After a quartet of intense games last week, all is still to play for as eight teams from six countries bid to reach the semi-final stage of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. Here are the previews and BetXchange odds for this week’s four second-leg matches.
Manchester United VS Lyon
Thursday, 17 April – Old Trafford, Manchester (England)
Who knows if United will ever get a goalkeeper they can trust? Their 2-2 draw in Lyon last week came despite another pair of Andre Onana clangers, though the first goal he conceded was from a cross that every professional keeper dreads.
The more significant issue for United is their inability to keep anyone fit. First-leg goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee is their latest attacking option to go down for the season, while Amad Diallo isn’t yet fit enough to join the squad.
The English side hasn’t won in four matches, and they were brushed aside 4-1 by Newcastle United at the weekend. This is hardly ideal preparation.
Their best performances this season have been in Europe, and they have won all their home games under Rui Patrício in the Europa League. I like them to sneak a barely deserved 2-1 win.
Eintracht Frankfurt VS Tottenham Hotspur
Thursday, 17 April – Waldstadion, Frankfurt (Germany)
It is a season-defining game for a Spurs team with every chance of finishing 17th in the Premier League under beleaguered boss Ange Postecoglou.
Their 4-2 defeat away at Wolves last time out was their 17th defeat of the league season, while their opponents here cruised to a 3-0 win over Heidenheim to dramatically boost their chances of a Champions League place via the Bundesliga table.
Heung-min Son is expected to be back in the Spurs lineup, though he is way off his dazzling best. Also expect recalls for defenders Micjy van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, and Pedro Porro, who were rested last weekend.
I can’t see Spurs winning this. Expect goals, but expect Eintracht Frankfurt’s superb home form to see them to victory in front of a crazy crowd.
Lazio VS Bodo/Glimt
Thursday, 17 April – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (Italy)
This is a fascinatingly poised tie after outsiders Bodo/Glimt stunned Lazio 2-0 at home on Thursday to take the lead to the Stadio Olimpico.
If the Norwegians outlast the Italian giants, they will be the first team from their country to make the semi-finals of a European competition. This should provide instant motivation.
Ulrik Saltnes scored both goals north of the Arctic Circle and will be the main threat for the visitors. If Bodo/Glimt can steal a goal at some point, it becomes tough to see Lazio getting through.
Bodo is far better at home than on the road in Europe. They probably needed a third goal in the bank headed to Rome, so I like Lazio to win and progress.
Athletic Bilbao VS Rangers
Thursday, 17 April – San Mames, Bilbao (Spain)
A wild game last week somehow ended 0-0 at Ibrox. This is despite Rangers playing for 80 minutes with 10 men after a sending off and the last seven or so minutes of stoppage time with just nine players after an injury when all their subs had been used.
Athletic Bilbao also had a goal disallowed by VAR. The same incident led to a penalty, thanks to a foul in the build-up. The Rangers keeper then saved that penalty. Madness.
Rangers didn’t have a single shot on target at home, though some of that can be explained by the defensive formation they had to play after that early red card.
The Scottish side will also fancy their chances, as they have already lost to Fenerbache, Nice, and Real Betis on their Europa League travels this season.
Many see Bilbao as the favorites to win this comp. They have been perfect at home in Europe this season, and I don’t see that changing here. Take the hosts to win 3-1.
