Thursday’s Europa League playoffs are set to bring thrilling football action as teams battle it out for a spot in the group stage. In this article, we provide you with the latest predictions and match previews for some exciting encounters.
Slavia Prague vs. Zorya Luhansk (Thursday, 6.00pm)
Slavia Prague, unbeaten in all competitions this season, face Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk at Fortuna Arena. With their strong form, Slavia Prague is expected to secure a comfortable first-leg lead against a struggling Zorya Luhansk side.
Prediction: Slavia Prague 2-0 Zorya Luhansk
Hacken vs. Aberdeen (Thursday, 6.00pm)
Reigning Swedish champions Hacken take on Scottish side Aberdeen at Bravida Arena in Gothenburg. Both teams have had different starts to their respective seasons, with Hacken displaying better form. Expect a closely fought encounter, with a draw being a likely result.
Prediction: Hacken 1-1 Aberdeen
Ludogorets Razgrad vs. Ajax (Thursday, 7.00pm)
Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad welcome Dutch giants Ajax to Huvepharma Arena. Despite a couple of recent league losses, Ludogorets will put up a fight against Ajax. However, the Dutch side is favored to come out on top in a tight match.
Prediction: Ludogorets Razgrad 1-2 Ajax
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Sparta Prague (Thursday, 7.00pm)
Dinamo Zagreb hosts Sparta Prague at Stadion Maksimir in their bid to qualify for the Europa League group stage. With little separating the teams in previous meetings, expect another closely contested match, likely ending in a draw.
Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 Sparta Prague
Ljubljana vs. Qarabag (Thursday, 7.00pm)
Slovenian side NK Olimpija Ljubljana faces Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag FK at Stozice Stadium. Both teams were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers, setting the stage for a cautious and low-scoring first leg.
Prediction: NK Olimpija Ljubljana 1-1 Qarabag FK
Union SG vs. Lugano (Thursday, 7.30pm)
Belgian side Union SG takes on Swiss team Lugano in their quest for a place in the Europa League group stage. Union SG, despite key departures, has enough quality to secure an advantage in the home leg.
Prediction: Union SG 3-1 Lugano
Slovan Bratislava vs. Aris Limassol (Thursday, 7.30pm)
Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava clashes with Aris Limassol from Cyprus. Expect an exciting encounter with both teams capable of scoring goals. The first leg is likely to end in a draw.
Prediction: Slovan Bratislava 2-2 Aris Limassol
KI Klaksvik vs. Sheriff Tiraspol (Thursday, 7.45pm)
KI Klaksvik and Sheriff Tiraspol meet with a spot in the group stages at stake. Sheriff Tiraspol is favored to edge out Klaksvik over the two legs, but an exciting contest awaits.
Prediction: KI Klaksvik 1-2 Sheriff Tiraspol
Olympiacos vs. Cukaricki (Thursday, 8.00pm)
Greek giants Olympiacos face Serbian outfit Cukaricki at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Olympiacos is expected to dominate the first leg and secure a comfortable victory against a Cukaricki side struggling defensively.
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0 Cukaricki
LASK Linz vs. Zrinjski Mostar (Thursday, 8.00pm)
Austrian side LASK Linz takes on Bosnian team Zrinjski Mostar. With LASK’s experience in continental competition, they are likely to establish a lead in the first leg against a Zrinjski side looking to make history.
Prediction: LASK Linz 2-0 Zrinjski Mostar