Europa and Conference League Betting Tips: Can Liverpool produce another miracle comeback?

As we enter the second leg of the European quarterfinals, there is still a lot to play for. Liverpool are looking to repeat their Istanbul heroics and overturn a 3-goal deficit in Italy, whereas an in-form striker will be looking to help Marseille overcome Benfica. Two Italian juggernauts lock horns in the eternal city, while Leverkusen will look to sustain their unbeaten record. In the Conference League, Aston Villa have a big task on their hands to withstand a Lille barrage. 

Atalanta vs Liverpool

Kick Off: 20:00

Liverpool’s season seems to have unravelled in the space of a few days. A shock 3-0 home loss to Atalanta was followed by a 0-1 loss at home to bottom-half Crystal Palace. It’s looking like a rather distasteful end to Jurgen Klopp’s legendary spell in charge of the Reds. 

Atalanta were relentless and ruthless in the reverse fixture, punishing Liverpool in transition. It was a clear sign of a well-drilled side and was a testament to the fantastic work that experienced manager Gian Piero Gasperini has done in Bergamo over the past eight seasons. 

The last three results for Liverpool would’ve angered Klopp, so expect a fast start for the visitors. 

Liverpool averages the second most corners in the Premier League with 7.50 corners per game. Their last few matches (excluding the reverse leg) have seen them hit: 11,11,13,8,7,8,7 corners. 

With Liverpool having to score at least three goals to overturn the deficit, we should see attack after attack and relentless pressure. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see Liverpool match their corner average and more. 

Prediction: Liverpool race to 7 corners @ 1.78

Marseille vs Benfica

Kick Off: 20:00

Marseille and Benfica lock horns again after an entertaining first leg that saw Benfica run out 2-1 winners. 

That defeat compounded Marseille to a fifth straight defeat, with Jean-Louis Gasset’s side desperately needing a result to get their season back on track.

Despite many players underperforming and lacking form, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a standout for Les Phocéens. The 34-year-old scored his 25th goal of the season in the reverse leg. 

This was his tenth goal in just eight Europa League games and 11 in his last 10 starts. The Gabonese international is averaging 0.51 goals, 3.70 shots, 1.74 shots on target and 0.66 xG Per 90 in Ligue 1. 

With Marseille chasing the game and a loud, passionate Stade Vélodrome backing them, they should be presented with plenty of goalscoring opportunities. 

Prediction: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang To Score Anytime @ 2.22

Roma vs AC Milan

Kick Off: 20:00

The two Italian juggernauts played out a low-scoring but entertaining affair at the San Siro in the last leg, with Roma scoring the only goal of the game against the run of play.  

AC Milan were the better team and had 25 shots to Roma’s 10. In the last round against Brighton, Daniele De Rossi’s side won 4-0 at home, before holding out to only lose 1-0 at the AMEX. In this game, Roma conceded 21 shots and were on the back foot for the majority of the game. 

A similar pattern is expected on Thursday, so there may be value in the goal-scorer market for AC Milan.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is enjoying a very fruitful spell at AC Milan and is potentially playing himself into contention for an England call-up. 

The 28-year-old has 10 goals in 38 appearances for the Rossoneri, averaging 0.28 goals per 90 in Serie A. The 6ft 3in box-to-box midfielder has caught the eye in the Europa League, scoring a brace against Rennes, as well as a goal in both legs against Slavia Prague. His shot output increases in the Europa League, averaging 2.15 shots and 1.07 shots on target per 90.

In a game AC Milan should dominate, Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks a chunky price to continue his fine goalscoring form. 

Prediction: Ruben Loftus Cheek to Score @ 4.9

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen

Kick Off: 20:00

From minute one last week, Bayer Leverkusen were on top against West Ham. Despite this, it took Xabi Alonso’s side until the 83rd minute to break down the resilient Hammers. 

Leverkusen ended the game with 73% and 33 shots – compared to West Ham’s one. While the game plan was to ultimately frustrate the Germans, David Moyes will be disappointed with his sides lack of attacking threat. 

Both sides had contrasting fortunes in their returns to league action. Leverkusen smashed Werder Bremen 5-0 to finally secure the illustrious league title. 

West Ham lost 2-0 at home to Fulham in a tepid performance, with many fans growing more frustrated with the poor performance. 

In the group stages, Alonso’s side won all six games, scoring 19 and conceding just three. In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have won 25 and drawn four of their 29 games.

Leverkusen should have too much for the hosts in transition. 

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen to win @ 1.86

Lille vs Aston Villa

Kick Off: 17:45

Unai Emery is a European specialist. The Spaniard has won the Europa League a record-breaking four times. He is now chasing a first UEFA Conference League trophy to add to his ever-growing trophy cabinet.

His side overcame a tough first leg at home to Lille, surviving some late scares to triumph 2-1. However, a boisterous crowd is expected in Northern France as Lille prepares to overcome this deficit. 

Paulo Fonseca’s side are the best home side in Ligue 1, losing just one of their 14 league games at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The Villans could be in for a long afternoon, so a bit of gamesmanship may be needed – something Emery’s side excels in.

While Villa have entertained the country with their high line and pressing football, another reason they have been so successful under Emery is their ability to manage games. Aston Villa ranks fourth for yellow cards per game, possessing many tenacious players who aren’t afraid to do the dirty work.

Morgan Rogers was signed in January from Championship side Middlesbrough and has impressed the Villa faithful. His off-the-ball work does not go unnoticed, with the 21-year-old winning 6.84 duels per 90. He is also not afraid to get stuck in, averaging 2.07 fouls per 90 and 0.41 yellows per 90 in the Premier League. 

Rogers also picked up five yellows in 14 Championship starts for Middlesbrough. An added caveat is that Lille draw 2.25 yellows per game in Ligue 1 – the third most in the league. 

In Lille’s 11 Conference League games thus far, they have drawn 29 yellows and three reds.

Prediction: Morgan Rogers to be booked @ 4.4

Recommended Bets:

Back Liverpool race to seven corners vs Atalanta @ 1.78
Back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang To Score in Marseille vs Benfica @ 2.22
Back Ruben Loftus-Cheek To Score in Roma vs AC Milan @ 4.9
Back Bayer Leverkusen To Beat West Ham @ 1.86
Back Morgan Rogers to be booked in Lille vs Aston Villa @ 4.4