Europa League Betting: Magpies to pick off ailing Brugge

Fabricio Coloccini's red card against Liverpool could help Newcastle against Brugge

Newcastle United are just one win away from qualifying for the last 32, and they will fancy their chances against a Club Brugge side who are suffering a mid-season meltdown.

Club Brugge vs Newcastle, Thu 18:00 BST, Live on ESPN

Match Odds: Club Brugge 2.486/4, Newcastle 3.185/40, the draw 3.55n/a

I have to give huge credit to Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who has managed his resources expertly in this Europa League campaign. He was happy to leave out top stars in the playoff round, but when he needed to take things up a gear in the group stage he has been prepared to wheel out the big guns. The result is that the Magpies have seven points from three group matches, and are top of Group D.

While Newcastle are sitting pretty, Club Brugge are coming apart at the seams. The Belgians have lost their last five games in all competitions, and they have slipped from first to eighth in the domestic league. This implosion cost coach Georges Leekens his job at the weekend, and the club is now embroiled in a bitter row with their former employee over compensation.

Brugge's defence has gone to pieces, conceding 12 goals in the last five games. That said, Brugge only lost 1-0 on Tyneside two weeks ago, although the Magpies should have won more handsomely.

Pardew has hinted that domestic suspensions will bring star players Cheick Tiote and Fabricio Coloccini into the equation, and in-form winger Gabriel Obertan (who scored the winner against Brugge last time) is expected to be given a another start. Tiote and Coloccini could further stiffen a side that is yet to concede a single goal in the group stage.

Given Brugge's appalling form, I think 3.185/40 is great value for the Newcastle win. It's also worth looking at backing No in the Both Teams to Score market at a hefty 2.3211/8 - that bet has paid out in all three of Newcastle's group games, and all three of Brugge's.

Recommended Bets: Back Newcastle to win at 3.185/40

Best Bet: Back No in the Both Teams to Score market at 2.3211/8