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You have to feel for Gerwyn Price.

He’s got to the final of the last two major competitions, losing on both occasions to Ross Smith and Luke Humphries.

Ross Smith was just in special form that weekend at the World Series, but Price will feel as though the final of the World Grand Prix got away from him against Humphries - he won the first three sets before letting Cool Hand back into the contest.

Despite those disappointments, Price reaching back to back finals shows the level he is playing at. 

He beat James Wade and Jonny Clayton, two of the best performers this year, on the way to the World Series Finals and also had a tough run to the finals of the World Grand Prix, which is slightly different as I think the format suits Price with how good he is on tops. 

Price has avoided a first round exit in each of his last eight competitions, and has probably been the third best player overall behind Humphries and Littler without having the success to show for it.

Rob Cross threatened a comeback earlier this year, but hasn’t really maintained those levels throughout the year. Price won the only meeting between the pair this year 11-5, Cross only averaged 93.82.

Gian van Veen set a new record on the European Tour over the weekend, averaging 120.24 as he dispatched Sebastien Bialecki in Maastricht in the first round.

He played pretty well in the next two games too, before losing to fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert in the semi finals.

I’ve long felt as though Gian van Veen has been playing within himself a bit this year, which may be linked to an illness he had back in February - but he has steadily improved as the season has progressed. 

There is always the slight jeopardy of an upset in these early rounds with the short format, but Van Veen has outperformed Andrew Gilding in nearly every single metric this season. 

The scoring phase of the game is a particular concern for Gilding here, his average sits around 92.68 for the season and he has failed to average above 90 in each of his last five games.

Gian van Veen should have more than enough quality to see off Gilding here, especially seeing as Gilding has gone out in the first round in three of his last four events - while van Veen attempts to defend his title in Dortmund.

It hasn’t been the best start for Bournemouth in the league so far, but they have fared much better in Europe.

They started with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad, before securing a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz last time out.

With six points from their opening two Europa League matches, the Cherries are battling near the top of the standings, and they will hope to maintain that positive record.

However, they face a tough test against a real European heavyweight.

AC Milan beat Atalanta 3-2 at the weekend, and they have only lost one game all season.

There isn’t much to split the two teams, and they both look strong going forward.

Bournemouth have picked up 21 cards in seven Premier League matches - only Hull and Brentford have been shown more bookings this season.

That trend has continued for their midweek matches, as the Cherries were given three yellow cards against Sturm Graz in their last European outing, despite that being quite a comfortable 3-0 win.

Even against Real Sociedad in round one of the Europa League, Bournemouth picked up three yellow cards.

This matchup against AC Milan looks to be their toughest yet, so cards remain a target.

When the Rossoneri came up against Benfica in round one, the Portuguese side were shown five yellow cards.

AC Milan are not short of attacking talent that will cause problems for Bournemouth.

Alphadjo Cisse has adapted seamlessly since completing a move from Catanzo, and he bagged himself a hat-trick during Milan’s 4-0 win over Salzburg in their last European match.

Cisse had four shots in that game before being replaced after 60 minutes, and all of his efforts hit the target.

Cisse has only started five matches this season, but he already has five goals to his name.

He is clinical when chances fall to his feet, and his form at the moment could not be better.

Because of that, he is one to keep an eye on in the final third.

On the opposite side, Evanilson is the danger man for Bournemouth.

The Brazilian was a standout performer at the weekend as his side beat Sunderland 2-0.

Evanilson was brought down by Kevin Danso to get the centre back sent off, before then capitalising on an error to score in the second half.

That was Evanilson’s third goal in as many games - he also scored a wonderful looping header against Sturm Graz in his last European match. 

The Bournemouth striker is averaging 2.81 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, and he has landed this selection in each of his last five starts.

Evanilson has contributed more than just goals for his side this season.

He is the one who leads the press from the front, and he is always looking to get on the ball to make life difficult for opposing centre backs.

In fact, he is averaging 2.32 fouls drawn per 90 this season, which is one of the highest figures in the squad.

He has won multiple fouls in seven of his nine starts overall, and Strahinja Pavlovic will be directly up against him on Wednesday night. 

The Serbian international registered four fouls against Benfica in round one of the league phase, which earned him a booking.

He has landed this selection in five of his nine starts this campaign, but this is an ideal matchup to improve that hit rate.

Beşiktaş have scored in every home game this season and are averaging an impressive 20 shots per match.

Their two Europa League wins have been pretty entertaining too, beating Marseille 4-1 at home and Hoffenheim 3-2 away, with 37 shots across those two games.

The problem is at the back. They haven't managed a clean sheet in their last five games and have allowed at least 10 shots in each of them.

Crystal Palace have the worst defence in the Premier League and conceded three goals to Lyon in their only Europa League away game so far.

Going forward, though, they've looked much better in Europe, scoring six goals in their first two games. They even managed more shots than Lyon in France.

Dušan Vlahović and Yéremy Pino have been in good form lately, with each scoring three goals in their last five games, and both are available.

That gives us even more reason to expect goals from both sides on Thursday.

It hasn’t been the best start for Bournemouth in the league so far, but they have fared much better in Europe.

They started with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad, before securing a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz last time out.

With six points from their opening two Europa League matches, the Cherries are battling near the top of the standings, and they will hope to maintain that positive record.

However, they face a tough test against a real European heavyweight.

AC Milan beat Atalanta 3-2 at the weekend, and they have only lost one game all season.

There isn’t much to split the two teams, and they both look strong going forward.

Hoffenheim just can't seem to keep the goals out. They haven't managed a single clean sheet in the Bundesliga or Europa League this season.

Things get even worse at home, where they've conceded three goals in three of their four games.

The good news is that they've also scored twice in every home game, meaning BTTS has landed in all of them.

Lyon have seen BTTS in four of their last five games and have already shown they can score away from home.

They beat Anderlecht 2-1 in the Europa League and also scored against Fenerbahçe and Sparta Praha in the Champions League qualifiers.

Hoffenheim are averaging 17 shots at home, but they're also allowing 15 per game and have an xGA of 1.93.

With Hoffenheim putting up such strong attacking numbers but struggling so much defensively, we could be in for another entertaining game with goals from both sides.

Brighton come into this clash having won six consecutive matches across all competitions, with 22 goals scored in that time.

They seem to just be getting better and better, and their recent 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace was perhaps their most impressive victory of the lot.

The Seagulls raced to a 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes against their rivals, putting them out of sight immediately. 

Meanwhile, Jablonec have been in a real rough patch, with just two wins in their last six across all competitions.

They started their Conference League campaign with a 3-2 defeat against Freiburg, and this looks like an even tougher matchup for the Czech side.

Brighton’s previous Conference League match produced 13 corners against Zalgiris, in what was a completely one-sided game.

The Seagulls recorded 35 shots and nine big chances worth 4.15 xG.

The visitors were penned into their own half for the majority of the match, managing just 22% possession.

This matchup against Jablonec promises to be quite similar, even if Fabian Hurzeler opts to rest some of his key starters.

Brighton are blessed with quality depth in almost every position, so their style of play is unlikely to change.

Freiburg managed five corners against Jablonec last week, but Brighton should be able to create much more than the German side.

Georginio Rutter is a prime example of Brighton’s impressive depth. T

he Frenchman was given the nod to start by Hurzeler in the Conference League last week, and he repaid that trust with a brace.

After such a strong performance, Rutter is likely to afford Charalampos Kostoulas another midweek rest.

Chances have been limited for Rutter this season, but he has looked eager to prove himself when he has played.

Rutter managed one shot against Crystal Palace at the weekend, which hit the target, despite only featuring for the final 19 minutes from the bench.

Prior to that, he registered three shots against Tromso in the Conference League, of which one forced a save from the opposing goalkeeper.

Luka Vuskovic maintained his impressive shooting record for Brighton at the weekend, as the centre back recorded three efforts in total.

One of those hit the target, and he was unlucky to be denied right on the goalline, but Jack Hinshelwood was on hand to turn in the rebound.

Vuskovic is averaging 1.74 shots per 90 across all competitions as a Brighton player, and he has landed this selection in 10 out of 11 appearances in total.

Vuskovic only featured for a second half against Zalgiris last week, but he still recorded one shot.

Brighton had 13 corners in that match, which gave their centre backs plenty of opportunities to get into the box, and that should be the case again here on Thursday evening.

Chances are likely to be few and far between for Jablonec here, so they will have to be positive when the space opens up.

Saidou Alioum is one to keep an eye on for the hosts - he is averaging 3.55 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, which shows how he doesn’t lack the confidence to try his luck from range.

He will be Jablonec’s biggest threat on the break, and Alioum recorded two shots against Freiburg last time out in the Conference League before being replaced after 66 minutes.

The Cameroon international also managed three shots against Viktoria Plzen at the weekend, despite only featuring for the second half.

This is the tightest game of the night for me on paper, and the odds agree with Noppert only being a marginal favourite (1.80) to come through against the Bullet.

I’ve been really disappointed with Stephen Bunting this year. He did really well to build back his mental game last year, but hasn’t managed to kick on from that and is falling far shorter in major tournaments than he should be.

That said, Bunting did manage to battle to the semi finals of the Dutch Championship over the weekend, losing to eventual winner Niels Zonneveld in the semi finals. Noppert also did well in that competition, losing in the final to the same opponent.

The pair have faced off twice this year, with their most recent meeting being in this format and seeing this selection land as Bunting came away a 6-4 winner in a Players Championship event. 

I can see this game staying with throw in the early stages, neither player is really operating at a level to run away with the game and this part of our acca needs Noppert to win at least four legs, if he holds his throw early on - only one break should be required.

You have to feel for Gerwyn Price.

He’s got to the final of the last two major competitions, losing on both occasions to Ross Smith and Luke Humphries.

Ross Smith was just in special form that weekend at the World Series, but Price will feel as though the final of the World Grand Prix got away from him against Humphries - he won the first three sets before letting Cool Hand back into the contest.

Despite those disappointments, Price reaching back to back finals shows the level he is playing at. 

He beat James Wade and Jonny Clayton, two of the best performers this year, on the way to the World Series Finals and also had a tough run to the finals of the World Grand Prix, which is slightly different as I think the format suits Price with how good he is on tops. 

Price has avoided a first round exit in each of his last eight competitions, and has probably been the third best player overall behind Humphries and Littler without having the success to show for it.

Rob Cross threatened a comeback earlier this year, but hasn’t really maintained those levels throughout the year. Price won the only meeting between the pair this year 11-5, Cross only averaged 93.82.

James Wade is still playing to a really high standard, which is a credit to his focus and ability to adapt his game to compete with the new wave of power scorers.

Wade has been really consistent this year, only going out in the first round twice across his last 10 competitions. The shorter format does carry more jeopardy for the favourites, so we’ve got a slight insurance with taking Wade on the handicap in the event this game goes to a last leg decider and the Machine just misses out. 

I was impressed with Damon Heta in Maastricht over the weekend, he won his first three games before losing to Bunting in the quarter finals - which included a win over Jonny Clayton, in which he averaged 103.57.

You never quite know which version of Heta will turn up, especially in major TV tournaments where he has struggled over the last few years. Wade is much more comfortable on the TV stage, and that could be his edge here even if a good version of Heta steps on stage.

Gian van Veen set a new record on the European Tour over the weekend, averaging 120.24 as he dispatched Sebastien Bialecki in Maastricht in the first round.

He played pretty well in the next two games too, before losing to fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert in the semi finals.

I’ve long felt as though Gian van Veen has been playing within himself a bit this year, which may be linked to an illness he had back in February - but he has steadily improved as the season has progressed. 

There is always the slight jeopardy of an upset in these early rounds with the short format, but Van Veen has outperformed Andrew Gilding in nearly every single metric this season. 

The scoring phase of the game is a particular concern for Gilding here, his average sits around 92.68 for the season and he has failed to average above 90 in each of his last five games.

Gian van Veen should have more than enough quality to see off Gilding here, especially seeing as Gilding has gone out in the first round in three of his last four events - while van Veen attempts to defend his title in Dortmund.

Ross Smith has had a really strong year, and will see this as another really decent opportunity at a decent run at a major title having picked up the World Series Finals trophy a few weeks ago.

Smith hit more 180s than any other player during the tournament as he reached the final, notably notching 11 maximums in the final. 

He’s so good at getting the first dart in the treble bed, and not many players have a better guide when the first dart is in than Smith with his darts tending to stick up slightly in the board. 

Furthermore, I think Sedlacek can make this a competitive game. He’s been one of the most improved players on the tour this year but has notably lost each of his last five head to head meetings against Smith - he hit 3+ 180s in all five of those games, with four of those being the same format and length as this one.

Celtic have scored in both Europa League matches this season, but that hasn’t been enough to earn them any points, as their defensive structure has let them down.

In fact, the Scottish side have conceded a total of seven goals in their two European outings against Benfica and Ferencvaros.

This is a matchup against another strong opponent, and Celtic are unlikely to keep Celta Vigo at bay.

The Spanish side have also been an entertaining side to watch in recent weeks, and they beat Alaves 2-1 at the weekend.

Prior to that, they suffered a 2-1 loss against Juventus.

Both sides are struggling near the bottom of the Europa League standings, so they will be front-footed and desperate for their first points on the board.

There is very little to split these two teams from pre-match odds, but it’s Celtic who hold home advantage.

They also beat Hearts 7-1 at the weekend in a commanding victory, which might just be the confidence booster they need.

The Scottish side are averaging an eye-catching 7.8 corners per game across all competitions this season, rising to 9.0 when playing at home. 

They have landed this selection in all seven matches at Celtic Park this campaign, including 11 corners against Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

The Scottish side are adept at getting to the byline, and they like to utilise width in their attacks, favouring crosses into the box.

Because of that, corners remain a target.

Camilo Duran has been Celtic’s most in-form player in recent weeks, and he will be crucial if his side are to get anything out of this match.

He scored in that 7-1 win at the weekend, but was unfortunate not to add to his tally.

Duran racked up five shots, all of which came from inside the box, and two hit the target.

The Colombia international also provided two assists, highlighting his influence in the final third. 

Duran bagged in successive matches against Benfica and Motherwell, respectively, and he managed multiple shots on target in both of those games as well.

He has five goals in nine league appearances this term, which is more than any other Celtic player.

In addition to his goalscoring output, Duran is averaging 1.89 fouls drawn per 90 this season across all competitions, and he was fouled five times in his last European outing against Benfica.

Duran often likes to drop deeper to get on the ball, and he carries it well.

The 24-year-old can be such a difficult player to contain, and Yoel Lago will be one of the Celta Vigo defenders responsible for restricting him. 

The Spanish centre back is averaging 1.9 fouls per 90 this season, which is one of the highest among regular starters in the Celta Vigo squad, and he has already picked up four bookings in nine appearances this campaign.

In addition to his goalscoring output, Duran is averaging 1.89 fouls drawn per 90 this season across all competitions, and he was fouled five times in his last European outing against Benfica.

Duran often likes to drop deeper to get on the ball, and he carries it well.

The 24-year-old can be such a difficult player to contain, and Yoel Lago will be one of the Celta Vigo defenders responsible for restricting him. 

The Spanish centre back is averaging 1.9 fouls per 90 this season, which is one of the highest among regular starters in the Celta Vigo squad, and he has already picked up four bookings in nine appearances this campaign.

Lech Poznan and Sunderland have been polar opposites this season.

The Polish side have lost both Europa League matches this campaign, and neither were close.

Round one finished 4-0 against Crystal Palace, and round two finished 4-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.

Domestically, Lech have performed better, and they come into this clash following a 6-1 win at the weekend.

Prior to that, they beat Slask Wroclaw 4-1, and Radomiak Radom 5-1.

Goals have been one to target when Lech are playing.

Sunderland haven’t quite been as expansive, but the Black Cats will be desperate to bounce back from their weekend loss.

Defensively, they have been poor, but they should be able to carve out chances against this leaky Lech backline.

Sunderland were massively hindered by an early red card to Kevin Danso in their last game, so they didn’t offer much going forward.

Excluding that game, however, the Black Cats have been effective at getting to the byline and racking up corners.

Regis Le Bris’ men are averaging 5.8 corners per game across all competitions this season, rising to 10.5 when playing in Europe.

They recorded 12 corners against AZ Alkmaar in round one, and nine against Torreense last week.

Meanwhile, Lech conceded six corners against Crystal Palace in their first Europa League match of the season, and this promises to be quite a similar matchup.

Noah Sadiki scored Sunderland’s winning goal against Torreense, firing home in stoppage time after combining with Enzo Le Fee and Granit Xhaka.

After having two off target shots beforehand, the midfielder made the all-important contribution late on.

Sadiki is only averaging 1.17 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, but this is a game which Sunderland should dominate.

That means Sadiki will again be allowed to venture forward more often, and pick up promising positions in the final third.

Based on his performance last week, there is no reason for the midfielder to hesitate when the space opens up, and the Black Cats should be able to carve out plenty of chances in Poland.

Sadiki has also been adept at drawing contact in midfield this season, and his average of 1.63 fouls drawn per 90 is amongst the highest in the Sunderland squad.

Enzo Le Fee ranks higher with 2.33 fouls drawn per 90, with Granit Xhaka is at 1.56 - those three are likely to make up Sunderland’s midfield on Thursday night, and they will occupy a similar zone of the field as Radoslaw Murawski. 

The Lech midfielder is averaging 2.29 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season, and he has landed this selection in eight of his last 10 starts.

He was shown two yellow cards against Crystal Palace in round one of the Europa League, causing him to miss out against Bayer Leverkusen last time out, but Murawski should return here.

That 4-0 scoreline against Crystal Palace doesn’t do Lech much justice - it was far from a one-sided affair.

The Polish side managed 17 shots and four big chances, more than the Eagles on both metrics, but were wasteful in the final third.

Luis Palma accounted for five of those efforts, of which three hit the target.

The Honduras international also started against Bayer Leverkusen, and he landed this selection with exactly two shots. 

Palma is averaging 2.37 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, and he has been regularly able to clear this line.

In fact, he has recorded multiple shots in five of his last six starts.

Besiktas were on the end of a loss at the weekend, but they are a completely different side when playing on home turf.

The Turkish side have won each of their last eight successive games across all competitions at home, with 18 goals scored in their last five matches alone.

That includes a 4-1 win against Marseille in round one of the Europa League.

In round two, Besiktas managed a 3-2 win against Hoffenheim - another high-scoring encounter.

Palace have been equally as entertaining to watch recently, but defensively they have looked poor.

In fact, the Eagles have conceded eight times in their last two games alone.

Besiktas will hope to exploit that apparent weakness at the back, so they should be front-footed.

They are averaging 6.3 corners per game this season across all competitions, rising to 6.9 when playing at home.

Besiktas are also averaging 20.6 shots per game on home turf, with 6.1 on target, which shows just how attack-minded they tend to be at the Besiktas Stadium. 

Lyon had no issues creating chances against Crystal Palace in their last European outing, and they finished the game with five corners.

The Eagles have conceded at least five corners in four of their last five matches across all competitions, with only Leeds failing to hit this mark.

However, they went close with exactly four corners.

Leandro Trossard is one of the biggest names in this Besiktas squad, and he looks set to start on the left wing.

He has plenty of experience against Premier League opposition, and Crystal Palace, in particular, who he will have fond memories of.

Trossard scored against the Eagles in the 24/25 campaign. 

This season, the Belgian is averaging 3.71 shots per 90 across all competitions, rising to 4.33 at the Besiktas Stadium.

In his last home outing, Trossard recorded a total of five shots, of which three hit the target.

He is adept at picking gaps in opposing defences, and this should be a matchup which the former Arsenal man is looking forward to.

Salih Ozcan landed this selection in his only Europa League start of the season so far, as he committed two fouls against Marseille in round one.

The midfielder is averaging 1.57 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season, rising to 2.3 when playing at home.

There is every reason to expect those figures to rise even further on Thursday night, as Ozcan will be up against Adam Wharton and Quentin Timber in midfield.

Those two have combined for 3.37 fouls drawn per 90 this season. 

Ozcan likes to press intensely in midfield, and he covers plenty of ground.

His fouls don’t tend to be reckless or cynical.

They can often be quite soft, which means he can rack up several infringements before being carded.

On the opposite side, Anan Khalaili is one to target for fouls.

He has been brought in to replace Daniel Munoz at right wingback, so Khalaili is tasked with getting up and down the flank.

However, he is still given a large defensive responsibility, and he is averaging 1.13 fouls drawn per 90.

Khalaili is perhaps more comfortable going forward than he is at the back, meaning he has recorded a foul in six of his seven starts across all competitions. 

Khalaili will be up against Trossard this weekend, and that will be a matchup to keep an eye on.

The winger is averaging 2.6 fouls drawn per 90 at the Besiktas Stadium this season.