Europa League action is back with the round of 32 and, after seeing the action begin with Tuesday’s clash between Fenerbahce and Lovomotiv Moscow, we have a further 15 matches to sin our teeth into on Tuesday night.
There should be plenty of goal action, especially as clubs will take it seriously due to the Champions League qualification spot on offer. We’ve picked six teams to all find the target in a 6/1 treble, and hope it will provide the perfect prelude to the weekend.
Come on.
Borussia Dortmund V Porto. 6PM
It was a little odd seeing Borussia Dortmund in the group phase of Europe’s secondary competition, but the Bundesliga side provided plenty of drama as they scored 10 and conceded five in the group phase. And the excitement should continue as they take on a well equipped Porto in the last 32.
Thomas Tuchel’s hosts have scored in all but one of their competitive home games at Signal Iduna Park and will be looking to the inspirational Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to fire them to a big win here. With the added support of Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Germans should at least find the target.
However, it won’t be an easy contest against the Portuguese visitors, who will be confident after after Friday night’s league win at Benfica. Having scored in eight of their last 10 Champions League away matches, Jose Peseiro’s men should be optimistic in the Europa League, even if they do face formidable opponents.
The winner of this clash should have a fantastic chance to go all the way in this competition. Expect a frantic first leg in Germany.
BTTS Yes @ Evens
St Etienne V Basel. 6PM
Our second selection comes from the Stade Geoffrey Guichard as St Etienne take on Basel in what has the potential to be one of the most entertaining games of the night. It’s a contest that could go either way, and we would expect goals regardless.
The French hosts scored 10 and conceded seven as they came second in Group G whilst Basel topped Group I with 10 for and five against. Moreover, St Etienne’s last three competitive fixtures have ended in BTTS winners.
Urs Fischer’s men haven’t leaked too many in recent weeks but the trip to France won’t be easy. Nevertheless, the attacking talents of Marc Janko and Breel Embolo will give the visitors a fantastic chance of goals.
Both teams will see this as a winnable tie. Let’s hope that lends itself to a game of goals here.
BTTS Yes @ 19/20
Augsburg V Liverpool. 8:05PM
Jurgen Klopp’s men were fantastic as they carved Aston Villa apart last Sunday and the Reds will be eager to follow that up with a big result against Augsburg. However, they shouldn’t expect to have things all their own way at the WWK Arena.
Liverpool are unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League through domestic efforts, so winning the Europa League could be their only lifeline. With Daniel Sturridge back in action, along with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, there’s no reason that the Reds can’t perform well in this competition. In truth, they should score even if they do rest a couple of players.
Augsburg, meanwhile, will be desperate to take a lead to Anfield. Markus Weinzieri’s men notched 12 but conceded 11 over the course of their six group games. If this match has anything like that level of drama, we’ll be in for a treat.
We’d expect Liverpool to prevail over two legs. In Germany, though, we think the value is with both teams to score.
BTTS Yes @ 4/5
A £10 treble returns £70.20
