The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 kicks off Thursday with all eight first-leg fixtures promising thrilling action across the continent. As the competition heats up, top clubs and underdogs will be fighting for a crucial advantage to take into the second leg, all aiming to progress deeper into the tournament.
Here we focus on four stand-out clashes, picking out our top tips and best booking codes (odds at time of writing):
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Fenerbahce Istanbul vs Rangers
Fenerbahce will be coming into this first leg match-up with Rangers as the favourites to secure the victory, given the Turkish side have suffered just two defeats at home across all competitions this season – while they also have the expertise of Jose Mourinho at the helm.
Rangers are also struggling in recent outings, losing three of their last five matches leading into this one, leaving us to expect a comfortable home victory on Thursday.
Fenerbahce Istanbul to win, 1.68
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham
AZ Alkmaar impressed as they brushed Galatasaray aside in the knockout play-off round, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory, but they will now face another formidable opponent in Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs also beat AZ 1-0 at home in the league phase late last year.
While Spurs were narrowly defeated by Manchester City last time out, they undoubtedly boast the stronger squad, and given AZ also lost their last outing, the visitors should secure the first leg victory.
Tottenham to win & over 1.5 goals, 2.43
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Real Sociedad and Manchester United are two teams that have faced their difficulties in the past weeks, with the Spanish side losing against both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the build up to this match, while the Red Devils have lost two, drawn one and won one of their last four.
Man Utd have struggled against Spanish sides in Europe over recent seasons, eliminated from Europe by Spanish foes in 2022/23, 2021/22, 2020/21, 2019/20, 2018/19 and 2017/18, meaning they are certainly the underdogs here.
Given their challenges against Spanish opponents, while Sociedad also boast the home advantage, the hosts could well win this first leg match-up.
Real Sociedad to win, 2.18
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Roma vs Atletico Bilbao
Paulo Dybala is having one of the most challenging seasons of his career, recording just eight goals and four assists in 33 appearances for Roma across all competitions, but his form has improved alongside Roma’s upturn in recent weeks.
The Argentine has netted three goals and got one assist in his last five matches, coinciding with Roma putting together a six-game undefeated streak, leaving both the player and team in strong form going into this one.
With the undeniably quality that Dybala possesses, combined with Roma’s recent improvement and their home advantage, we believe they will create plenty of chances here, leading us to expect another Dybala goal.
Paulo Dybala to score anytime, 4.00
Best Combined Booking Code @35.45:
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