Four British clubs entered the 2018/19 Europa League group stages and three managed to reach the knockout rounds. Could another British team go on and lift Europe’s secondary club trophy this campaign? It would be foolish to bet against it…
The Champions League remains the pinnacle of European football but the Europa League is certainly improving. With the lucrative offer of a spot in next season’s Champions League up for grabs, teams have started to prioritise this competition in recent years.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic are still in contention to lift the trophy this campaign. Plenty of punters will be getting behind all three clubs ahead of the knockout rounds. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who they are paired up with in the last-32.
BATE BORISOV vs ARSENAL
BATE will be fresh after two months off but that could have a negative impact on the hosts in this clash. The Belarusian side will need to perform at their highest level to stand any chance of giving Arsenal a contest on February 14th.
The Gunners are expected to take the Europa League seriously and BATE will be wary of a good hiding. However, home advantage in the first leg should help and 3/4 for both teams to score is well worth considering.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are red hot favourites to progress. 1/20 isn’t much of a price at all when you think about it but the Gunners will be determined to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The Europa League could be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware in 2018/19.
Unai Emery’s side have lost three of their last seven games in all competitions but Arsenal fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. The Gunners will face BATE after a difficult run of Premier League games and Arsenal could run riot if looking to rebuild confidence.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4
TO GO THROUGH: Arsenal
CELTIC vs VALENCIA
Celtic are 5/2 outsiders to advance to the next round – and with good reason. The Scottish champions haven’t been anywhere near as dominant in 2018/19 than in previous years and Brendan Rodgers may choose to focus on the domestic title race.
Beating Valencia over two legs is going to be very difficult indeed. The Bhoys have worked their way up to top spot in the league but only on goal difference. Retaining the crown is their top priority and it could come at the expense of the Europa League.
Valencia have been hit and miss this season but the Spanish outfit did manage to secure a 2-0 victory over Manchester United before crashing out of the Champions League. On that effort, you’d fancy Valencia to get past Celtic in the last-32.
Currently 11th in the La Liga table, Valencia’s top-flight status is safe and that should give Marcelino’s men the freedom to push for Europa League glory. 11/10 for the visitors to grab a first leg advantage is an excellent price.
TIP: Valencia to win the first leg @ 11/10
TO GO THROUGH: Valencia
MALMO FF vs CHELSEA
Malmo will not be straightforward by any means. With just one defeat in their last 15 games in all competitions, the Swedish side will be full of confidence ahead of this clash. Chelsea cannot afford to allow complacency to sneak in.
Like BATE, Malmo last took to the field in December. Uwe Rosler’s side have scheduled one friendly fixture to take place before the first leg but that might not be enough. However, the 8/11 for over 0.5 Malmo goals carries plenty of appeal.
Chelsea have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks but the Blues should have enough class to put Malmo to the sword. Maurizio Sarri may wring the changes for this clash; he has tended to give fringe players a chance to impress in this competition.
I’m expecting Chelsea to send out a statement of intent here. 8/11 for the Premier League giants to take a lead into half-time is worth snapping up. The Blues could end up running away with this one if they go all out for the win.
TIP: Chelsea to lead at half-time @ 8/11
TO GO THROUGH: Chelsea
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
