Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg Previews – Thursday 17 March
By Andy Robinson
Manchester United vs Liverpool
On the day after George Osborne revealed his Spring budget, Louis Van Gaal aims to reduce the 2-0 deficit his Red Devils endured in the first-leg at Anfield.
With no wins from three games in all competitions, United are looking to end yet another dire streak – a situation they have seemingly found themselves in over and over again this season.
Manchester United need two goals to equal the aggregate score and take the tie to extra time, something which seems increasingly unlikely given their frontline’s lack of conviction in recent weeks.
They still have their injury issues – with the game coming too soon for Ashley Young, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Bastian Schweinsteiger – but Liverpool will welcome back midfield engine James Milner after he missed the first-leg through illness, an addition which may prove vitally beneficial.
Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund
Spurs were taught a lesson in counter-attacking football last week as they were trounced 3-0 by Dortmund in the first-leg.
They couldn’t handle the pace of Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which may prove catastrophic for them again as they look to push forward in order to score three goals tonight.
Tottenham’s midfield has taken a huge blow after both Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen missed training on Wednesday with minor knocks.
However, Dele Alli’s man-of-the-match performance and Harry Kane’s brace against Aston Villa on the weekend suggest that not all hope is lost just yet.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
Villarreal look to continue their surprisingly successful season tonight after beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at their home patch last week.
In-form DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu has been superb this season and put Leverkusen to the sword with a double in the first leg.
They may continue to struggle to suppress him this time around as on-loan PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola travels to the BayArena with a knee ligament problem.
Leverkusen face an uphill battle as integral playmaker Hakan Calhanoglou is expected to miss out through injury.
Lazio vs Sparta Prague
The 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic was marred by the game being halted as Sparta players appeared upset by alleged racist chanting from travelling Lazio fans, a claim Lazio fans have categorically denied.
Although it was even in the first leg, the Biancocelesti take back a crucial away goal which could prove vital on home turf.
Italy’s only remaining European representative have a real issue at right-back with both Abdoulay Konko and Dusan Basta doubtful after going off injured in the first leg.
Sparta may lack confidence from not winning in 11 attempts in Italy and their starting goalkeeper Marek Stech out injured.
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao
Valencia lost 1-0 at the Esdtadio San Mames in the first leg and look like they’ll be forced into fielding a depleted team against Bilbao tonight with Sofiane Feghouli and Shkodran Mustafi nursing concussion.
Neville was left fuming at his players on Sunday after bottom-of-the-league Levante outplayed them at the Mestalla.
On the other hand, Bilbao extended their win streak to five games last weekend thanks to Sabin Merino’s double, but his place in the starting line-up seems to be in jeopardy due to the expected return of top-scorer Aritz Aduriz.
Despite a probable Europa League exit, it seems Gary Neville will still be offered a permanent contract at the Mestalla come the end of the season.
Anderlecht vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar travel to Belgium tonight with a two goal cushion after a convincing 3-1 win in Donetsk.
The last time the Ukrainian side progressed through to the quarter finals back in 2009, they went on to lift the Europa League trophy – a potential good omen.
Frank Acheampong’s consolation goal in the first leg gives Anderlecht hope on home soil but ex-Manchester United left-back Alexander Buttner will miss the game through illness.
These two exciting young sides could produce the dark horse fixture of the round as this attacking Anderlecht team have got it all to play for.
Sevilla vs Basel
Englishman Anthony Taylor showed ex-Stoke midfielder Steven N’Zonzi a red card in the first leg meaning he will miss tonight’s return fixture.
This double-legged clash is the first time the two clubs have faced each other, a surprise considering both team’s domestic success.
Both teams are in good form, with Basel unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions but the more telling statistic could be the fact that Sevilla have won every single one of their home games since November last year.
The dull 0-0 draw last week leaves the tie open for the taking for each club, with Sevilla particularly confident after the return of their first team goalkeeper Beto.
Braga vs Fenerbache
Fenerbache have won all but one of their last five games, whereas Braga’s fortunes are the symmetrical contrast with only one win from five matches.
However, Braga have not lost a home game in 2016 and Fenerbahce have only managed to win two on the road this year.
Sporting Braga only need to overturn a 1-0 deficit in order to equal Mehmet Topal’s late winner last time out and penalties are certainly not out of the question for this tie.
Star striker Robin Van Persie is expected to start ahead of team-mate Fernandao which could prove extremely worrying for the Braga defence.
Photo Credit: GettyImages
