As the UEFA Europa League reaches matchday seven of the league phase, the stakes are growing larger than ever. These penultimate fixtures offer teams one of their final chances to solidify their place in the knockout stages, meaning every match-hup is likely to feature plenty of drama and surprises.
We take a look at a selection of the matches and pick out our top tips and best booking codes (odds at time of writing):
Hoffenheim vs Tottenham
Tottenham may have struggled in recent weeks, with just two wins in their last eight outings across all competitions - alongside five defeats and one draw - but they will be the favourites heading into this one.
Hoffenheim are not only outside of the knockout places in the Europa League standings, having recorded just one win, three draws and two defeats, leaving them 26th, but are also battling against relegation in the Bundesliga. The hosts are 15th in the Bundesliga table with 17 points, three ahead of the drop zone, while they have managed only one win in their last 10 outings.
With this, we believe Tottenham's encouraging form in the Europa League will continue with a win here.
Tottenham to win, 2.62
Lazio vs Real Sociedad
Lazio are top of the Europa League standings after six matches, with five wins and one draw leaving them on 16 points, meaning they have all-but confirmed their position in the top eight places with two matchdays to go.
In comparison, Real Sociedad are 12th in the table with 10 points, leaving them still in the battle for a spot in the top eight places as they trail eighth-placed Rangers by just one point.
However, the Spanish side will be underdogs given Lazio have lost just once at home all season, meaning that a Lazio win provides good value.
Lazio to win, 2.52
Manchester United vs Rangers
Rasmus Hojlund may only have two Premier League goals in 17 appearances this season, but the striker has thrived in the Europa League, boasting five goals from six appearances, including four in the two fixtures since Ruben Amorim's arrival.
The striker is expected to come back into the starting 11 for this match, and with Man United desperately needing a victory to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Brighton, we expect the hosts to have an attacking mindset in this game.
With this, Hojlund could be a good shout to get on the scoresheet once again here.
Rasmus Hojlund to score anytime, 2.40
Fenerbahce Istanbul vs Lyon
Fenerbahce sit 21st in the table after six matches with just eight points, meaning the hosts are desperately needing all three points to strengthen their position inside the top 24 places to ensure their qualification to the next round.
However, their visitors, Lyon, have enjoyed their time in Europe this campaign, sitting fourth in the table with 13 points after four wins, one draw and one defeat, and with them in such good form on the continent, we believe the French side will win this one.
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