It’s the last 16 in the football Europa League and BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is here to provide his best bets ahead of the action.
Listen to the BetVictor Podcast for our Cheltenham Preview with David Pipe, North London Derby preview and EFL chat with Gabriel Sutton.
Under 2.5 goals
Manchester United v AC Milan 1-0
Manchester United and AC Milan have shared quite a few memorable ties in years gone by. Often this has been in Europe’s premier competition, the Champions League, but now they reacquaint in the Europa with both sides at similar stages of rebuilding after a few years of transition.
Known for their formidable counter-attacking style, United will no doubt be happy to let Milan come at them. However, the Italians are a clever side, so I don’t think United will get it all their own way.
With that in mind, I can see this being cagey. At home in Europe, United have played well overall this season, and I think if they are patient here, they should get their reward.
So, it’s a narrow win for the home side for me.
Draw
Slavia Prague v Rangers 1-1
Newly crowned Scottish Champions Rangers travel to Prague still undefeated in this seasons Europa League. The Glaswegian side have played some of their best football in this competition, defeating big names along the way.
However, one thing that has been much different from their domestic form has been goals conceded. The Gers have only let in nine in the league, whilst in Europe they’ve conceded 12.
So, whilst I think the visitors have more than enough to score here, I think they may have to settle for taking a draw back to Glasgow.
Arsenal to win
Olympiakos v Arsenal 0-1
These two are no stranger to each other. Olympiakos came away with the win against Arsenal last season, however, the Gunners are in great form this time round.
Arsenal have scored at least three goals in six of their last seven matches, and with that in mind, I think they’ll have enough to take a lead back to the Emirates.
Spurs to win -1
Tottenham Hotspur v Dinamo Zagreb 2-0
Spurs look to have turned the corner. The goals continued to flow at the weekend with Gareth Bale now looking like the player we all know he can be.
Zagreb arrive here in excellent form. The Croatians have won their last eight games, so Spurs will have to be on their toes.
That said. I’ve seen enough of Jose Mourinho’s men in recent weeks to believe that they are now playing near the level they were at the beginning of the season, and if they continue in that vein, I think they’ll win this one.
