Europa League Matchday 3 Showdowns: Expert Predictions for Thursday's Crucial Clashes

One team has already secured their spot in the Europa League quarterfinals, with seven additional sides set to join them on Thursday.

Braga completed a remarkable comeback on Wednesday, overcoming a two-goal disadvantage by netting four consecutive goals against Ferencváros to claim the first quarterfinal berth, while European powerhouses Roma, Lyon and Aston Villa are among those looking to follow suit.

All remaining matchups are decided by just one goal, setting up several perfectly balanced encounters across Europe.

Here's how Sports Illustrated expects the Europa League Round of 16 second leg matches to unfold.

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Midtjylland vs. Nottingham Forest

Midtjylland vs. Nottingham Forest

Kick-off time: 5:45 p.m. GMT / 1:45 p.m. ET / 10:45 a.m. PT

Nottingham Forest are becoming increasingly frustrated with their encounters against Midtjylland. Having lost 3–2 to the Danish outfit during the league phase, the Premier League side suffered another setback at the City Ground in last week's opening leg. This time, the margin was a narrow 1–0.

Cho Gue-sung's late header provides the advantage heading into the second leg, and with Forest needing to focus on Premier League survival rather than their European campaign, prospects for a comeback in Denmark look slim.

Following a successful debut for Vítor Pereira in this tournament, the Portuguese manager has struggled to secure victory in his next six fixtures, with goal-scoring remaining the primary concern for the attacking-challenged Tricky Trees.

Another close loss seems probable.

Prediction: Midtjylland 1–0 Nottingham Forest

Lyon vs. Celta Vigo

Lyon vs. Celta Vigo

Endrick emerged as Lyon's savior in the 1–1 stalemate with Celta Vigo last Thursday, with the Real Madrid loanee netting the vital equalizer against the French team's 10-man opponents. It marked a 10th goal involvement in merely 12 appearances for the talented Brazilian, who may be crucial to his team's advancement at the Groupama Stadium.

Paulo Fonseca's Lyon have become draw experts recently, with the tie against Le Havre over the weekend marking their fourth consecutive stalemate, though victory is essential on Thursday. A current streak of six matches without a win followed 13 consecutive victories, and returning to winning form will secure their quarterfinal place.

Celta Vigo won't be easy opponents, however. The Spanish side have suffered just three defeats this calendar year and currently hold the third-best away form in La Liga, losing only twice on the road in league play this season.

The Galicians will significantly miss leading scorer Borja Iglesias, though, with the experienced forward suspended following his dismissal in the first leg. That absence might just allow Lyon to edge a tight encounter.

Prediction: Lyon 2–1 Celta Vigo

Aston Villa vs. Lille

Aston Villa vs. Lille

Another weekend loss left Unai Emery appearing notably dejected on the sideline. The 3–1 defeat at Manchester United dealt another significant blow to Aston Villa's Champions League qualification hopes, with the increasingly tired and struggling Villans perhaps needing to focus on the Europa League to secure re-entry into Europe's top competition next season.

Villa's 1–0 triumph over Lille last week provides them with a crucial lead to defend at Villa Park, which has traditionally served as a stronghold during European evenings in recent campaigns. Midfield injuries continue to hamper the Premier League club, but they should be favored to overcome their French opponents.

Lille have claimed victory in their previous three away fixtures across all competitions, and Bruno Génésio will require not only a fourth consecutive road win, but a triumph by two or more goals to prevent extra time and/or a penalty shootout.

The Ligue 1 team lost their previous visit to Villa Park during the 2023–24 Europa Conference League campaign, and all of Villa's starting lineup from that match except Diego Carlos could feature this Thursday.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1–1 Lille

Roma vs. Bologna

Roma vs. Bologna

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT

One Italian club will advance to the Europa League quarterfinals as Roma and Bologna battle to maintain the country's continental aspirations. It has been a difficult knockout phase for Serie A teams across European competitions so far.

These teams were inseparable during last week's 1–1 stalemate in Bologna, and the Stadio Olimpico is prepared for an intense return match. Roma will be viewed as favorites to advance, yet they arrive in poorer form than their rivals.

The loss to high-flying Como isn't shameful, but Sunday's defeat means Gian Piero Gasperini's squad is without a win in their last four outings. They must end their winless streak to reach the last eight and will likely depend on in-form winter addition Donyell Malen, whose goals could arrange a potential meeting with former club Villa in the next round.

Bologna, meanwhile, have secured six victories in their last eight matches, with five of those games ending 1–0 in their favor. They're difficult to overcome and maintain a solid defensive structure under Vincenzo Italiano, but Roma's individual quality could prove decisive this Thursday.

Prediction: Roma 1–0 Bologna

Matchday 3/19 Predictions

Matchday 3/19 Predictions