The Europa League quarter-final first legs take place on Thursday and there are two representatives from the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal both involved.
United face Spanish outfit Granada at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, while Arsenal entertain Slavia Prague.
There is a real heavyweight clash in the Netherlands as Ajax take on Roma in Amsterdam, while Villarreal head to Dinamo Zagreb.
United Can End Granada Fairytale
Granada have enjoyed a dream debut season in the Europa League after managing to navigate their way out of a group that contained PSV Eindhoven and Greek outfit PAOK. The Nazaríes claimed a big scalp in their first knockout tie as they overcame Italy’s Napoli over two legs, before beating Molde 3-2 on aggregate in the last 16.
However, it would be a huge shock if they were to reach the last four having been paired with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United in the quarter-finals. Injuries and a loss of form have hit Granada at the wrong time, as they have lost their last three games in a row and have up to 10 players missing for the first leg.
United have been in good form with just one defeat in their last 15 games, and the Europa League is now their only shot at silverware after their FA Cup exit to Leicester.
United are 10/19 to win but the 13/10 on a Man Utd/Man Utd result in the half-time/full-time market looks the value bet here, as Granada have been losing at the break and have gone on to lose their last three games.
Slavia Could Be a Test for Gunners
Arsenal should be expected to overcome Slavia Prague quite comfortably, but the Czech outfit may just spring a surprise. Slavia have already seen off Premier League opposition in the shape of Leicester in this competition and they arrive at the Emirates Stadium seeking to extend a 21-game unbeaten run, with 16 wins and five draws since their last loss.
Every word ahead of @slavia_eng#UEL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2021
The Gunners lost to Olympiacos in their last Europa League home game and have now gone three games without a win. Slavia are a huge 23/4 to win but the 6/4 on an away win or draw could be worth some consideration here.
Ajax Can Make Home Comforts Count
Ajax have been in sensational form at their Amsterdam Arena home with eight wins in a row ahead of Roma’s visit. Their last home defeat did come at the hands of Italian opposition, a 0-1 loss to Atalanta in the Champions League, but Roma arrive in mixed form with just one win in their last four games.
Ajax are 10/11 to win and the 20/29 on the hosts to score over 1.5 goals also appeals. The Dutch giants have scored at least two goals in each of their last seven games and have scored five goals in two home games in the Europa League since dropping down from the Champions League.
Villarreal Can Seize Advantage
Villarreal are another team in good form with five straight wins ahead of their trip to Dinamo Zagreb. The Spanish outfit have been excellent in Europe this term with five wins and a draw in the group stages, and they have four wins in as many attempts in the knockout stages.
El Submarino Amarillo are 10/11 to win and if you are feeling a little braver the 33/20 on an away win to zero stands out, as six of Villarreal’s last seven away wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet.
*All odds correct at time of writing
