Europa League: Lille vs AC Milan, Rangers vs Benfica & Sporting Braga vs Leicester City
The Europa League returns following an action packed international break and there is still plenty to play for in the group stages. Rangers and Benfica are locked at the top of Group D, after both making unbeaten starts whilst Leicester City will be putting their 100% record on the line as they travel to Portugal to take on Braga. Lille sit one point above AC Milan in Group H and with only two more games to play after these, it is now or never for some sides in the Europa League this year.
Group D
Rangers vs Benfica
Match Winner Odds:
Rangers
Whilst domestic success is sure to be top of the list of importance for Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, their continuation in the Europa League could be critical too. They have amassed 7 points from their opening 3 games and a win here would put them in pole position to qualify.
Benfica
Portuguese giants Benfica have endured a mixed start to the season yet still remain unbeaten in the Europa League. They are well versed in the rigours of European competition and should relish a fixture such as this at Ibrox.
Odds and Predictions
With the sides sharing 6 goals last time out, more goals look guaranteed.
Both teams to score – YES – 0.51
Alfredo Morelos is prolific for Rangers in Europe and he could net again here.
Alfredo Morelos to score anytime – 1.25
Score Prediction:
Rangers 2 – 2 Benfica – 10.56
Result Prediction:
This should be a superbly entertaining game between two excellent sides that are full of confidence.
The match to finish as a draw – 2.42
Group G
Sporting Braga vs Leicester City
Match Winner Odds:
Sporting Braga
Portuguese side Braga have won 2 of their opening 3 Europa League games this season but their defeat to Leicester last time out in the competition was a chastening one. They have a good record at home in European competition though and will hope to test the Foxes here.
Leicester City
Leicester City have been going great guns in both the Premier League and the Europa League this season. Brendan Rodgers’s men have won all three of their Europa League games so far this campaign and a win here would seal qualification to the last 16.
Odds and Predictions
Braga are strong at home and they will be looking to take the game to Leicester.
Both teams to score – YES – 0.54
Jamie Vardy remains the go-to man for Leicester in all competitions and he looks set to score again here.
Jamie Vardy to score anytime – 0.90
Score Prediction:
Sporting Braga 1 – 2 Leicester City – 8.54
Result Prediction:
This should be an excellent game, between two good sides but Leicester’s quality should see them through this test.
Leicester City to win the match – 1.14
Group H
Lille vs AC Milan
Match Winner Odds:
Lille
Having stayed unbeaten through their first 3 Europa League games of the campaign, Lille sit top of Group H with 7 points to their name. They possess plenty of attacking flair and they will be hoping to put AC Milan to the sword here.
AC Milan
AC Milan have enjoyed an incredible start to the season in Serie A and they will be hoping to formulate a challenge in both Italian and European competition. They have 6 points from their first 3 Europa League games and a win here would see them leapfrog Lille into first place.
Odds and Predictions
Both sides look to play on the front foot and goals look guaranteed.
Both teams to score – YES – 0.64
Zlatan Ibrahimovic always steps up for Milan when it matters, particularly in European games.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score anytime – 0.95
Score Prediction:
Lille 1 – 1 AC Milan – 5.39
Result Prediction:
This should be a very tight game between two well matched sides and the draw looks the most likely result.
The match to finish as a draw – 2.25
