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Europa League Predictions – Round of 16 First Legs

Declan Rice celebrates after scoring against Dinamo Zagreb

Two games have already been played, with Lyon beating Porto 1-0 in Portugal last night and Eintracht Frankfurt also picking up an away win, seeing off Real Betis 2-1 in Spain.

There are some fascinating matchups on Thursday as all the Group winners return to action. Standout ties include two favourites, Sevilla and West Ham, facing off against each other, while Barcelona welcome Galatasaray to the Nou Camp.

Sevilla vs West Ham (5:45pm)

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What a test this is for West Ham.

David Moyes’ side coasted through the group stage, finishing top of Group H after picking up four wins from six.

As such, they may have wanted, even deserved, an easier draw than this.

Sevilla have a rich history in the Europa League, winning it three years on the trot between 2014 and 2016. Overall, their six triumphs make them the most decorated side in the competition’s history.

Currently sitting second in La Liga, they will cause all sorts of problems to West Ham, especially with the Hammers likely to be missing the in-form Jarrod Bowen through injury.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

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Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)

Both these sides are dark horses for the competition.

Leverkusen, who are currently third in the Bundesliga and took a point from their trip to Bayern Munich at the weekend, strolled through Group G, scoring 14 and conceding only 5 on their way to picking up four wins from six.

They are evenly matched with their Italian counterparts, Atalanta proving a class above Olympiakos in the last round after dropping down the Champions League.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2

Barcelona vs Galatasaray (8pm)

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The signings of Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Piere-Emerick Aubameyang have seemingly re-vitalised Barcelona. Unbeaten in their last eight games, the Spanish giants now look like real favourites to go all the way.

Indeed, they showed this at Napoli in the last round, ruthlessly putting 4 past their Italian opponents in a superb performance.

It looks as though the Catalan club are finally getting back on their feet under Xavi.

SCORE PREDICTION: 4-0

Rangers vs Red Star Belgrade (8pm)

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Rangers were by far and away the surprise – and stars – of the last round.

Scoring 4 against Dortmund in their own backyard was one of their greatest European nights ever. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men backed this up at Ibrox, more than standing up to the German’s onslaught to book their place in the Round of 16.

They must now back this up against Red Star Belgrade. The Serbians will prove a resolute and wily outfit and will catch Rangers off guard if the Scottish side take them lightly.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

Sporting Braga vs Monaco (8pm)

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Braga saved their blushes in the last round, recovering from a 2-0 first leg deficit to Sheriff Tiraspol by beating the Moldovan minnows on penalties in Portugal.

If they suffer a similar first leg defeat to Monaco, who came through Group B unbeaten, they won’t be coming back.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

Europa Conference League

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Leicester vs Rennes

Leicester put the disappointment of falling out of the Europa League behind them, sticking 7 past Danish side Randers FC over two legs as they comfortably progressed into the Round of 16.

Rennes, who topped Tottenham’s group, will provide stiffer opposition.

The result of this one depends on what Leicester turns up. Struggling in the league this year, Brendan Rodgers’ side will need to take this competition seriously if they want to be playing European football next season.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

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