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Europa League predictions: Goals for Leicester as progress to knockout stage hangs in balance

Leicester City's James Maddison (left) celebrates with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicest

The final round of group games in the Europa League should make for interesting viewing – especially if you’re a Foxes fan.

The Foxes are on the precipice of the knockout stages but need a positive result against Napoli to secure their future in the competition.

Elsewhere, West Ham, Rangers and Celtic are also in European action as they look to end their group stage campaigns on a high.

With so many intriguing games ahead, we've put together a list of six bets you can pick from for your Thursday night acca.

Legia Warsaw vs Spartak Moscow

Legia Warsaw are in the midst of one of their worst seasons in the club's history. Despite this, Spartak Moscow are still available in the outright market at around the 11/8 mark.

As things stand, Legia are in the relegation zone and also sit bottom of their Europa League group.
The club have lost six of their last eight games and have only managed three wins since October - two of those coming in the Polish Cup against lower league opposition.
Spartak aren't enjoying a great season on the domestic front themselves but their problems are far less severe.
What's more, the Russian outfit have only lost one of their last seven games and recently picked up a 2-1 win over Napoli.
Only one team to back in this one.

Lyon vs Rangers

With Lyon eight points clear at the top of the group and Rangers assured a place in the next stage, there isn't much on the line when the two sides go head to head.

Nevertheless, the Scots will be looking to give a good account of themselves against a Lyon side which has won all five of their Europa League group games.

Rangers come into this game in good form having won four straight outings - including a 2-0 victory over group rivals Sparta Prague.

Lyon, on the other hand, have slipped up in a couple of their recent Ligue 1 games and will be looking for a return to winning ways.
Interestingly, this fixture has never been won by the home team and considering Lyon's lack of form, our recommendation is to back the draw.

Napoli vs Leicester City

With only two points separating all four teams in Group C, Thursday night is shaping up to provide a fascinating finale.

Last weekend, Napoli lost their first home game since September when Atalanta came back from 2-1 down to seal a memorable 3-2 victory.

Leicester also suffered defeat at the weekend as they fell to Aston Villa in Birmingham.

Both teams are not firing on all cylinders but if recent results are anything to go by, then we should be in for a goal-fest in Naples.

There have been 21 goals scored across Napoli's last five games, while Leicester, over the same period, have been involved in 20 goals.

With that in mind, the over 2.5 goals bet is our selection ahead of Thursday's encounter.

Celtic vs Real Betis

Despite having no chance of progressing to the Europa League knockout stage, Celtic will want to end their group campaign on a high when they welcome Real Betis.

However, picking up a win over Manuel Pellegrini's side is certainly far easier said than done.

Betis are on a run of five straight victories, including a 1-0 win over Barcelona last weekend.

Celtic are also in decent form and they will take encouragement from their previous encounter with Real which saw them lose 4-3 in Seville.

With Thursday's fixture taking place at Celtic Park, another tight encounter is to be expected. Bearing that in mind, a one-goal winning margin is our betting selection.

West Ham vs Dinamo Zagreb

The Hammers can afford to put their feet up having already secured qualification to the knockout stages.

David Moyes has an opportunity to rest some of his key players in a game that still has plenty of meaning for Dinamo Zagreb.

The Croatian outfit are in a battle with Genk for second place and need a victory to ensure their progression to the next stage.

With West Ham having already done the dirty work, we're backing the visitors to pick up the win at a very enticing price.

Lazio vs Galatasaray

The battle to finish top of Group E will be determined in Rome as Lazio and Galatasaray go head to head.

Both teams are struggling for consistency but one thing they're not short of is goals.
Lazio have found the back of the net 10 times in the last four games. Their opponents, meanwhile, have scored six in three.

Considering there's a lot at stake, we're not expecting their goalscoring natures to change this Thursday and we're backing the over 2.5 goals bet.

READ MORE: Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and more: Liverpool’s key signings under sporting director Michael Edwards

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