We take a look at two of the Europa League first-leg quarter-finals taking place on Thursday the 9th of April and suggest a bet in each game.
Aston Villa are currently the favourites to win the Europa League priced at 2.70 with FC Porto 5.00, Nottingham Forest on offer at 11.00.
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Bologna vs Aston Villa – Click here to bet
Bologna were underdogs heading into their Round of 16 clash with AS Roma, but after drawing the first leg at home they scored a very impressive away victory which required extra time and a winner in the 111th minute. In their domestic league Bologna beat Cremonese 2-1 away last weekend.
Aston Villa were clinical in beating Lille 3-0 on aggregate to progress to the quarter-final. They won 1-0 on the road and then sealed the deal with a 2-0 home victory. Aston Villa’ s form has dipped a bit as the season has progressed and they have only won 3 of their last 9 matches in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
These sides last met in the group stages with Aston Villa winning 1-0 at home and Aston Villa also beat Bologna in the Champions League, the season before, winning 2-0 also at home.
Betting
Bologna 3.50
Draw 3.40
Aston Villa 2.15
Verdict
Aston Villa’ s defense looked solid in the first leg and I am going to back them to keep their opponents from scoring.
BET: Aston Villa Clean Sheet, Yes at 2.60
Last Leg Bad Luck!
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FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Click here to bet
FC Porto were comfortable 4-1 aggregate winners over Stuttgart in their Round of 16 clash, picking up a 2-1 win on the road before sealing the deal with a 2-0 home victory. Porto’ s recent form has been impressive, and they are unbeaten in their last 6 games, and they have only lost 1 of their last 11 across all competitions.
Nottingham were paired against Midtjylland in their Round of 16 clash, and after losing the first leg 1-0 at home they looked in trouble but bounced back strongly with a 3-1 victory on the road to progress 3-2 on aggregate. Their last action was in March against Tottenham in the League where they won 3-0 on the road.
Head-to-Head
These sides met in Europa League action earlier this season with Nottingham winning 2-0 at home.
Betting
FC Porto 2.20
Draw 3.15
Nottingham Forest 3.65
Verdict
Porto look worthy favourites at home, but Nottingham appear to have turned the corner after a shaky run, and I think they can return to the UK all square.
BET: The Draw at 3.15
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
