Europa League: find out why Greg Lea is backing the British teams in Thursday's second legs

The two British teams still standing in this season’s Europa League have work to do ahead of Thursday night's semi-final second legs.

Rangers vs RB Leipzig

8pm, BT Sport

Rangers almost held out for a 0-0 draw at the Red Bull Arena last week, but Angelino’s volley in the 85th minute earned RB Leipzig a 1-0 win in front of their own fans. Rangers will not have been too disappointed with that outcome, though. They fulfilled their primary objective of still being in the tie at the midway point.

Ibrox is home to one of the best atmospheres in European football and it has been a useful weapon for Rangers so far this season. The Scottish champions lost at Red Star Belgrade and Braga in previous rounds, but home wins against both sides secured their progression.

Rangers will look to make a quick start on Thursday in a bid to cancel out the deficit as quickly as possible. They scored the first goal in each of their three prior knockout games at Ibrox and are generously priced at 2.34 to draw first blood here.

Expect more goals to follow. The first leg was tight and cagey, but Rangers will adopt a more proactive approach in Glasgow. Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score, available at 2.08, looks tempting.

Recommended bet: over 2.5 goals and both teams to score @ 2.08

West Ham manager David Moyes felt his side didn't deserve to win the first leg against Leipzig in London last week

Eintracht Frankfurt vs West Ham United

8pm, BT Sport

West Ham got off to a nightmare start in the first leg, conceding the first goal of the game after just 50 seconds. They went on to suffer a 2-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt, who will be looking to complete the job in Germany on Thursday.

West Ham’s chances should not be dismissed out of hand. David Moyes said after the first leg that his team did not deserve to get a result, but West Ham actually created the better opportunities on the night. The expected goals figures were certainly in their favour, but profligacy in and around the penalty area proved costly.

West Ham have shown throughout Moyes’ second spell in charge that they possess character in abundance, so there will still be plenty of belief within the squad as they head to Frankfurt.

The Hammers reached the last four by beating Lyon 3-0 in the away leg of their quarter-final, and they may benefit from the clarity that a 2-1 aggregate deficit brings: whereas Frankfurt could be caught between two stools, not entirely sure whether they should seek to protect or extend their advantage, West Ham know that only a win will do.

Moyes’ men can be backed at 3 to triumph on the night. Jarrod Bowen, who found the back of the net against Arsenal at the weekend, is the best bet in the anytime goalscorer stakes at 3.75.

Recommended bet: West Ham @ 3

Recommended bets

Rangers first goal @ 2.34

Rangers/Leipzig BTTS/Over 2.5 @ 2.08

West Ham @ 3

Bowen anytime @ 3.75