UEFA Europa League: Udinese v Athletico Madrid Odds and Betting Preview

UDINE, ITALY – Udinese host Athletico Madrid in their crucial Europa League Group I clash on Thursday. Both teams are on four points after two games, and have qualification to the latter stages of the competition firmly in their sights. Their group is a tough one, however, also including Scottish club Celtic and French side Stade Rennes. Both sides, therefore, will be eager to gain three points from their upcoming encounter. The stage is set for a captivating contest.

Football pundits are billing this game as a tremendously close fixture, but home team Udinese start as slight 8/5 (bet £5 to make £8 profit) favourites with Stan James. Athletico, on the other hand, can be backed at 9/5 with Ladbrokes, whilst the draw is on offer at 12/5 with Skybet.

Udinese finished fourth in the Serie A last season, but failed to make it into the Champions League group stages due to a 3-1 loss on aggregate against Arsenal. Francesco Guidolin's side have had a successful start to their domestic campaign, however, and currently lead the Serie A alongside Juventus with twelve points from six games, having not yet lost a match. Guidolin will hope that his team can bring their best form to Thursday's fixture and secure thee points against their Spanish opponents.

Athletico Madrid won the Europa league in 2010, a feat that provokes proud memories in all of their supporters. Gregorio Manzano will hope that his side can repeat that success this season, but at the moment Athletico look like a side who are not capable of European triumph. Athletico Madrid have not won in their last four matches in all competitions, scoring only once in the process, and know that they must raise their game away in Italy on Thursday.

In the over/under betting the top price on over 2.5 goals being scored is 10/11 with Coral, whilst under 2.5 goals is available at 19/20 with Bet365. For those punters predicting a feast of goals in this match, however, over 5.5 goals can be backed at 12/1 with Bet365.

Udinese's star striker Antonio Di Natale is always dangerous in front of goal, demonstrated by his topping of the Serie A top scorer table for the last two years in a row. Di Natale is unsuprisingly favourite to score first on Thursday at a top price of 5/1 with William Hill. Di Natale's team mate Antonio Floro Flores is also thought likely to open the scoring at 13/2 with Skybet, whilst Athletico's Falco, who has netted five times so far this season, can be backed at a slightly shorter 11/2 with Boylesports.

Udinese are quoted at best odds of 10/3 with Paddy Power to win the game after leading at half time, whilst draw/Udinese is on offer at 11/2 with Coal. Draw/Athletico is available at best odds of 6/1 with Coral, whilst those punters who think that Athletico will win the match after trailing at half time can back Udinese/Athletico at a much longer 33/1 with Victor Chandler.

Kick off is at 18.00 BST

Udinese v Athletico Madrid Match Odds

Udinese v Athletico Madrid Over/Under Odds

Udinese v Athletico Madrid First Goalscorer Odds

Udinese v Athletico Madrid Half-Time/Full-Time Odds