Last week it was Arsenal, this week it is Atletico Madrid. The two Europa League favourites both look set to secure their spot in the semi-finals; Arsenal have a 4-1 advantage over CSKA Moscow whilst Atletico ran out 2-0 winners at home to Sporting Lisbon.
Diego Simeone’s side head our latest betting markets – punters can back the Spanish outfit at 11/10 to go on and lift the trophy in Lyon’s showpiece event on May 16th. For now, have a read of our top tips ahead of Thursday’s action…
CSKA MOSCOW vs ARSENAL
This one has ‘banana skin’ written all over it. Fortunately for Arsenal, they did most of the hard work in the first leg on home soil and the Gunners should see this one out.
CSKA have enough quality to cause problems though and the 16/25 available for three or more goals looks like an absolute certainty. There could be plenty of chances for both sides…
As good as Arsenal were offensively in the first leg, their defensive qualities left a lot to be desired. The visitors should have a safe enough lead but nerves may start to creep in if CSKA score a couple of early goals.
The English outfit are superior in almost every department – Arsenal will be quietly confident of getting the job done and bookign their spot in the semi finals.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 16/25
MARSEILLE vs RB LEIPZIG
Marseille lost the first leg but plenty of punters will be getting behind the French outfit on home soil. On paper, they have the quality to put Leipzig to the sword.
The Ligue 1 side ended that game strongly and could have nicked a goal late on but for some desperate Leipzig defending. An early goal will set the tone and neutrals will be expecting big things ahead of this contest.
The Bundesliga outfit were resolute at the back in front of their home fans but standing tall at the Stade Velodrome is on another level.
Leipzig play some decent football and it would be a real shame if the visitors sit back and defend. Hopefully, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men go for the throat – they could be rewarded with an away goal. 7/10 is a decent price for over 2.5 goals.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/10
RED BULL SALZBURG vs LAZIO
Expect Red Bull Salzburg to throw the kitchen sink at Lazio – even that might not be enough to overturn the current deficit.
The Austrian side notched two away goals but conceded four after an incredible second half from Simone Inzaghi’s men. It might not be as entertaining as the first leg but it still has all the makings of a fascinating contest.
There is no real need for Lazio to go out and press on Thursday evening but I fancy the away side to secure a positive result in this one.
The Serie A outfit are the more complete unit and they showed just how dangerous they can be in the first leg in Rome. 13/20 for Lazio to win or draw in Austria is the way to go here.
TIP: Lazio to win OR draw @ 13/20
SPORTING LISBON vs ATLETICO MADRID
Sporting need a minor miracle to turn things around against Atletico. The Portuguese side are 2-0 down after the first leg in Madrid and the visitors will almost certainly score at least once in the second leg.
Unfortunately, this looks like it could be a rather dull affair – backing against the visitors would be foolish to say the least.
Antoine Griezmann has been outstanding for Atletico again this campaign and the France star can fire his side into the next round.
At 6/4 to score on Thursday night, he is well priced and Diego Simeone will be expecting big things from his main man. With nine goals in his previous eight Atletico appearances, Griezmann can be the difference maker once again.
TIP: Atletico to win @ 4/5
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
