The UEFA Europa League knockout stage enters the second leg as teams look to book their place in the round of 16.
The first round of matches last week met the high expectations as 24 goals were scored across the eight matches. Some top teams have an uphill task if they are to remain in the competition.
With the new format, there are already eight teams who secured automatic qualification and lie in wait to find out their opponents in the next round
With eight games lined up for Thursday night, we have a look at the top matches and offer our predicted outcome after analysis.
ALSO READ: Win over 22 million in under 3 hours in Friday-only SportPesa Midweek Jackpot
Crvena Zvezda vs Lille – 8:45PM
The French side are at risk of being knocked out of the competition after suffering a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg. Lille have lost both games played against Zvezda in their history by a similar margin.
The hosts are in top form ahead of the second leg – winning all of their last six matches, unbeaten in nine games. They are coming off a convincing 3-0 victory against Partizan over the weekend.
Lille snapped a four-match winless run to beat Angers 1-0 in Ligue 1 at the weekend. They need to be at their best to win here to avoid being dumped out of the competition.
With a fully fit squad to choose from, Lille have what it takes to muster a win here but they are up against stiff competition. Goals would be a better option than picking an outright winner.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Stuttgart vs Celtic – 8:45PM
This game seems more of a formality after Stuttgart destroyed Celtic 4-1 away from home in the first leg. Bilal El Khannouss scored a brace and is available to start here as well.
Celtic were beaten again over the weekend, losing 2-1 to Hibernian – making it back to back home defeats for the first time this season. They are not likely to make a comeback in this contest.
Stuttgart have won two of the three games played against Celtic in their history, with the latter winning once in 2003. They knocked Stuttgart out of the Europa League that season with a 5-4 aggregate scoreline.
Prediction – Stuttgart to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League Wednesday predictions: Match preview, key stats, current form & h2h
Bologna vs Brann – 11PM
The Serie A side fought hard to secure a slim 1-0 win in the first leg. Bologna are out to finish the job as they prepare to host the second leg.
A ninth minute Santiago Castro goal was enough to gift his side the victory. The Argentine will remain in the starting XI here as no changes are expected from the lineup.
Brann have only managed one win in their last five games and are coming off a 2-2 draw against Sotra in a club friendly. Bologna on the other hand beat Udinese 1-0 in Serie A to make it three wins in a row.
The hosts boast a better squad on paper and come into the game on a high, giving them the edge here.
Prediction – Bologna to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Celta Vigo vs PAOK – 11PM
Celta Vigo carry a 2-1 advantage into the second leg as they seek to book their place in the last 16. They have lost just once in their last five matches in all competitions.
They take on a PAOk side who have just one win in their last five games, most recently a 1-1 draw against AEL Larissa at the weekend. They have lost both games they have played against Celta Vigo in their head-to-head history.
The home team are seeking a third consecutive win after beating Mallorca 2-0 in their weekend La Liga fixture. PAOK have been unconvincing on the road – winning twice from their last nine matches away from home.
Prediction – Celta Vigo to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce – 11PM
The PL side have one foot in the last 16 after an impressive 3-0 away victory in the first leg. Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White were all on target and will all start here.
The win was their only one in the last five games, while Fenerbahce are without a win in their last two games. The Turkish outfit drew 1-1 against Kasimpasa in their last match.
Nottingham are coming off a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool but are tipped as favorites to make it back-to-back wins against Fenerbahce.
Prediction – Nottingham Forest to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
