Nobody can say that the Europa League is an easy tournament to win. Not only are some of Europe’s finest sides in the competition but it is a highly punishing schedule. For instance, there is an extra round of knockout games compared to the Champions League. While the Europa League round of 16 gets underway this week, half of the ties in the same stage of the Champions League will be decided. That provides us with more than enough betting opportunities to create three trebles of increasing odds which you’ll find below.
Easy Winner – 21/20 (Sky Bet)
- Arsenal to score against Bayern Munich (2/9) – Arsenal are all but out of the Champions League after their horror show in Germany but they should go down fighting by scoring at least once at the Emirates.
- Both teams to score in Napoli v Real Madrid (2/5) – Napoli may have lost 3-1 at the Bernabeu but they’ve still got a real chance of qualification if they go on the front foot. Unfortunately, any attacking intent is likely to provide Real Madrid with chances of their own.
- Over 1.5 goals in Lyon v Roma (1/5) – This looks to be the tie of the round. Both teams have a chance of going all the way to the final and neither will be holding back when they meet in France. Expect plenty of goalmouth action.
Medium Risk – 15/2 (BetVictor)
- Barcelona to beat PSG (1/2) – Not only were PSG brilliant in their first leg 4-0 demolition of Barcelona but the Catalans were decidedly poor. Don’t expect a repeat of that at the Camp Nou. Barcelona are surely going out but they should do so with a win to make the aggregate score more respectable.
- FC Copenhagen to beat Ajax (6/4) – FC Copenhagen will need to be at their best to get through their tie with Ajax. They are, though, a team with a growing European pedigree who should make the most of their home leg with a win.
- Olympiakos to beat Besiktas (5/4) – Much like FC Copenhagen, Olympiakos have to capitalise on their home leg against Besiktas. They’re sure to find the going tough during the second leg so expect them to make the trip to Turkey with a lead to defend.
Long Shot – 70/1 (Bet365)
- Bayern Munich to beat Arsenal and both teams to score (13/5) – Arsenal had their pride dented in Germany and will be out for revenge. Unfortunately, they’re simply not as good as this Bayern Munich side who can increase the Gunners’ pain by winning at the Emirates.
- Napoli to beat Real Madrid and over 3.5 goals (5/1) – Napoli have got ample quality to really push Real Madrid to the limit at the Stadio San Paolo. Real can grab an away goal to further strengthen their position in the tie but don’t be surprised if Napoli win Tuesday’s match.
- Lyon and Roma to draw (23/10) – Lyon and Roma are two very well matched sides. This one looks certain to be close for the return leg in Rome and a draw is a highly possible outcome.