NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia: Europa League Prediction

On Thursday evening, the Goffert is almost certain to be buzzing with excitement, as the Europa League comes to Nijmegen. Following the heavy defeat in Turin, where NEC Nijmegen lost 0–5, it is vital that Dick Schreuder’s side bounce back and secure a win. Levski Sofia from Bulgaria are the opponents, a side that also lost their opening match. You can read more about both teams on Oranje Palace, including the best NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia predictions. Do you know where to find our Sportsbook?

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NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia preview

Let’s hope, for the sake of Dutch football, that NEC pick up some points for the UEFA Coefficient Ranking. Especially bearing in mind the results from the opening matches in the Champions League and Europa League. Before we move on to the betting tips, here’s a brief look at both teams.

Current Form & Team News

NEC Nijmegen

You’ll have to scroll quite a way down to find NEC Nijmegen in the Europa League table. NEC Nijmegen are currently in 36th place. This is, of course, due to their heavy defeat against Juventus, which showed that NEC Nijmegen are not yet ready to compete at that level. After the international break, the Gelderland side put in a fine performance in their away match against Ajax. A number of new players performed brilliantly, whilst the pesky Bryan Linssen was once again a thorn in the side. Can NEC’s experienced forwards make a difference once again?

Levski Sofia

Levski Sofia is a familiar face in Europe. In the past, they were a welcome sight in European competitions, but in recent years they have slipped down the rankings. Fortunately for all the fans in the Bulgarian capital, the glory days are returning and we are seeing the local Levski back in the Europa League. They played their first match against RB Salzburg and lost 0–1. In the national Parva Liga, the team managed by Julio Velázquez – that mad as a hatter former Fortuna Sittard manager – is doing brilliantly. After ten matches, the team has 28 points, putting them firmly at the top of the table. Can they give NEC Nijmegen a run for their money?

Head-to-Head

It will come as no surprise to anyone, but the match between NEC Nijmegen and Levski Sofia has never been on the fixture list before. There is therefore nothing to report regarding their head-to-head record.

Expected line-ups

NEC Nijmegen (3-4-2-1):

Crettaz, Fonville, Schuurs, Kaplan, Kers, Lebreton, Nejasmic, Storm, Tadic, Chery, Linssen

Levski Sofia (4-2-3-1):

Vladimirov, Maicon, Makoun, Trdin, Kamdem, Moubarik, Grujic, Reinaldo, Serginho, Everton, Sangare

NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia betting tips

Betting tip 1: NEC Nijmegen to win

We reckon NEC Nijmegen will win this match. Last season’s third-placed side in the Eredivisie appear to have a stronger squad and are playing at home. We’re therefore backing NEC for the win, not least because they need to bounce back after their painful defeat against Juventus. A win for NEC Nijmegen will earn you odds of 1.85.

Betting tip 2: Dusan Tadic will have more than 0.5 shots on target

Against Ajax, we didn’t necessarily see Dusan Tadic at his best. And yet the Serbian remains a valuable asset to his team. In his last two matches for the club, he has managed at least one shot on target. We reckon NEC will dominate the game, with the former Ajax player once again having at least one shot on target. If Dusan Tadic has more than 0.5 shots on target, you’ll get odds of 1.84.

Prediction: NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia

Final score: NEC Nijmegen 3–1 Levski Sofia
We’re predicting a 3–1 win for NEC Nijmegen, mainly because NEC’s European matches are usually full of goals. We also see NEC as the favourites against the Bulgarians. What’s your prediction for NEC Nijmegen v Levski Sofia?