This Thursday, the stage is set for the crucial second legs of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, as teams battle for a spot in the semi-finals. Here are my insights, along with suggested betting markets for each match to keep an eye on.
Before we get to the match previews, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds: Athletic Bilbao remain favourites at 27/10, with Manchester United just behind at 7/2. Tottenham Hotspur follow at 9/2, while Eintracht Frankfurt are listed at 11/2. The remaining teams are priced at 8/1 or greater.
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EINTRACHT FRANKFURT v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
After earning a valuable 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week and following it up with a commanding 3-0 victory over Heidenheim on the domestic front this past weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt return to Deutsche Bank Park with momentum and belief on their side. Dino Toppmöller’s men are now unbeaten in their last five Europa League outings, with four wins and a draw highlighting their consistency in the competition.
Frankfurt’s home form in Europe has been particularly impressive. The two-time Europa League winners are unbeaten in five home matches this campaign, with four wins and a draw. While they’ve conceded four goals in total at Deutsche Bank Park, three of those came in their opening match against Viktoria Plzen. Since then, they’ve tightened up considerably, recording three clean sheet wins in their last four at home. That blend of attacking firepower and recent defensive stability should serve them well as they push for a third semi-final appearance in six years.
Tottenham, meanwhile, were left frustrated by last week’s result, especially given their failure to make home advantage count. While Ange Postecoglou’s side have shown flashes of promise in Europe—remaining unbeaten at home—they’ve looked vulnerable on the road. Defeats to Galatasaray and AZ Alkmaar underline their struggles away from North London, and notably, Spurs have yet to register a single clean sheet on their European travels this campaign—a concern heading into the decisive second leg in Frankfurt.
With the exception of Europe, it has been a season to forget for Spurs. Sunday’s 4-2 defeat away to Wolves summed up their domestic form—sporadic, inconsistent, and lacking the steel needed to grind out results away from home. That inconsistency could haunt them again if they fail to raise their level in Germany.
Head-to-Head
Last week’s 1-1 draw marked the third encounter between these two sides in Europe, with Tottenham still unbeaten in the head-to-head, having recorded one win and two draws overall.
Betting
Eintracht Frankfurt 11/8
Draw 28/10
Tottenham Hotspur 18/10
Verdict
While last week’s match petered out to a rather underwhelming 1-1 draw despite a lively first half, I have a feeling things will play out differently in Frankfurt. I fancy the hosts to come out on top this time, but my main preference is for both teams to find the net in a game featuring at least three goals.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 5/6
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LAZIO v BODO|GLIMT – Click here to bet
Lazio return to the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit after a disappointing first-leg performance in Norway. The Biancocelesti were far from their best in the Arctic Circle, but their home record offers some hope. Marco Baroni’s side are unbeaten in all five Europa League home fixtures this season, with three wins and two draws. They also come into this clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with AS Roma in the Derby della Capitale over the weekend, a result that may help steady nerves ahead of this crucial encounter.
However, a deeper look reveals concerns—particularly defensively. Lazio have kept just one clean sheet in their five home games in Europe, and they’ve now conceded in six consecutive European matches overall. To turn this tie around, they’ll need to be sharper at both ends of the pitch and more clinical in front of goal than they were in the reverse fixture.
As for Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian side continue to impress on the European stage. Last week’s 2-0 win showcased their tactical discipline and growing experience at this level. With no domestic commitments over the weekend, Kjetil Knutsen’s team have been able to fully focus on this second leg and will arrive in Rome as the fresher of the two sides—especially compared to a Lazio outfit coming off a gruelling Derby della Capitale against Roma.
Although Bodø/Glimt have lost three of their six away matches in the competition, each of those defeats came by just a one-goal margin—with the Norwegians scoring in all three. That record could prove crucial as they travel to Italy with a two-goal cushion, giving them the freedom to approach the second leg with control and look to exploit Lazio on the counter.
Head-to-Head
This will be just the second encounter between the two sides, following Bodø/Glimt’s 2-0 victory in last week’s first leg.
Betting
Lazio 4/10
Draw 4/1
Bodø/Glimt 13/2
Verdict
Last week, I had my doubts about whether Bodø/Glimt could progress over two legs, but their impressive 2-0 first-leg victory has certainly swung the momentum in their favour. Given that they’ve yet to lose by more than a single goal in Europe this season, I’m now firmly backing them to qualify and book their place in the semi-finals.
Suggested Bet: To Qualify – Bodø/Glimt at 8/15
ATHLETIC BILBAO v RANGERS – Click here to bet
Last week’s first leg at Ibrox was a tale of missed opportunities for Athletic Bilbao. After gaining a man advantage as early as the 12th minute, the Spanish outfit dominated proceedings but failed to convert their chances—most notably squandering a golden opportunity from the penalty spot. The goalless draw will have felt like a missed opportunity for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who should have done more to tilt the tie in their favour.
However, Bilbao returned to scoring form over the weekend with a 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, ending a three-match goalless drought just in time for this crucial second leg. The Basque club boast a perfect home record in the Europa League so far, with five wins from five—scoring an average of three goals in their last three. Unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, the hosts will feel confident about securing their place in the semi-finals as they aim to finally capture a first-ever Europa League title.
Rangers, meanwhile, defied the odds in the first leg under interim boss Barry Ferguson. Despite being reduced to 10 men early on, the Scottish side produced a spirited defensive performance to frustrate Bilbao and keep the tie alive. A crucial penalty save from Liam Kelly, combined with the team’s overall discipline, will give them belief heading into Thursday’s clash.
They come into the return leg following a 2-2 draw away to Aberdeen over the weekend— their second consecutive stalemate in all competitions. While that result showed resilience, it also underscored some defensive vulnerabilities that will need tightening in Spain. The Gers have no advantage to protect and will need to go toe-to-toe with a side that has been relentless at home. Encouragingly, Rangers have won five of their eleven European fixtures this season, including three of their five away matches. They’ve also scored in every away game in Europe so far, with both teams finding the net in each of their last four road trips—three of which featured over 2.5 goals.
Head-to-Head
Last week’s 0-0 draw at Ibrox marked the first-ever competitive encounter between Athletic Bilbao and Rangers.
Betting
Athletic Bilbao 4/10
Draw 4/1
Rangers 7/1
Verdict
Bilbao’s formidable record at San Mamés should give them the edge in this decisive second leg. Rangers will be eager to offer more upfront this time—especially with a full complement of players—but the hosts’ quality and intensity may ultimately prove decisive.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score – Athletic Bilbao and Yes at 2/1
MANCHESTER UNITED v LYON – Click here to bet
After a dramatic 2-2 draw in last week’s first leg in Lyon, Manchester United return to Old Trafford for the second leg, with the tie delicately balanced. While both teams are on equal footing, United’s home advantage could prove crucial in this pivotal clash. The Red Devils have been formidable at Old Trafford in Europe this season, and the atmosphere at their iconic stadium may just provide the edge they need to push past Lyon and secure progression.
Manchester United come into this match on the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Newcastle United over the weekend, a result that has further added pressure on Ruben Amorim’s shoulders. Despite that setback, United remain unbeaten in Europe this season, with six wins and five draws overall. Their home form has been particularly strong, winning four out of five matches at Old Trafford in this competition. United will look to continue that trend this Thursday, knowing that their attacking power at home has been a key factor in their success. However, despite their offensive strength, they have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in every one of their last three European home matches. With an average of over four goals featuring per game in those outings, the fans can expect another high-intensity contest at the Theatre of Dreams.
On the other hand, Lyon will be pleased to head into the second leg with the tie level, especially after their last-minute equalizer last week. It was a vital goal for Paulo Fonseca’s side, and they will be hoping for a repeat performance in Manchester. Lyon remain unbeaten on the road in Europe this season, with three wins and two draws. They have been prolific in attack, scoring 13 goals across five away matches, averaging just over 2 goals per game.
Lyon head into this clash with added confidence, having secured a 3-1 victory away to Auxerre in Ligue 1 this past weekend, a result that will have boosted morale ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. However, despite their attacking potency, Lyon have only kept one clean sheet away from home in Europe, and they will need to be at their best defensively if they are to take a result from Manchester.
Both teams have shown they can score freely, and this second leg promises to be an exciting clash. United will look to build on their strong home form, while Lyon will be eager to prove their credentials in one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
Head-to-Head
Lyon and Manchester United have faced each other five times in Europe, with United holding the upper hand. The 2-2 draw last week in France ensures the Red Devils remain unbeaten, with two wins and three draws in their head-to-head encounters.
Betting
Manchester United 8/11
Draw 16/5
Lyon 7/2
Verdict
I’m backing Manchester United to either win or draw, with both teams likely to score. Lyon possess enough attacking quality to cause problems, but United’s home advantage should help them remain unbeaten. With both sides showing a strong offensive presence, another high-scoring encounter seems on the cards.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Manchester United/Draw and Yes at 1/1
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
