Analysis of quarterfinal matches of the UEFA Europa League

The quarterfinal UEFA Europa League pair draw has  already taken place in Nyon. All pairs look very interesting and at first sight it is very hard to point out a favorite. It should be noted that three English teams reached 1/8 (Chelsea, Tottenham, New Castle) and we will not see a club from the Premier League on this stage of the Champions League.

1 Chelsea London - Rubin Kazan

Chelsea took the Champions League very seriously what could have been seen in the return match against Steaua Bucharest. The majority of scoring situations, the best line up is a good indicator for the future. Rubin didn't show itself from the best side in the match against Levante and only in extra time managed to secure itself the advance. Both meetings with Levante were very weak and ended up with results 0:0. There were just a few scoring situations. In the Russian league Rubin held a great match against Zenit (1:0) and the away match against Terek (0:0). We think that if Chelsea holds the current shape then Rubin will have difficulties to reach any success in the two matches. The advance to the semifinals is estimated at 60% to 40% in favor of the Aristocrats.

2 Fenerbahce Istanbul - Lazio Rome

It is hard to point out a definite favorite in this match. According to bookmakers Lazio is the favorite (odds around 1.55) although the bookmakers were ruled by the club's name. As per our consideration both teams show an even game level and only psychological aspect can become decisive. Lazio played against weak Schtutgart in the previous round and won both matches 2:0, 2:0. While Fenerbahce played against Viktoria Plzen, the club which thrashed Napoli, the Turks won the away match with the score 1:0 and played a 1:1 draw at home. We rate chances of both opponents at the 50% level. The Turkish league becomes stronger and stronger what can be seen at the example of the Champions League.

3 Tottenham Hotspur - FC Basel

In this match the bookmakers bet on FC Basel and it is hard not to agree with them. Of course the Swiss won against the stronger Zenit S. Petersburg in the previous match but they were incredibly lucky. The team from Russia didn't use the penalty in the return match and didn't score from 3 meters to the empty gate. Meanwhile Tottenham played emotional matches against Inter. After the win with the score 3:0 at home in the second match Milan scored as many goals and the match was settled only in extra time. Adebayor scored the decisive goal which helped the English advance. We think that the English club will win against Basel in two matches and will go through to the following stage. Their chances for victory are estimated at 80%.

4 Benfica Lisbon - New Castle

We think that Benfica shows the best football among all teams of this European League. The bookmakers have put odds at the level 1.50 for Benfica's advance what is a respective choice. The Portuguese team won twice in the previous round against Bordeaux with the score 3:2, 1:0. New Castle won against the Russian club Anzhi (in extra time) what had been a difficult task for the English. The match at Estado da Luz will be a real challenge for them. Despite the Portuguese are showing a high-quality football we will not cross out New Castle's chances for victory.