talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Thursday 2 May
Thursday is a bumper night for football action, with big games in both the Premier League and in European competition.
As well as the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham, there are the first legs of the Europa League and Europa Conference League semi-finals.
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Bet of the day
Marseille v Atalanta – Atalanta to win @ 13/8
The Europa League has two cracking semi-finals to look forward to and, having knocked Liverpool out of the tournament, Atalanta are seeking a place in their first ever European final.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are unbeaten in their last nine away games in Europe, which includes a 3-0 win at Anfield.
The Italians head to the south of France off the back of three consecutive victories, beating Monza on the road and Empoli at home in Serie A, with a Coppa Italia success over Fiorentina sandwiched in between.
Atalanta have bagged eight goals during that run, including two each for Ademola Lookman and Mario Pasalic.
Marseille are currently seventh in Ligue 1 and needed penalties to see off Benfica in the quarter finals.
Special of the day
Chelsea v Tottenham – Bet Builder: Over 2.5 Goals / Tottenham Over 1.5 Cards / Cole Palmer to Score Anytime @ 31/20
There’s always an edge to a Chelsea and Tottenham clash, but even more so when there is something on the line.
With Spurs still in the hunt for the top four and with Mauricio Pochettino up against his former club, there could be fireworks at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have had the edge in recent meetings and head into Thursday’s clash looking to complete the double over Tottenham after a 4-1 win in the reverse fixture.
Two of the last three meetings have seen over 2.5 goals scored, while four of the last five Blues games and the last three Spurs matches topped the 2.5 target.
It’s worth noting that there were five yellow cards and two reds in the last meeting back in November, with Spurs ending the game with nine players.
All eyes have been on Cole Palmer in recent months and the England international continues to push his call for a place in the Euros squad. The former Manchester City man has scored nine goals in Chelsea’s last three home games.
Long shot of the day
Aston Villa v Olympiakos - Ollie Watkins to score at hat-trick @ 22/1
Aston Villa are England’s only remaining team in Europe, with Unai Emery’s men now set to face Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final.
The Premier League outfit are now the 11/10 favourites to lift the trophy and will feel they can take a healthy advantage to Greece for the second leg.
Olympiakos, currently fourth in the Greek Super League, have won just one of their last nine away games in Europe. Their last two were defeats at West Ham and Freiburg, failing to score in both matches.
In contrast, Ollie Watkins is having the best season of his career, with 26 goals in all competitions for Villa.
The England striker has bagged seven in the Europa Conference League, including three in the last four matches at Villa Park.
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