The Europa League odds are now available as we are back with our favorite soccer expert advice and free betting predictions. Read on for this week’s UEFA Europa League final-16 1st leg playoff betting advice, soccer analysis, and free soccer betting picks.
Wednesday, March 09, 2022 – 12:45 PM EST at Estádio do Dragão
Portugal's most nuanced team, FC Porto, has been nothing short of an unstoppable force in their domestic outings this term – remaining undefeated in the Primeira Liga thus far.
However, Sergio Conceicao's squad couldn't transfer those fortunes when failing to advance from their Champions League group stage. But all is not lost on the European stage, as the Dragons have the Europa League playoffs ahead.
The Dragons impressed versus a tough Lazio squad last month, walking away with a 4-3 aggregate score. Since December's departure from the UCL group stage, Conceicao and company have gone 18 consecutive games unbeaten, winning 15 of these undefeated encounters.
The same successes can't be celebrated for Lyon after the Ligue 1 side has failed to deliver in their domestic campaign this term. The French side is 9th in the league table and currently trails 19 points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Join Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
Lyon's Europa outings have provided more hope, winning 5 of their 6 group stage meetings whilst owning the highest goal-scoring record (16).
The Europa League betting odds at the top-rated sportsbooks are fair on both sides, but a traveling Lyon squad could struggle to break the Portuguese outfit on home turf. A glaring statistic shows that Porto has defeated the previous 6 French sides that have visited their fortress and haven't lost in 11 home games versus Ligue 1 teams.
I expect a tightly fought contest, but I anticipate Les Gones can make the most of their home pitch advantage.
Porto vs. Lyon Score Prediction: Porto 2 – Lyon 1
Soccer Pick: Porto to Win (+100) [2.00] [1u wager returns 1u of profit] at Everygame (visit our Everygame Review)
Thursday, March 10, 2022 - 12:45 PM EST at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán
Three consecutive losses in all competitions isn't the form David Moyes needs ahead of his trip to Sevilla. With only 1 win in West Ham's previous 5 fixtures, it could be a problematic Europa League clash ahead.
West Ham's Europa success has been positive so far, finishing top of the group stage whilst collecting 13 points. However, as the competition heats up, a poor overall form in recent months isn't going to assist the confidence of Moyes' men when taking the trip to Spain.
Get Involved: BMR community
Since 2005/06, Sevilla has lifted the Europa trophy on six occasions – they're one of the most experienced teams on this stage. To add, they're firing well in the Spanish La Liga, trailing Real Madrid by a mere 8 points sitting in 2nd place.
Los Nervionenses boast the best defensive record in Spain, and their home fixtures haven't seen a losing day since November 2021.
There's no reason to believe that Sevilla can not keep their impressive home record in-tact, although I don't expect the Hammers to make it a walk in the park.
In addition to their European experience during this stage of the Europa League, Sevilla has been significantly greater in their domestic competition of late.
Sevilla vs. West Ham Score Prediction: Sevilla 1 – West Ham 0
Soccer Pick: Sevilla to Win (+105) [2.05] [1u wager returns 1.05u of profit] at Everygame
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.