Aaron Ashley's tips for Thursday's European matches include wins for Galatasaray and Benfica.
The Europa League returns with the knockout round playoffs which puts together the eight runners-up from the Europa League group stage with the eight third-placed teams from the Champions League equivalent.
There are some mouthwatering ties set to take place with AC Milan entertaining Rennes at the San Siro and Feyenoord playing host to Roma, the latter of which features in our Thursday night accumulator.
Best bets
Feyenoord to beat Roma /
Galatasaray to beat Sparta Prague /
Both teams to score in Young Boys v Sporting /
Benfica to beat Toulouse /
Accumulator pays 7/1
Feyenoord v Roma
Home advantage can be a huge aid in European competition and Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord are fancied to claim a first-leg lead at the expense of Roma.
Feyenoord finished third behind Atletico Madrid and Lazio in Group E of the Champions League but they won their home meetings with Lazio and Celtic by two goals.
The Rotterdam side are second to only PSV in the Dutch top-flight and they have lost just two of their 21 league games, winning seven and drawing three of their 11 on home soil.
Roma, meanwhile, are sixth in Serie A and have won just three of their 11 away league games.
In the Europa League group stage, the Italian side finished runner-up to Slavia Prague in Group G, losing 2-0 away in the Czech Republic and drawing 1-1 at Swiss side Servette.
Galatasaray v Sparta Prague
Galatasaray were pretty unfortunate to be housed in a tough Champions League section but the Turkish side outperformed Manchester United in Group A to get a second bite of the cherry in the Europa League.
Gala held Copenhagen and United to score draws at home and, although eventually beaten 3-1 by German giants Bayern Munich, they had won the shot count 20 to 14 in Istanbul.
The Turkish outfit are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions, winning 10 of those fixtures, and they should have the measure of Sparta Prague.
The Czech visitors lost away at Real Betis and Rangers in the Europa League group stage and this looks like another tricky road trip.
Young Boys v Sporting
The goals should flow in Bern when Swiss Super League leaders Young Boys entertain Sporting, who are second behind Benfica on only goal difference in the Portuguese top-flight.
Young Boys were far from disgraced in their Champions League campaign as they beat Red Star Belgrade at home, scored in both meetings with Leipzig and netted a consolation strike when hosting Manchester City.
Goals were also a common theme in Sporting’s Europa League section as they played second fiddle to Atalanta in Group D despite losing only one of their six matches.
Both teams scored in five of Sporting’s six group assignments and this encounter with Young Boys should follow suit.
Benfica v Toulouse
Benfica found life in the Champions League tough but a 3-1 victory at Salzburg on matchday six was enough for them to book their place in the Europa League.
And this looks a good draw for the Portuguese league leaders against a Toulouse side that are currently 14th in the French top flight.
Toulouse were blown away 5-1 at Liverpool in the group stage of the Europa League while also being held to a 1-1 draw at Union Saint-Gilloise, who are not in the same mould as Benfica.
The Eagles are unbeaten in 12 home games in all competitions and they should take some stopping at their Lisbon fortress.
Visit Betway’s football betting page.
