Europa League tips: West Ham and Sevilla set for second leg showdown in London

Sixteen teams will be whittled down to eight after the Europa League last-16 second legs on Thursday. Here are our top tips for the upcoming games around the continent.

Crvena Zvezda vs Rangers

5.45pm, BT Sport 3

Rangers have one foot in the quarter-finals after their 3-0 victory in the first leg last week. Ibrox was bouncing throughout the match, but the Gers will be faced by a more hostile atmosphere in the Serbian capital.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, but that run could come to an end here. Rangers are likely to progress to the next round such is the extent of their aggregate advantage, but Crvena will fancy their chances of triumphing in front of their own fans.

Recommended bet: Crvena Zvezda to win @ 2.28

Galatasaray vs Barcelona

5.45pm, BT Sport Extra 3

Barcelona look revitalised under Xavi Hernandez, who beat Osasuna on Sunday to maintain their position in the top four of La Liga. However, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Galatasaray in the first leg at the Camp Nou. Their Turkish visitors played well and could easily have left Catalonia with a victory.

We could be in store for another tight, low-scoring encounter on Thursday, when the stakes will be higher than they were last week.

Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.16

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has turned the club's fortunes around since taking over at Camp Nou

Bayer Leverkusen vs Atalanta

5.45pm

A five goal-thriller in Bergamo last Thursday ended in a 3-2 victory for Atalanta, but there is still everything to play for in this tie. Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last nine home games in all competitions, so Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will have to be at their best to come out on top for a second time.

They do not necessarily need to win on Thursday, of course. Both teams are better going forward than they are at the back, so another goal-laden affair beckons.

Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.4

West Ham United vs Sevilla

8pm, BT Sport 2

Sevilla hold a one-goal lead ahead of Thursday’s trip to the London Stadium, but David Moyes will not have been too disappointed with the outcome in the first leg. West Ham held their own for long periods against the La Liga side, who were unable to score the second goal that would have put them in a commanding position.

The Hammers will have to go on the front foot this time, while Sevilla will look to pick the hosts off on the break. Both teams to score looks like good value at 1.99.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score @ 1.99

Lyon vs Porto

8pm, BT Sport Extra 3

Lyon performed brilliantly in Portugal last week to establish a one-goal advantage at the midway point of this tie. It would be a mistake, though, to assume that the French side are safely through. Porto are an excellent team who have not lost a single league game all season.

Lyon are certainly in a stronger position ahead of Thursday’s match, but a price of 3.95 on Porto to go through is extremely attractive given how well Sergio Conceicao’s side have played for most of the campaign to date.

Recommended bet: Porto to qualify @ 3.95

Recommended bets

Crvena Zvezda @ 2.28

Galatasaray/Barcelona under 2.5 @ 2.16

Leverkusen/Atalanta over 3.5 @ 2.4

West Ham/Sevilla BTTS @ 1.99

Porto qualify @ 3.95