Europa League: which teams can secure their place in the quarter-finals this evening?
by Cydias Aujard | by Cydias Aujard
This is one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures of the Europa League Round of 16. It's a magnificent clash between Real Sociedad and Manchester United, who are among the two big favourites to win the title according to our Europa League prediction.
And while our Real Sociedad - Manchester United prediction expects an open, goal-rich game, you'll see in the secondary predictions that we're still expecting a good result from the Red Devils, who remain far more solid in Europe than in the league this season.
The bookmakers also see a very tight double-header, with the odds for a Basque qualification currently at 1.83 at BetWinner, while those for the English are at 1.97! It seems complicated to predict an advantage for either team ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham: after Galatasaray, it's Spurs' turn?
Like Manchester United, Tottenham Spurs are not having a good season. But in Europe, it's still a lot better than in the Premier League! That's not enough to make them the favourites in our AZ Alkmaar - Tottenham prediction, with the Dutch side looking to take out another big name after Galatasaray!
In our opinion, however, this first leg will not decide who progresses to the quarter-finals. Don't forget that Tottenham are overwhelming favourites with the bookmakers, with odds at 1.32 at Vbet to reach the next stage of the tournament, while AZ's odds are at 3.25!
Fenerbahce vs Rangers: will Turkish hell make the difference?
Here's a game to watch in the Europa League Round of 16. Two fine teams are up against it, and our Fenerbahce - Rangers prediction gives the home side the edge in this first leg. José Mourinho's men will be hoping to make a difference in the first leg in Turkey.
Favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals (odds of 1.40 for the Turks and 2.75 for the Scots), Fener have a great opportunity to take a big step forward before travelling to an Ibrox Stadium that is sure to make things difficult for them. They have what it takes to win tonight and travel with more peace of mind next Thursday!
AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao: Italian advantage?
Could this be one of the tightest encounters in the Round of 16? Our AS Roma - Athletic Bilbao prediction for the first leg gives a slight advantage to the Italians, but we don't think the suspense will be dead after this first encounter!
Ahead of this first of the two duels, Athletic Bilbao are slight favourites with odds of 1.70 offered by Vbet to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Roma are priced at 2.13. If our prediction is validated, the figures will certainly change before the return leg, but it just goes to show that it is difficult to decide between these two teams and that the suspense should be at its height right to the end!
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt: the home side can take an option
We are treated to another magnificent encounter in which it seems complicated to predict who will qualify ahead of the first leg. If our Ajax - Eintracht Frankfurt prediction is to be believed, the home side have a slight advantage in this first leg, and will have to confirm our prediction at home before a very complicated match to negotiate in Germany.
Once again, the odds are fairly tight on qualification. Nevertheless, the bookmakers are making the visitors the favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals, with odds of 1.68 for Eintracht Frankfurt at BetWinner, for example, and 2.18 for Ajax.
Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio Rome: already more suspense before the return leg?
Here, it would appear that there is much less suspense, whether among observers or bookmakers. Our Viktoria Plzen - Lazio Rome prediction even suggests that the Italian club should make the difference in this first leg, before the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico next game.
The odds for Lazio to qualify are currently 1.20 at online sports betting sites, while those for Viktoria Plzen are 4.20. We reckon the Biancocelesti could well make the difference in this first leg, and take a good chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Steaua Bucharest vs Lyon: OL can come out on top
Olympique Lyonnais could have faced either Ajax or Steaua Bucharest. The draw meant that the Rhone club would face the Romanians, an opponent - on paper and on the face of it - that Alexandre Lacazette's team-mates would find more accessible.
And our Steaua Bucharest-Lyon prediction for the first leg gives Lyon the edge. Paulo Fonseca's men are expected to put in a solid performance, giving them the chance to take a firm lead ahead of the return leg at Parc OL next Thursday.
With the bookmakers, Lyon's qualification is priced at 1.24 ahead of the first leg, notably at 22Bet. FCSB, meanwhile, are priced at 4.06. Will Les Rhodaniens confirm our expectations and our prediction this evening? Find out at 17:45 (UK Time)!
Bodoe/Glimt vs Olympiakos: a tight game ahead?
We finish with what is probably the least anticipated match of the last 16 of C3. And yet, we could be in for a pleasant surprise, since our Bodoe/Glimt - Olympiakos prediction is for a match in which the nets will be shaking, between two fine, very playful teams.
It's also a double-header where the suspense should be in full swing, as the bookmakers are finding it very difficult to name a real favourite for the future quarter-finalist. 1xBet, for example, is offering odds of 2.22 for the home side to qualify, and 1.66 for the visitors. If you ask us, the difference won't be made tonight but next Thursday!
