Europa League: Which Teams Will Take the Early Advantage?

Just like in the UEFA Champions League, eight teams remain in contention to win this season’s UEFA Europa League title.

Being the Europa League (notorious for the many games teams have to play and long distances they have to cover), it’s been quite the journey for most of these teams – some of which have been in the competition since the qualifiers started almost nine months ago.

But all these will take the back seat when players clash this Thursday. Which teams will take the early advantage in the following games?

1. RB Leipzig vs. Olympique Marseille

The last time Leipzig played an Europa League game at home, they lost 2-0 to Napoli. But they still qualified via the “away goals” rule. But they will be thankful to face a side like Marseille, who has only won one of their last 4 away games in the Europa League.

The French side has won 3 of their last 4 home games but can’t boast of a similar record away from home. They have only been able to score 3 goals in all of those four away games, while conceding an average of a goal per away game played.

2. Arsenal vs. CSKA Moscow

The Gunners started their European campaign in this league, unlike the Russians that came into the competition via the Champions League. To an extent, Arsenal has adjusted quickly, with only 2 losses recorded after 8 Europa League games played this season.

Arsenal has scored an average of 2 goals per game whenever they’ve played at home. Being priced at 1.35, they’re favorites for this game but CSKA Moscow will be looking to cause an upset.

3. Atletico Madrid vs. Sporting CP

Favorites to win the competition, Atletico Madrid will be looking to wrap up this fixture that has the Madrid derby sandwiched in between it. For a side that has only conceded 2 goals in four Europa League games while scoring 13 for themselves, the wrap up may happen sooner than expected.

But they will be faced with a tough Portuguese side that also joined the competition via the Champions League route. They have scored 10 goals in all their 4 Europa League games – and average of 2.5 goals per game – and will also be looking to draw first blood.

4. Lazio vs. Salzburg

Both sides, in recent times, have been notoriously scoring a lot of goals. Lazio, on one hand, has scored 13 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions. Salzburg, on the other hand, has scored 11 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.

Both sides have only met twice in history. Salzburg won both times, with both teams scoring in both games and over 2,5 goals scored in both games.

All the important stats have been rolled out. Which of these teams do you think have what it takes to win their first leg games and take the early advantage? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts with us.