UEFA Europa League Matchday 4: Bold Predictions That Could Change Everything

This week's Champions League fixtures have dominated European football conversation, but four compelling Europa League quarterfinal ties remain to be settled this Thursday.

Former European Cup and Champions League champions Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Porto are among the sides still in contention, each looking to write a new page in their storied histories, while several less celebrated clubs are chasing their first taste of continental glory.

Two ties are perfectly balanced heading into Thursday's return legs, while Villa and Freiburg are keen to avoid falling victim to the notorious unpredictability of UEFA competition as they look to defend their commanding advantages.

Here are Sports Illustrated's predictions for the quarterfinal second legs.

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Celta Vigo vs. Freiburg

Kick-off time: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT

Sadly for Celta Vigo, they need something of a miracle on home turf to reach the semifinals after suffering a 3–0 loss at Freiburg last week. Only once since the Europa League was rebranded in 2009 has a team pulled off such a comeback in the knockout rounds—La Liga side Valencia overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit against Basel to win 5–3 on aggregate in 2013–14.

Morale will be at a low ebb in Claudio Giráldez's camp, particularly following another 3–0 defeat at the weekend against relegation-threatened Real Oviedo, and Freiburg's strong recent form delivers yet another psychological setback to the Galician side.

Freiburg have claimed four wins from their last five across all competitions—their only stumble in that stretch a gut-wrenching, injury-time 3–2 loss to Bayern Munich—and Julian Schuster, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Wednesday, will be desperate for a belated birthday gift by guiding the Bundesliga outfit to their first European semifinal.

As long as Freiburg avoid a collapse at the Estadio Abanca Balaídos, they should secure their place in the last four.

Prediction: Celta Vigo 1–1 Freiburg

Aston Villa vs. Bologna

Villa have already done the heavy lifting. Their 3–1 win away at Bologna last week gives them a vital buffer heading into the home leg in the West Midlands. Ollie Watkins was the standout performer in Italy, netting twice to put Villa firmly in control of their semifinal destiny.

Given Unai Emery's side's consistently strong home record, particularly in European competition, they look well set to advance to the last four and will be confident of completing back-to-back wins over their Serie A opponents.

Bologna have been in solid form since early February and arrived at Thursday's fixture on the back of a comfortable win over Lecce, but Vincenzo Italiano—twice a Conference League final runner-up during his time at Fiorentina—will need to produce a near-perfect tactical blueprint to navigate a very tricky away assignment.

An early Bologna goal could shift the dynamic of the tie, but Villa should comfortably seal their spot in the semifinals.

Prediction: Aston Villa 3–1 Bologna

Nottingham Forest vs. Porto

Martim Fernandes's extraordinary own goal grabbed most of the headlines during a fiercely contested first leg between Nottingham Forest and Porto at the Estádio do Dragão. The right back's 13th-minute error cancelled out an even earlier opener from William Gomes.

No further goals followed in the tense 1–1 draw in Portugal, leaving the tie perfectly balanced ahead of the second leg at the City Ground.

Forest played out another draw with potential semifinal rivals Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend, stretching their unbeaten run to five games, but Francesco Farioli's Porto side represent a formidable challenge to overcome.

Porto have lost just four of their 46 matches under the Italian manager and carry enormous European pedigree, with momentum firmly behind them as they continue to impress on the continent and lead the Primeira Liga table. They may just have enough to edge Thursday's second leg.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0–1 Porto

Real Betis vs. Braga

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

The situation is equally poised between Real Betis and Braga. Last week's 1–1 draw in Portugal means everything remains up for grabs in Seville, with Betis clear favorites thanks to home advantage and a stronger overall squad.

Manuel Pellegrini's side, currently sitting fifth in La Liga, possess the attacking talent to tip the tie in their favor. Antony, Pablo Fornals and Abde Ezzalzouli are among the creative options capable of producing moments of brilliance.

Braga will pose a serious challenge having performed well in Europe throughout the campaign and winning three of their last five outings, but whether they can withstand the pressure of a passionate Betis crowd on Thursday remains to be seen.

The match could swing either way, but Betis's superior quality may ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: Real Betis 2–1 Braga (AET)

Matchday 4/16 Predictions