The new campaign is firmly underway, and Thursday delivers a thrilling calendar of action across Europe's play-off qualifiers, EFL Cup ties, and LaLiga mouth-watering clashes. With Chelsea, Brighton, and Barcelona all in action, there's plenty to get stuck into. Here are our standout selections for the evening.
Bet of the Day: Freiburg vs Motherwell – Over 3.5 Goals @ 11/10
Motherwell face an enormous task when they travel to take on Freiburg in their Conference League play-off second leg on Thursday. The Scottish side already dropped a 3-1 home defeat and will find it virtually impossible to overturn that deficit at the Europa-Park Stadion.
Freiburg, who tasted Europa League final silverware last season, will be fancied to book their place in the league phase. Having netted three goals in Scotland already, they have every reason to add further tally at home. The Germans romped to a 5-1 German Cup victory over Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday, while Motherwell have leaked goals in four of their six most recent outings. Over 3.5 goals looks a compelling proposition.
Bet Builder: Brighton vs Tromso – Brighton Win, Jack Hinshelwood Anytime Goalscorer & Over 10.5 Corners @ 6/1
Brighton will want to make the most of home soil after a gritty goalless draw in Norway. The Seagulls arrive in fantastic form, having demolished Aston Villa 4-0 in their Premier League season opener, and should taste success once again.
Jack Hinshelwood was among the scorers in that comprehensive victory and will be looking to extend his run. The midfielder found the net in three consecutive matches last April and May, and his form makes him an enticing anytime scorer pick.
In Norway, Brighton registered 11 corners to Tromso's five. With progression to the league phase at stake, a cagey affair is unlikely – making over 10.5 corners a strong play.
Acca: Chelsea, Monaco, Benfica, Barcelona and Celta Vigo to Win @ 9/2
Chelsea have not lifted the EFL Cup since 2015 and their last final appearance came back in 2024. Hosts of League One Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are full of momentum following a 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham on Monday, and should ease through against the Hatters.
Monaco travel to face Gornik Zabrze in their Conference League play-off second leg and will be confident of advancing after a 3-2 first-leg win in Poland. Meanwhile, Benfica hold a comfortable 3-1 advantage over Aarhus in Europa League qualifying and can seal progression with a victory on home soil.
In Spain, Barcelona continue their LaLiga campaign at home against Athletic Bilbao. The Catalan giants thrashed Elche 5-0 in their season opener and will fancy their chances against an Athletic side that suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Sevilla on Saturday.
Finally, Celta Vigo, who finished sixth last term, are favourites against Osasuna at home. The visitors only narrowly avoided relegation in May, separated from safety by head-to-head records alone, making them vulnerable on Thursday night.
Odds correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.