After the international break, Thursday feels like the calm before the storm ahead of the resumption of top tier action across Europe but there are still a handful of games taking place and some interesting punting opportunities.

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Bet of the day

Exeter to win at Shrewsbury @ 11/8

Shrewsbury claimed a much-needed 5-3 win at Crawley in the last batch of League One games but a red card for their opponents undoubtedly worked in their favour, as they fell behind moments after being handed a numerical advantage and responded with a glut of goals late on.

The Salop face a sterner examination on Thursday as in-form Exeter visit the New Meadow and the away side look a strong bet to claim all three points.

Exeter are unbeaten in four in the league, winning three of those games, and a rock-solid defence has been key to their success as they have gone five matches without conceding across all competitions.

This fixture sees an excellent backline come up against a limp attack, as the Shrews had scored just eight goals in 10 games prior to hitting five against Crawley, and four of those strikes were scored against 10 men.

The Grecians have won at Bolton and Leyton Orient this season and they’re the team with the momentum behind them here, so back them to come away with maximum points. 

Special of the day

Over 4.5 Goals Galatasaray SK (W) vs AS Roma (W)  @ 3/1 -> was 14/5 

There are four Women’s Champions League games taking place on Thursday and we could be in for a high-scoring affair when Roma head to Istanbul to face Galatasaray.

The Italian outfit look a level or two above their hosts as the Giallorosse kicked off their European bid with a 1-0 win over Wolfsburg, while Gala were second best throughout a 3-0 defeat at Lyon.

Roma have been in fine scoring form and they beat Switzerland’s Servette 10-3 on aggregate in qualifying. They also recently put three past both Como and Napoli in Serie A.

Gala have been involved in some high-scoring games themselves and over 4.5 goals was a winning bet in two of their four qualifiers. Roma have scored in all nine of their matches across all competitions this season but have only recorded one shut-out, while the hosts have scored at least twice in each of their last six at home.

That suggests both sides can contribute here, and over 4.5 goals has a chance.

Long shot of the day

Atletico PR to win at Corinthians  @ 7/2

Atletico PR head to Corinthians as big price underdogs but there are a few reasons why they may be able to come away with maximum points.

Corinthians are winless in three (L2, D1) and with just six wins in 29 attempts (D11, L12), they sit inside the Serie A dropzone. Atletico PR are only three places and two points better off, but the Furacao have been better on their travels and have the fifth-best road record in the division.

This contest looks far closer than the odds suggest, and Atletico PR can edge out their struggling hosts in this midnight kick-off (game starts 00:00am Friday BST). 

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