With 8 teams left in the tournament, let’s take a look at all four first-leg quarterfinal encounters taking place in Europe this coming Thursday, where we’ll suggest a bet for each game.
On the outright front, Liverpool remains the favourite to lift the trophy with odds of 10/11, closely followed by Bayer Leverkusen as the second favourite at 7/2. AC Milan holds the third spot with odds of 7/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 12/1 or better.
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AC MILAN v AS ROMA– Click here to bet
AC Milan will host familiar foes Roma this coming Thursday in a uniquely different setting. Coming off a convincing 3-0 win on the domestic front against Lecce over the weekend, the Rossoneri enter the Europa League quarter-finals on a seven-game winning streak in all competitions. Their recent 7-3 aggregate demolition over Slavia Prague paved the way for the Red and Blacks entering this round and they will undoubtedly aim to take a lead going into the second leg of this all-Italian knockout tie.
Roma visit AC Milan off the back of a 1-0 win against Lazio in Serie A. Having overcome Brighton in the previous round with an impressive 4-1 aggregate win, Daniele De Rossi and his team will now focus on the daunting prospect, knowing that history is firmly against them when going head-to-head against Italian rivals, AC Milan. The history books show that this has been a one-sided affair when these two usually meet; the last time Roma managed a win over the Red and Blacks was as far back as 2019.
AC Milan are 10/11 favourites entering the first leg, and rightfully so given their recent run of form and historical matchups between these two. Having beaten Roma six times out of their last nine encounters, the value does seem to be in favour of the hosts here. Roma have been hit-and-miss lately and given their poor record against the mighty Red and Blacks, a home win looks like the way to go.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, AC Milan win at 5/6
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LIVERPOOL v ATALANTA– Click here to bet
With no concerns progressing from the group stages, Liverpool advances to the quarter-finals following an impressive 11-2 aggregate victory over Czech giants Sparta Prague in the round of 16. However, the Reds have faced challenges as they attempt to balance a captivating title race with Manchester City and Arsenal while also pursuing European success. After dropping two crucial points against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford over the weekend, Liverpool temporarily slipped to 2nd place in the league based on points difference. Klopp and his team now shift their focus to Europe, mindful that Atalanta cannot be underestimated, having previously secured a 2-0 victory at Anfield during the Champions League group stages in 2020.
Atalanta will visit Anfield this coming Thursday with an impressive record in the group stages, having yet to suffer defeat in the competition. They enter this round after overcoming Sporting CP 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16. Despite their strong performance in Europe, there are concerns regarding their current form, as they have only secured two wins in their last nine matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 loss to Cagliari over the weekend. However, there are positives to consider. Atalanta boasts a 100% winning record at Anfield, having visited Liverpool once in the Champions League and registering an impressive 2-0 win over the mighty Reds that evening.
With both teams having strong attacking options, this match promises to be a spectacle this coming Thursday. Liverpool’s experience and home advantage should give them the edge, especially in the first leg, where securing a lead is crucial. However, Liverpool has struggled defensively at Anfield, only managing one clean sheet in thirteen appearances across all competitions. Despite being heavy favourites at 37/100, my attention is drawn elsewhere in the hopes that we witness an exciting encounter with contributions coming from both ends of the pitch.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 19/20
BAYER LEVERKUSEN v WEST HAM– Click here to bet
With a perfect 100% win rate in the group stages, Bayer Leverkusen appeared destined to cruise through the round of 16 after drawing a favourable tie with Qarabag. However, the Azerbaijani outfit presented a tough challenge, holding them until the 98th minute of the second leg. Leverkusen eventually triumphed with two late goals, securing a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. Now, they progress to the quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory over Union Berlin domestically, extending their unbeaten streak to 42 matches in all competitions. Leading Bayern Munich by a comfortable 14 points in the league, Leverkusen is on the cusp of clinching the Bundesliga title with six games remaining. This allows them to focus fully on their European campaign, with the possibility of achieving a rare treble looming.
West Ham will enter BayArena knowing they’ll be firm underdogs in the first leg. Despite losing just once in the group stages, they secured their quarter-final berth after defeating Freiburg in the previous round with a 5-1 aggregate overall. With only one prior meeting in a club friendly last year, David Moyes has little to draw from that experience. Despite a 2-1 win over Wolves in the EPL over the weekend, there’s concern over the well-being of Hammers forward Jarrod Bowen, who limped off in the 54th minute. Bowen’s contributions this season have been vital, with nineteen goals and eight assists. It’ll be a significant blow if he doesn’t recover in time for the first leg in Germany.
Bayer Leverkusen undoubtedly holds the upper hand in this encounter, boasting an impressive run of form. Xabi Alonso’s achievements with the team this season have been remarkable. Considering West Ham’s recent struggles on the road and Bowen’s injury scare, the hosts are even more favoured. A convincing home win in the first leg seems likely in this scenario.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Leverkusen -1.5 at 12/10
BENFICA v OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE– Click here to bet
Benfica has been granted a chance at redemption in Europe after a disappointing exit from the Champions League group stages, where they managed just one win from six matches. Now, they turn their focus to the Europa League, aiming to make a statement as we approach the crucial stages of the tournament. Benfica faced a tough challenge from Rangers in the previous round, but managed to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory, propelling them to this pivotal stage. Currently sitting in 2nd place on the league table domestically, they trail Sporting CP by four points, who incidentally defeated them 2-1 this past weekend. With much at stake this season, Benfica will be eager to overcome their opponents on Thursday, aiming to improve their recent record in head-to-head matchups hoping to progress further in the competition.
Olympique Marseille heads to Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the competition. Despite finishing 2nd in the group stages, Marseille enters the quarter-finals on a positive note after an impressive 5-3 aggregate victory over Spanish side Villarreal. However, their recent struggles, including four consecutive defeats, cast some doubt on their form. With a 3-1 loss to Lille being their latest setback, Marseille finds themselves in 8th place in the domestic league standings. Despite the challenges, Marseille remains determined to secure European qualification for next season. Balancing their efforts between the ongoing competition and domestic concerns is crucial as the season reaches its final stretch.
Benfica will look to capitalize on Marseille’s current poor form, especially considering their recent record of three wins and two draws in their last seven head-to-head encounters. As hosts this Thursday, the Portuguese outfit will aim to extend their favourable run. Marseille, on the other hand, will be eager to halt their losing streak, despite momentum firmly against them. There’s a lingering sense that despite all odds they might salvage something in Lisbon, akin to what Rangers accomplished in the previous round.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance, Draw or Olympique Marseille at 10/11
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
