Europa League Picks — Predictions for Playoff Round (Feb 20)

The crucial second legs in the playoff round of the Europa League will be staged on Thursday, February 20. Find our picks for every fixture in the competition this week, here.

Europa League Picks

Bodo/Glimt vs. FC Twente

FC Twente holds the narrow advantage after recording a 2-1 win in the Netherlands last week. The Dutch side are unbeaten in their three matches against teams from Norway.

However, Bodo/Glimt’s excellent home form could be the key angle. They have won 25 of their last 31 home matches, and have scored 80 goals across that period to average 2.6 goals per game.

Roma vs. FC Porto

Little separates Roma and Porto following a 1-1 draw in Portugal last week. However, it could be worth noting that the visitors have lost just once in their last seven meetings against Roma.

That being said, the home win looks like the most likely outcome. Roma have won 13 of their last 16 home matches in the Europa League, and have kept clean sheets in each of their previous three.

FCSB vs. PAOK

FCSB have an advantage to defend following a 2-1 win in Greece last week. The hosts have lost just one of their last five matches against Greek sides.

Meanwhile, PAOK have suffered defeats in four of their last five against Romanian teams. It is also alarming that PAOK have suffered defeats in their last two. A cagey draw could be the interesting angle on Thursday.

Galatasaray vs. AZ Alkmaar

Galatasaray’s poor record against Dutch clubs continued last week after suffering a 4-1 hammering in the Netherlands. Only two teams from 57 have ever recovered from a three-goal first leg deficit.

The chances of that look slim based on the fact that AZ have never lost an away match in Turkey. We expect the Dutch side to progress, and they could even claim victory on the night in Istanbul.

Ajax vs. St. Gilloise

Ajax have the clear upper-hand in this tie after a 2-0 win last week. The Dutch side have also won seven of their eight European home matches against teams from Belgium.

A home win looks like the most likely betting angle this week based on their clear dominance in the first meeting last Thursday.

Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce will have a healthy lead to defend this week after claiming a 3-0 home win last Thursday.

Anderlecht are winless in their five previous matches against their Turkish opponents, losing on four occasions across that period. It is also worth noting that Anderlecht have suffered defeats in each of their last three matches in the Europa League.

Real Sociedad vs. Midtjylland

Real Sociedad have an advantage to defend in Spain this weekend after recording a 2-1 win in Denmark last Thursday. Sociedad have progressed from seven of their last nine knockout ties after winning the first leg.

A quick start could be likely for the home side, as they have scored ten goals in the opening 45 minutes of matches in the Europa League this term.

Viktoria Plzen vs. Ferencvaros

Ferencvaros will have a narrow 1-0 advantage to defend this week. The visitors have lost on all six of their previous trips to Czechia. However, Viktoria Plzen have suffered defeats in three of their last four matches in Europe.

Defensively, Ferencvaros have been excellent this season, keeping three clean sheets in the Europa League. That could ultimately be the key for the visitors progressing through to the next round.