Europa League: Knockout Round of 32 Preview

We are in the midst of European cup competition this week. We will see the Champions League take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have already been provided with us with some SHOCKING results and all-time high/low club moments— I’m looking at you PSG and Barcelona; what a surprise!  So, today, I thought why not continue this week’s wild ride of European football with bonus shorts highlighting a few of my top Europa League matches taking place today.  Here we go!

Thursday’s Fixture List

Borussia VfL 1900 Mönchengladbach vs ACF Fiorentina (Leg 1)
Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany
February 17th, 2016 1:00PM

This matchup pits mid-table teams from Germany and Italy against each other.  Two clubs hoping to tap into their solid form from a year ago, on the big European stage.  The marquee player to take the pitch in this one is the young, but extremely talented Italian, Federico Bernardeschi.  He’s a phenomenal forward, who at the tender age of 21 featured for the Italian National Team in Euro 2016.  His size, strength and pace on the wing presents problems for any opponent.  Expect him to rise to the occasion in this Europa League fixture, tapping into raw talent that has the likes of Barcelona eyeing his services for years to come.  

LSB Prediction: Borussia has been down and out for much of the BundesLIGA campaign this season, but this is the Europa League. As such, they’ll be at their best and out duel the dazzling Bernardeschi. 2-1 Borussia Vfl 1900 Monchengladbach

Manchester United FC vs AS Saint-Etienne (Leg 1)
Old Trafford, Manchester, England
February 17th, 2016 3:00PM FS1

Dubbed the “Pogba Derby” as the highly talented well-known Paul Pogba takes on his much lesser-known older brother Florentin Pogba!  That’s just a sub-plot of this game however, as the heavy favored but inconsistent Red Devils. They look to live up to their own hype against a talented, but not bandied about, Saint-Etienne, currently sitting 5th in the Ligue 1 table.  Key Players to watch would be the aforementioned Paul Pogba, as well as Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Man United.  As for the Saints, look no further than its defensive backline, as they rank second in Ligue 1 in goals allowed with just 19 given up.  

LSB Prediction:  This match will be a defensive one with just two balls hitting the back of the net, one for each side.  1-1 Draw (away goal advantage AS Saint-Etienne)

Legia Warszawa SA vs ACF AFC Ajax (Leg 1)
Polish Army Stadium, Warsaw, Poland
February 17th, 2016 3:00PM

Two big fish from small domestic league ponds. Legia from Poland and Ajax from Netherlands is a must see match for the purest of footballing fans.  The Militarians finished third in its Champions League Group, which was good enough to qualify for this Europa League Knockout Phase.  In addition, Warsaw drew 3-3 against Real Madrid, a historic feat for the club.  On the flip side, the Sons of the Gods has a proud and illustrious history as it holds domestic records for league and cup trophies, in addition to four European Cup Championships and one UEFA Cup Title.  Lastly, hone in on Davy Klaassen and Kasper Dolberg for Ajax.  These two have combined to score 27 goals over all competitions for Ajax this season.  Meanwhile Legia will depend on its midfield duo of Tomasz Jodlowiec and Guilherme to create offensive opportunities.  

LSB Prediction:  Ajax possesses more offensive fire power, but the match is in Poland.  Therefore, I expect Legia to play aggressive football from the opening whistle and pull at a close win.  1-0 Legia Warszawa SA