Europa League Predictions & Tips for Thursday’s Quarter-Finals

Roma vs AC Milan

Both Teams To Score @ 3/4 bet365 (1pt)

Roma earned a rare victory over AC Milan in the first leg so the Rossoneri need to respond in this match. Roma lost in the final of this competition on penalties against Sevilla. They will be looking to go one better this time around.

AC Milan are the second-highest-scoring team in Serie A this season with an average of 1.97 goals per game. The defeat against Roma was the first time they have failed to score in their last 20 matches across all competitions.

Daniele De Rossi has favoured a more attacking approach since taking over at the club he once captained. Roma are averaging 1.94 goals per game during his tenure. They have scored in all eight matches under the new boss at the Stadio Olimpico.

Atalanta vs Liverpool

Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals @ bet365 (1pt)

Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg was a huge upset. Jurgen Klopp’s side were the favourites to go on and lift the trophy but they have a mountain to climb in Bergamo. 

Klopp will be tempted to rest players here with his team embroiled in a title race with Manchester City and Arsenal. However, Klopp’s teams aren’t known for going down without a fight so expect fireworks in this one. The first leg was one of the very rare occasions that Liverpool failed to score in a match. 

They are averaging 2.45 goals per game across all competitions this season and conceding 1.02. Therefore, our bet for this match is both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.

There is no urgency for Atalanta to attack but an onrushing Liverpool will leave spaces for them to exploit on the counter. Moreover, they have scored in 19 of their 20 home matches across all competitions this season with an average of 2.1 goals per game.

For the full match preview, click here.

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen to win @ 19/20 888Sport (0.5pts)

Bayer Leverkusen won their first-ever Bundesliga title at the weekend. The Hammers will be hoping there is a hangover from their celebrations but that seems unlikely with Xabi Alonso at the helm. His side are unbeaten in all competitions this season and carry a 2-0 lead into this second leg.

West Ham managed just one shot in the first leg. They were outthought and outclassed as they succumbed to defeat. Despite the visitors not needing a win this time around, I’m backing them to continue their ruthless streak and pick up another victory.

Alonso’s side have won their last eight matches. Bundesliga success has been inevitable for a number of weeks and there are no signs of them slowing down. Expect Leverkusen to keep their foot on the gas and put in another strong display on Thursday night. They had 33 shots in the first leg. 

David Moyes’ side needs to show a heap of attacking intent to harbour any hopes of clawing their back into this one but this could play into Leverkusen’s hands.

A complete match preview for West Ham vs Leverkusen can be found here.

Marseille vs Benfica

Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals @ 20/21 bet365 (1pt)

Benfica have a slender advantage coming into this second leg. They secured a 2-1 victory in Lisbon in a hard-fought contest. There were just five shots on target in the match but expect more goal-mouth action in France as desperation kicks in. 

Marseille have lost their last five matches but their home form is strong. They have lost just two of their 22 matches at the Stade Velodrome this season. Over that period, they are averaging 2.05 goals per game.

Benfica have scored in their last nine matches. Those games have seen an average of 3.21 goals. We could well see another goal fest here as the teams look to keep their Europa League dreams alive.