UEFA Europa League Quarter Finals Predictions: First Leg Matches (10.04)

N1Bet is one of the new bookmakers that started back in 2021 to shake up the sports-betting industry. Despite launching relatively recently, it has already reached over 100 nations worldwide and is expanding quickly. N1 Interactive Africa Ltd. offers odds on various sporting events daily. It’s fully licensed to operate as an online gaming site and follows robust safety measures.

The Norwegian squad has been a regular participant in European competitions in recent years. For the past 7 years, they’ve been coached by the same man – Kjetil Knutsen, who undoubtedly provides the team with the necessary stability.

Norwegians are especially strong on their home turf, aided by the harsh local climate and an equally tricky artificial pitch, which causes major problems for most visiting teams.
Lazio under Marco Baroni has looked quite decent this season. The team took first place in the League Phase, losing only once throughout all matches – and that loss happened in a game that no longer mattered for them.

The schedule isn’t ideal for the “Romans,” as they played a tough match against Atalanta recently, then just a few days later they’ll have to fly to Norway, and after that, they face the mega-important “Derby della Capitale” on Sunday.

I’m backing Bodø/Glimt’s individual corners or even a minus handicap on corners in their favor. Also, personally, I prefer them overall and would risk taking a (0) handicap at odds of 2+.

My bet: Bodø/Glimt +0 (2.45 odds via N1BET)

To qualify: Bodø/Glimt

Both sides played tough matches in their respective leagues this weekend, and now on Thursday they’ll lock horns in a head-to-head clash.
After changing their head coach, “Les Gones” are gradually finding their style and showing better results. At the moment, Lyon has a real chance to qualify for the Champions League through the league and to demonstrate their ambitions in the second most important club tournament in Europe. However, there’s always the saying: “Chase two hares, catch neither.”

For the “Mancunians,” this match, and the Europa League as a whole, is their only hope for a more or less successful season. Even though Rubén Amorim himself says that “nothing can save this season,” everyone involved with MU clearly understands that winning this tournament and securing a UCL spot for next season is exactly what could indeed save it.

The Red Devils’ away results in the EPL are far from impressive – just 4 wins, but in the Europa League, on the other hand, they haven’t lost a single game.
Manchester United’s squad is, of course, more stacked than Lyon’s. But the French do have a few “aces up their sleeve” in the form of very skilled players who have even played in England. Some, like Matić, even played for the very opponent they now face.

Regarding the prediction, neither side looks perfect, especially on defense, so “Both Teams to Score – Yes” seems logical. You could also consider Lyon’s (0) handicap at a decent price.

My bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (1.67 odds via N1BET)

To qualify: Manchester United

After a club legend took over as manager, the Scottish giants’ results improved somewhat, but the team still lacks the consistency they need. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop them from knocking out a strong Fenerbahçe in the previous round.

It’s usually tough to get a result at Ibrox, but the new coach has lost his last 3 home matches there.
Often, it’s hard to pick a tournament favorite early in the season, but this time around, right after the draw in late August, my choice was Bilbao.

Their head coach is Ernesto Valverde, who’s been with the team for almost three years now. Their squad has continuity, plus the final of this tournament will be played in the Basque Country’s home stadium. I don’t see other quarterfinal contenders in the Europa League having such solid arguments.

Maybe, just like in the game with the Turkish side, the Rangers’ manager will find the right words this time, too. But the favorite to progress – and to win the tournament as a whole – is definitely Athletic.

As for the prediction, you might look at the Rangers’ individual corners over 4.5–5, or even them winning the corners matchup. Because if they’re going to pull off a heroic feat, it should be at Ibrox rather than in the “Basque Country.”

My bet: Rangers individual corners over 5 (2.62 odds via N1BET)

To qualify: Athletic

Tottenham clearly went into their last league match with Thursday’s game in mind, subbing off their top players early. There’s nothing surprising about that given the club’s current situation – very much like MU’s – where only a Europa League victory can save their season.

Overall, Postecoglou’s team form leaves much to be desired, and insiders in the tabloid press suggest he’ll likely be sacked at the end of the season. Maybe theoretically winning the Europa League could make the club’s bosses reconsider, but that seems unlikely.

For Eintracht, unlike the home side, it’s still possible to get into the Champions League through their league (or at worst end up in some other European competition). But for that, the coach will have to smartly distribute resources at the end of the season to avoid ending up, as the saying goes, “with nothing at all.”

Looking at the pairing, I can’t help but recall Eintracht’s clash with another English club – West Ham. Beating them got the Germans into the 2022 final, which they went on to win. It’s unlikely the outcome here will be exactly the same, but nothing is impossible.

I think both teams will at least score one goal. As for the final result, I still give the edge to the English side.

My bet: Both teams to Score – Yes (1.53 odds via N1BET)

To qualify: Tottenham