Europa League Round of 16: 6th August Preview

The Europa League is back and on Thursday we’ll see the last of the round of 16 fixtures finally take place, ahead of the straight knockout tournament which will determine the rest of the competition in Germany over the next couple of weeks.
But who will be heading to the quarter finals? Below we take a look at Thursday’s games.

Basel v Frankfurt (AGG: 3-0)

Frankfurt are going to have to put in the performance of their lives if they want to overturn Basel’s three-goal first leg advantage, but with a league fixture just three days previously, Basel will need to be wary of tired legs.
Our verdict: Basel to progress

Bayer Leverkusen v Rangers (AGG: 3-1)

Again, it would take a massive result for Rangers to turn this one around as they head to Leverkusen 3-1 down. Those three away goals could prove too much for Steven Gerrard’s side, meaning they will also have to score at least three if they have any hopes of progressing.
Our verdict: Leverkusen to progress

Wolves v Olympiakos (AGG: 1-1)

Wolves battled to an impressive draw in Greece in March, so it’s tough on them that their home advantage will be diminished with no crowd at the Molineux for the second leg.
Nevertheless, they still have a precious away goal and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have certainly caught the eye in the Premier League this season, finishing in seventh place ahead of the likes of Arsenal.
Our verdict: Wolves to progress

Sevilla v Roma (single leg tie)

Potentially the game of the round. Sevilla – who won the competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – take on Roma in a single-leg tie in neutral territory in Germany.
Sevilla have already secured Champions League football for next season after finishing fourth in La Liga, but they’ll be facing a hungry Roma side who have been in fine fettle since the restart.
The Andalusians will be the more rested of the two sides, though, with the Serie A season having only just finished and that could prove the difference here.
Our verdict: Sevilla to progress