Man United vs Roma
Thursday, April 29th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
In what will be their 7th meeting in European competition, Roma take to Old Trafford for the first leg of the Europa League Semi Finals, and if the past is any indication of the future, the Giallorossi will have their work cut out for them.
From 6 games dating back to 2007, the former Italian powerhouse has only ever beaten the Red Devils once, drawn once, and lost the remaining 4. English clubs have historically troubled Roma when playing away in Europe, with just 1 win from 13 attempts since 2001.
Roma have been far from convincing in recent games, after edging past Ajax in the Quarter Finals they travelled back to Italy where they lost away to Torino and Cagliari, as well as a sloppy draw at home to Atalanta.
The same can’t be said for Manchester United who cruised past an admittedly easier opposition in Granada during the Quarter Finals before defeating Burnley 3-1 at home.
Feeling fit, focused and ready for Thursday 💪#MUFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/5LqFFM1mjm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 28, 2021
They did show a hint of weakness in their most recent match against Leeds, but even so, they dominated the game and took away a point with a 0-0 draw.
Roma have consistently struggled to convert their chances away from home, with only 22 of their 58 goals in the Serie A coming in away games, against a United side which have the third best defensive record in the league it is hard to like their chances of breaking them down.
The Red Devils are unbeaten since joining the Europa League and we are expecting them to maintain that record through this home fixture with a clinical victory.
Europa League Prediction: Manchester United (-190)
Both Teams to Score / NO: (-108)
Villareal vs Arsenal
Thursday, April 29th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
As fate would have it, Unai Emery, who was so unceremoniously dumped by Arsenal back in 2019, experienced a career rebirth since signing on with Villareal, and today gets his chance at revenge over his old club as Arsenal travel to the Estadio De La Ceramico.
Under Emery, the Yellow Submarine have thrived in the Europa League this season, unbeaten with 11 wins from 12 games, and 28 goals scored while conceding just 7.
While they haven’t enjoyed the same successes over all comps, Villareal have been mostly very solid at home, boasting a home record of 14-6-6 in all competitions.
🎙 @UnaiEmery_ 🎙
“It’s our chance to break our ceiling in Europe, and continue having a great experience.”#ItsOurTime #UEL pic.twitter.com/5Gwq1qUSDD
— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) April 28, 2021
Arsenal have experienced a similar run through the Europa League, most recently dismantled Slava Praha away from home in the Quarter Finals, winning 5-1 on aggregate over the 2 games.
However, since returning to England, and upon the announcement of the calamitous European Super League, the Gunners have struggled, first drawing at home to Fulham before a painful 1-0 home defeat to Everton.
Working in their favour is the huge boost they receive to their squad this week, with news that Martin Odegaard returns to the starting lineup following his injury, as well as the return of their big money forwards, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng and Alexandre Lacazette, among others.
It is always an exciting matchup when a former manager takes on his old team, but despite their shaky results in the last week, the Gunners are now at full strength again and have been scoring goals for fun away from home.
Europa League Prediction: Arsenal (+180)
Over 2.5 Goals / YES (+102)
There are heaps of different soccer tournaments in full swing at the moment if you want to learn more about what’s going on, make sure you visit our soccer hub page, we’ve got you covered with all the latest info!
*Odds correct at time of publication, thanks to FanDuel.
