bwin official partner of UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League
Responsible sports betting leader bwin has teamed up with UEFA to sponsor both the Europa League and the newly-formed Europa Conference League. A three-year-deal to become the official betting partner of these competitions will help the Entain-owned brand to promote football and trustworthy gambling around the world.
Alashkert vs Rangers: Light Blues to ease through
Rangers will only take a slender 1-0 lead to Armenia and are set to take on Alashkert in sweltering heat in this Europa League qualifier. However, despite a below-par effort and going down to 10 men, Steven Gerrard’s side rarely looked in danger of conceding at Ibrox.
AZ Alkmaar vs Celtic: Hoops face tough test
Celtic are in pole position to qualify for the Europa League group stage after a 2-0 first-leg win over AZ Alkmaar in Glasgow. However, the Dutch side did show some encouraging signs going forward in that contest and this promises to prove a tricky trip to Holland.
St Johnstone vs Galatasaray: Saints still underdogs
St Johnstone showed great spirit to earn a draw with Galatasaray in Istanbul, even if it was against 10 men at a neutral venue. However, Gala hinted at times why they have qualified for Champions League group-stage football in six of the last nine seasons.
Celtic vs Jablonec: Hoops to maintain momentum
Celtic will be feeling a lot better about life after a couple of big wins in the last week and can maintain the momentum when hosting Jablonec. The Hoops hold a 4-2 advantage from the first leg of this Europa League qualifier and are hard to oppose at Parkhead.
Arsenal vs Villarreal: Visitors are in the driving seat
Villarreal are slight favourites to reach the Europa League final after beating Arsenal 2-1 at home and are tipped to advance after drawing in London. Former Gunners boss Unai Emery returns to Emirates Stadium with a strong unit packed full of experienced performers well equipped to cope with pressure.
Roma vs Man Utd: Giallorossi to salvage some pride
Roma are unlikely to turn around their Europa League semi-final tie with Man Utd but can at least salvage some pride at Olimpico. The Giallorossi are unbeaten in the Italian capital in this competition and can also boast a good record here in Serie A, so look a value bet to at least win the second leg.
Slavia Prague vs Arsenal: Close contest on cards again
Arsenal face a very tricky test when visiting Slavia Prague in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. The Gunners looked the better team in a 1-1 London draw, but their opponents have gone 30 home games without defeat, drawing with Leicester and Rangers at Eden Arena.
Man Utd vs Granada: Visitors to grab consolation goal
Manchester United enjoyed a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory over Granada in Spain and should again be too strong at Old Trafford. However, they are without a trio of key suspended players, while their opponents may feel able to perform with more freedom now that the pressure is off them.
Roma vs Ajax: Dutch giants could be worth sticking with
Ajax will look back on the first leg of their Europa League clash with Roma as a missed opportunity but there is still time to make amends. The Dutch outfit wasted a number of goalscoring opportunities but should still be hopeful of turning around a 2-1 deficit at Stadio Olimpico.
Villarreal vs Dinamo Zagreb: Hosts can ease through
Villarreal are firmly on course to continue Spain’s proud Europa League record after returning from Croatia with a 1-0 advantage over Dinamo Zagreb. The Yellow Submarines put in a professional display to prevail in that opening encounter and it is hard to see a way back into this tie for their opponents.
AC Milan vs Man Utd: Rossoneri have value appeal
Manchester United’s first Europa League encounter with AC Milan at Old Trafford was a very even contest and few would argue 1-1 was a fair result. The return fixture in Italy promises to be another close contest, so we can’t see why the Red Devils have been made firm favourites to come out on top.
Arsenal vs Olympiacos: Goals to flow in second leg
Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League by Olympiacos last season despite winning the first leg so will be hoping lightning does not strike twice at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are in control of their round-of-16 tie after a 3-1 win in Greece last week and their confidence was further boosted by Sunday’s derby victory against Tottenham.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Tottenham: Spurs defence to see them through
Tottenham hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg against Dinamo Zagreb and should reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League without too much fuss. Harry Kane’s brace proved decisive in the first leg last week and another solid defensive display would see Spurs through.