christian buschardt
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Europa League preview - what to look for tonight

Europa League preview - what to look for tonight
As the first leg of the round of 16 takes off, we want to make sure you know what's going on in tonight's matchups

Sporting vs Arsenal

This is not the first time Arsenal and Sporting meet in a European competition as they get on to their 5th matchup, with Arsenal yet to lose or concede a goal since the last 4 games. In fact, Arsenal are undefeated in their last 6 matchups against a Portuguese opponent, winning 3 and drawing 3.

On the other hand, Sporting have advanced from each of their previous ties against English teams in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup and Europa League, with all the teams being different.

But Arsenal have grown into an elite side as a star studded and young team, which has shown in this season of European football. Having kept a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 games in the Europa League, Arsenal will have to keep up with that trend to keep moving forward. Unfortunately, all of the goals conceded for Arsenal have been in away games.

We predict the game to end in a draw

Last 5 games all competition records:

Sporting - 4W, 1D
Arsenal - 4W, 1L

Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise

This is the third time these teams meet in a European context, with two of those matchups having taken place in group stages, with both games ending 1-0 for the away side.

We predict Union Berlin to win 2-0

Last 5 games all competition records:

Union Berlin - 1W, 1L, 3D

Union Saint-Gilloise - 1W, 3L, 1D

Manchester United vs Real Betis

This is the very first meeting between these two clubs in the Europa League. Having lost 4 of their last 6 European games against English opponents, Real Betis will have to push for a win to change the course of history.

The last time these two clubs met was in a friendly match back in December, during the world cup, where Real Betis won 1-0.

Manchester United are on a rampage of a season, as they have come back from a dodgy beginning of the season in the Prem. Currently 3rd with 49 points, the Red Devils might have a chance to push forward, which would look nice next to their EPL trophy which they won in late February.

Additionally, United are still competing in the FA cup, as well as of course, the Europa League, where a chance at a European cup is still visible.

We predict Manchester United to win 3-0

Last 5 games all competition records:

Man United - 4W, 1L

Real Betis - 3W, 1L, 1D