The Europa League last 16 is here, and some of Europe’s biggest clubs are battling for a place in the quarter-finals. With Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers all in action, this round promises drama, surprises, and intense football action. But who will progress?
Fenerbahce vs Rangers – Can the Scottish Giants Overcome Mourinho’s Mastermind?
Fenerbahce made easy work of their playoff tie, thrashing Anderlecht 3-0 at home before securing their spot in the last 16. José Mourinho’s men are unbeaten in 18 matches and have been a fortress at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, winning eight of their last nine games.
However, they will be missing two key players: Fred is suspended, and Bright Osayi-Samuel is both suspended and injured. New signing Milan Škriniar is expected to lead the defense alongside Çağlar Söyüncü and young Yusuf Akçiçek.
Rangers, on the other hand, have had a rollercoaster season. Despite finishing eighth in the group stage and automatically qualifying for the last 16, their poor domestic form led to Philippe Clement’s sacking. Club legend Barry Ferguson has stepped in as interim manager and faces a massive test in Istanbul.
Key players John Souttar and Leon Balogun have returned from injury, boosting Rangers’ defensive options. But is it enough to stop Fenerbahce’s attacking firepower?
Prediction: Fenerbahce to progress
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham – A Familiar Foe for Spurs
AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham meet again after clashing in the group phase, where Spurs edged a 1-0 victory thanks to a Richarlison penalty.
This time, Tottenham are missing key players: Dejan Kulusevski (foot injury), Richarlison, and Radu Dragusin are all sidelined. However, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke are fit to return.
AZ have been strong at home, winning 10 of their last 11 matches. Former Spurs striker Troy Parrott has been in sensational form, netting 17 goals this season, including four in the Europa League. He will be eager to prove a point against his old club.
Despite AZ’s home dominance, Tottenham’s depth and experience should see them through.
Prediction: Tottenham to progress
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Real Sociedad vs Manchester United – Can United Recover from FA Cup Heartbreak?
Manchester United’s season has been turbulent, and the Europa League is now their only chance at silverware. Their FA Cup exit against Fulham last weekend only added to their woes, and injuries continue to plague the squad.
Key defenders Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, and Jonny Evans are out, while midfielders Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw remain unavailable. With limited attacking options, Ruben Amorim will rely on out-of-form duo Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Real Sociedad, however, are also struggling. Their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona exposed major flaws. But at home, they have been a different beast, winning 11 of their last 14 matches.
With Takefusa Kubo and Nayef Aguerd returning from suspension, Real Sociedad could capitalize on United’s vulnerability.
Prediction: Real Sociedad to progress
FCSB vs Lyon – Can the Underdogs Shock the French Giants?
Lyon are clear favorites, but FCSB are no pushovers. The Romanian side have lost just once in their last 16 home games, and their defensive structure has been solid throughout the tournament.
However, Lyon’s real problem lies in the dugout. Their manager, Paulo Fonseca, faces a lengthy touchline ban after an extraordinary outburst in Ligue 1, where he allegedly head-butted a referee. The distraction could hurt the team’s focus.
Even with that turmoil, Lyon’s quality should see them through.
Prediction: Lyon to progress
Roma vs Athletic Club – A Clash of Giants at the Olimpico
Two of the tournament’s strongest teams face off, and Roma are in excellent form. Their 2-1 victory against Como marked their 10th win in their last 11 home games.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, have been inconsistent, winning just four of their last 11 matches and struggling away from home. Oihan Sancet’s fitness remains uncertain, and without him, Athletic’s attacking options will be limited.
Given their form and home advantage, Roma should edge this one.
Prediction: Roma to progress
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt – A Battle of European Heavyweights
Ajax survived a thriller against Union Saint-Gilloise, needing a last-minute penalty from Kenneth Taylor to advance. However, they will be without Davy Klaassen (suspension), Wout Weghorst, and Christian Rasmussen (injuries).
Eintracht Frankfurt, on the other hand, have been in awful form, winning just one of their last seven matches. Their morale is low after heavy defeats to Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Ajax’s impressive home record (18 wins in their last 21 games) gives them the edge in this tie.
Prediction: Ajax to progress
Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiakos – Can the Norwegians Overcome the Greek Giants?
Bodø/Glimt dominated Twente in the playoffs, winning 6-4 on aggregate, but their biggest challenge is match fitness. With the Norwegian league on break since December, they may lack sharpness.
Olympiakos, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 26 matches, including winning nine of their last 12 away games. Their consistency makes them favorites in this tie.
Prediction: Olympiakos to progress
Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio – Italian Giants Eyeing Quarter-Finals
Viktoria Plzen’s reward for knocking out Ferencváros is a clash with Lazio, who dominated the group stage. The Czech side have been formidable at home but haven’t faced a team of Lazio’s caliber this season.
With Lazio boasting superior squad depth and quality, they should comfortably advance.
Prediction: Lazio to progress
Who Will Make the Quarter-Finals?
The Europa League last 16 is set to be a thrilling round of football, with some teams battling injuries, suspensions, and managerial drama. While favorites like Tottenham, Roma, and Lyon are expected to progress, Manchester United and Rangers face serious challenges.
Will we see major upsets, or will Europe’s giants assert their dominance? The road to the Europa League trophy continues!
