Wolfburger vs Tottenham
With their Premier League form having dipped in recent weeks, the visitors may find winning the Europa League their most realistic route into next season’s Champions League. For that reason, Jose Mourinho is expected to field his strongest possible side here vs Wolfsberger AC.
The Austrians advanced to this stage by virtue of finishing runners-up in Group K with ten points from their six games, but Spurs will likely prove the toughest opposition they have faced yet.
The Premier League side are expected to start this match with a high intensity as they bid to settle the tie here so they can rest key players in the return leg. For that reason, Spurs to win by two clear goals should be favoured providing the likes of striker Harry Kane and attacking midfielder Heung-Min Son are named in the starting line-up.
Prediction: Tottenham win.
There will be fireworks when Crvena Zvezda and Milan, the two former European champions, face each other in the Europa League last 32, first leg.
The Serbian champions impressed in the group stages of the competition, but they face an uphill task in the clash against the Rossoneri. Since Crvena Zvezda will rely on their solid defence in Thursday’s showdown, we do not believe that fans will see goals galore at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
The Serie A outfit, on the other hand, suffered a shocking 2-0 loss to Spezia on the road in their last league match. Calabria and Diaz should be the only absentees in the away team. Anyhow, we believe that under 2.5 goals betting option should be considered.
Prediction: Ac Milan Win.
Benfica vs Arsenal
The Visitors advanced to the Europa League round of 32 after accruing 6 out of 6 wins in the group stage, the only club in the competition to do so.
Here they travel to Portuguese side Benfica, who despite making it to the knockout stage are enduring a disappointing season with them sitting 4th in their domestic league.
However, they like Arsenal come into this match unbeaten in the group stage having won three and drawn three of their six games to finish runners up in Group D. With 18 goals scored over the course of those six fixtures and home advantage in their favour, you’d expect Benfica to find the net against this Arsenal side.
However, the Gunners boast the likes of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang within their ranks who is fresh off the back of a Premier League hat-trick vs Leeds over the weekend. With that in mind, Mikel Arteta will be confident of his men also finding the back of the net and therefore, both teams to score should be seriously considered.
Prediction: Arsenal win; Both teams to score.
Lille vs Ajax
Lille and Ajax face each other at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the Europa League last 32, first leg. Despite having their ups and downs in the group stages, the host eventually booked their place in the last 32 where they face an uphill task in the double-header against the Amsterdammers.
The Host managed to keep a clean sheet in each of their previous 5 league fixtures, and they are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence in Thursday’s clash.
The visitors, on the other hand, are on an 8-game winning run in all competitions ahead of the trip to France. The Dutch champions aim to get their job done in the first leg, but beating Lille on the road is easier said than done.
A close encounter is on the horizon, and we believe that punters can find value in a draw. Key attacker Haller has been left out of Ajax’s Europa League squad, while first-choice goalkeeper Onana remains in the recovery room.
Prediction: Both teams to score.; Over 2.5 goals.
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