The Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League enters its second leg, with some teams having some work to do to keep their hopes alive of potentially winning Europe's secondary elite competition.
Games will be played across Friday, March 20, with two kick-off times being used: 04:45 AEDT and 07:00 AEDT. Ties to be played are:
- Braga vs Ferencvaros (04:45 AEDT) - Ferencvaros lead 2-0
- Lyon vs Celta Vigo (04:45 AEDT) - tied at 1-1
- Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest (04:45 AEDT) - Midtjylland lead 1-0
- Freiburg vs Genk (04:45 AEDT) - Genk lead 1-0
- Real Betis vs Panathinaikos (07:00 AEDT) - Panathinaikos lead 1-0
- Porto vs VfB Stuttgart (07:00 AEDT) - Porto lead 2-1
- Aston Villa vs LOSC Lille (07:00 AEDT) - Aston Villa lead 1-0
- Roma vs Bologna (07:00 AEDT) - tied at 1-1
Quick Picks
Our pick: Aston Villa to win
Value bet: Midtjylland to Win And Draw in Double Chance
Long shot: Ferencvaros to win
Betting Preview
With the first legs in the books, the second legs can often force teams to come out and play, as it's all or nothing for them. There were many games that finished in favour of one team last week, which means it's likely to see a number of goals being scored this time around.
However, with that in mind, it's worth noting that there will be some teams that will potentially look to keep things tight due to small goal advantages. For those new to Europa League betting, these knockout ties can produce some fascinating tactical battles.
The all-Italian affair proved to be as tight as expected, as both had been in fine form heading into this game. Bologna had enjoyed five wins in the six games leading up to it. Roma had managed to win 1-0 earlier in the season. It was the first time Bologna had conceded in four UEFA Europa League games, while it was just the second time in a stretch of six games. Both clubs compete in Serie A betting markets domestically.
Villa will have boosted their odds of winning the competition; they are favourites to win and hold a 1-0 aggregate lead against Lille. The English side have been impressive in European competition this season, and punters looking at Ligue 1 betting will know Lille have been inconsistent.
Betting Markets to Watch
We were bang on with our Aston Villa prediction last time, and we're going with it again this week.
Aston Villa to win 1-0 offers value as a correct score. Seven of Lille's 11 Europa League games this season have seen a single goal scored within 90 minutes, as have six of their previous 11 games across all competitions. Five of Villa's seven League Phase wins came by a single goal. Both teams have struggled recently, but Unai Emery's side should have enough to win.
Forest have struggled against Midtjylland this season. They've played twice so far, and the Danes have won both times. Both games took place in England, but FC Midtjylland has won each of its last four Europa League home matches. We're going with the Midtjylland to Win And Draw in Double Chance market once again.
Our Prediction
Check the latest UEL betting odds at Sportsbet.
Our top predictions are as follows:
- Aston Villa to beat Lille 1-0
- Midtjylland to Win And Draw in Double Chance
- Ferencvaros to win as underdogs
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