Another night of European action is upon us as sixteen teams fight it out to try and make it into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. A night of drama lies in wait as some of Europe’s biggest club teams make strides towards the final in Gdansk. So, let’s take a look at a preview of some of tonight’s key games with some featured analysis and recommended tips.
Milan vs Manchester United
A last-minute headed equaliser from Simon Kjaer ensures this tie lies perfectly in the balance. Manchester United will be disappointed that they didn’t see out a game against a depleted side and now they have to travel to the San Siro knowing a goal is a must if they have any hopes of qualifying. There is positive injury news from both camps with Reds fans encouraged by the prospect of a Paul Pogba return and Milan welcoming back former United player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as potential returns for Theo Hernandez and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Manchester tipped to edge past Milan
The sides have met on 11 previous occasions and its honours even with both sides winning on five occasions and the first-leg having been a draw. Solskjaer’s side holds a commanding away record and AC Milan haven’t managed to make the San Siro a fortress this season, so we are backing United to edge past the Rossoneri and reach the quarter-finals.
Tip: Manchester United to Win – 12/5 – Bet 365
Arsenal vs Olympiacos
Arsenal will hope that their impressive performance away in Athens is enough to see them through. Notching three away goals will undoubtedly have pleased Mikel Arteta and this ensures that the Gunners have a bit of wiggle room, although the Spaniard will ensure that his team do not underestimate the threat that Olympiacos pose. Just last season the Greek side managed to carve out a 1-2 win at the Emirates and progress in the Europa League.
Arsenal will be adamant that they avenge that defeat and Arteta is likely to name a very strong side as it remains their only realistic chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Aubameyang may be brought back into the frame having been dropped for disciplinary reasons, but teenage sensation Bukayo Saka is likely to miss out with record signing Nicolas Pepe set to deputise.
Olympiacos likely to score but will struggle to progress
Olympiacos had their chances in the first leg and Arsenal are a side who have found clean sheets hard to come by, they’ve now gone ten games without one. What’s more, the Greek outfit has netted in their previous 24 matches across all competitions and will be buoyed by Arsenal’s woes. An early goal will make this one interesting. That being said, we are backing Arteta’s boys to come out on top in this tie.
Tip: Arsenal to Win – 2/5 - Bet 365
Young Boys vs Ajax
Ajax were emphatic in their first leg against Swiss side Young Boys, and a 3-0 cushion will surely see them comfortably through to the knockouts. A side of their pedigree will know they cannot rest on their laurels though and a professional performance is still required in the Swiss Capital. The team from Amsterdam are unbeaten in 21 games and will be looking to extend that at the Wankdorf Stadium on Thursday night, and with an eight-point lead in the Eredivisie they needn’t worry too much about squad rotation.
Ajax to sweep aside the Young Boys
Young Boys themselves possess a seventeen point lead in their domestic league and coach Gerardo Seoane will be hoping that his team can produce one of the most memorable turnarounds in Europa League history. Ajax are likely to field a strong side in Switzerland and we are expecting another controlling and dominant performance from Erik ten Hag’s team.
Tip: Ajax to Win – 19/20 – Bet 365
Best of the Rest
Dinamo Zagreb vs Tottenham – 1x2: Tottenham 1/1 – Bet 365
Molde vs Granada – 1x2: Draw 5/2 – Bet 365
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma – 1x2 Draw 5/2 – Bet 365
Rangers vs Slavia Prague – 1x2: Rangers 7/5 – Bet 365
Villarreal vs Dynamo Kiev - 1x2: Villarreal 11/20 – Bet 365
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- https://www.essentiallysports.com/
- www.uniteddevils.co.uk
