenderbeu in the Europa League next week, with the home side hoping to earn their first win of the campaign. Despite the Swiss side having already been knocked-out of the competition, manager Adi Hütter will be looking to give their supporters something to shout about with three points over their opponents next week. For those still unsure of who to back in Switzerland on Thursday week, be sure to check out our top betting tip for the clash. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Young Boys Team News & Form
Young Boys come into this match off the back of a crucial away win at Lugano in the Swiss Super League, helping to ensure that they remain seven points clear of their rivals in the top-flight standings. Despite their strong domestic performances so far this season, Young Boys have struggled significantly in Europe, losing three and drawing two of their five matches to date. The home side may well choose to rest some of their star players as a result of having nothing to play for against Skenderbeu, with the likes of Kasim Nuhu and Jean-Pierre Nsamé potentially lining up for Young Boys.
Skenderbeu Team News & Form
Albanian side Skenderbeu have won just one of their Europa League Group B matches so far this season, however two draws mean that they are still in with a chance of making it through to the next stage of the competition. Having defeated group leaders Dynamo Kiev last time around, manager Ilir Daja will be hoping for another strong showing in Switzerland next week. Skenberbeu have made a fine start to their domestic campaign also, topping the league table thanks to an unbeaten run from their opening 12 matches. Midfielder Sabien Lilaj is undoubtedly the star man for the visitors, with the Albanian international having scored five times already this season.
Head to Head
The 1-1 draw between Young Boys and Skenderbeu in Albania earlier in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their poor performances in the competition so far this season, their status as the home team next week means that it is Young Boys who are the firm favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 13/20 with William Hill, while those looking to bet on a surprise away win for the Albanian side can get odds of 6 with Skybet.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes in Kiev, with best odds of 8/11 available at Ladbrokes.