Europa League Treble

A British hat-trick in the Europa League looks worth backing at best odds of 7/1 with StanJames. Fulham have a great chance to avenge their defeat over Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage while Birmingham are after a repeat job having beaten Club Bruges in their own backyard two weeks ago. Up in Scotland, Celtic look to continue their impressive European home form, with Rennes the visitors.

If we start with Fulham we have every reason to think revenge is on the cards. Martin Jol’s side lost 1-0 in Poland after a highly controversial sending off for Moussa Dembele. The Belgium forward was dismissed after a Wisla player appeared to be guilty of play-acting; Dembele pushed his opponent at shoulder height before Gervasio Nuzez went down holding his face.

If we assume that the 2009 finalists will keep their full contingent on the park this time round, then there will surely be a different outcome on Thursday night. Previously Fulham had taken four points from their opening two matches, whereas Wisla had lost twice. The Cottagers will have also gained confidence from a fine 2-0 away to Wigan on Saturday, and they will be keen to set the record straight in this re-match.

Birmingham have surprised a fair few people with their wonderful domestic form and a fine win over in Belgium a fortnight ago. The Blues stunned Bruges with a 99th minute winner, having trailed as early as the third minute. That game was a highlight in a run of six straight wins in all competitions that only ended with a draw with Brighton on Saturday. It’s been a long time since Chris Hughton’s side have lost, which is more than can be said for the visitors. Bruges had an energy-sapping 4-5 home defeat to Genk at the weekend that followed on from a 2-1 loss to KV Kortrijk. In other words, the form book points firmly towards another Birmingham win.

Finally we pin our hopes on a Celtic side who admittedly aren’t quite doing the business in the SPL. 12 points adrift of Rangers, the Europa League provides Neil Lennon with some much needed respite. A hard fought draw over in France gave the Bhoys genuine hopes of progressing, but a win in Glasgow is now imperative. Encouragement will be taken from Celtic’s unbeaten run of five European home games dating back to October 2009. Lennon still has a number of injury problems, but the good news is that Glen Loovens and Kris Commons are in contention to return.

Rennes boss Antonetti may already be ruing his decision to rest some key players for the match in France. His side come into the fixture off the back of defeat to Toulouse on Sunday, and he must know that Celtic are always a tougher proposition on their own patch.

Back Fulham, Birmingham and Celtic as a treble at best odds of 7/1 with StanJames.