UEFA Europa League

Chelsea are the betting favourites to win this season's UEFA Europa League after the draw for the quarter-final stage was made on Friday.

🇦🇿 Road to Baku 🏆

Which 2 teams will go all the way? 🧐#UEL | #UELdraw pic.twitter.com/DyB8ZJ5GXu

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 15, 2019

The Blues were drawn against Salvia Prague, conquerors of Sevilla, 6-5 on aggregate, in the round of 16. However, the standout tie of the last eight involves Chelsea's London rivals from the Premier League, Arsenal, who were drawn against capable Serie A outfit Napoli.

The Italians are second favourites with oddsmakers, ahead of the Gunners. Meanwhile, the all-La Liga tie between Villarreal and Valencia could well produce a tournament winner.

   

Odds (via Caesars Entertainment)

• Chelsea: 7-4
• Napoli: 7-2
• Arsenal: 9-2
• Valencia: 7-1
• Benfica: 10-1
• Eintracht Frankfurt: 10-1
• Villarreal: 15-1
• Slavia Prague: 30-1

   

Chelsea's status as favourites is merited since the Blues have the strength in depth few teams left can match. The Blues' reserves of talent were evident during the 8-0 aggregate win over Dynamo Kiev in the last round.

Olivier Giroud doesn't start ahead of Gonzalo Higuain in the Premier League, but he has scored nine goals in this competition. The Frenchman bagged a hat-trick during Thursday's 5-0 win in Ukraine:

✅ Left foot
✅ Right foot
✅ Header

A perfect hat-trick for Olivier Giroud. 🔥 #DYNCHE pic.twitter.com/EgHVRoOpFv

— GOAL (@goal) March 14, 2019

Giroud also created a goal for Callum Hudson-Odoi, the 18-year-old gifted enough to let manager Maurizio Sarri leave Pedro and Eden Hazard on the bench.

Sarri hasn't used his marquee stars yet and will also be happy about Chelsea's potential path to the final. If they overcome Slavia Prague, the Blues will meet the winner of Benfica's tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Benfica have some developing talent, including left-back Alex Grimaldo, who is a reported transfer target for Arsenal and Manchester City, per Sport's Albert Roge.

However, Frankfurt are also a team to fear thanks to in-form striker Luka Jovic. The former Benfica man netted the lone goal to beat Inter Milan away on Thursday and continue a superb run in this tournament:

https://twitter.com/FTalentScout/status/1106312558447902725

While Frankfurt and Benfica represent potentially difficult opposition, Chelsea will prefer their route to the final over the daunting path Arsenal have been set.

Getting past Napoli will be no easy task, not when the squad is loaded with match-winners in forward areas. Lorenzo Insigne, Jose Callejon, Dries Mertens and Arkadiusz Milik can all score goals in bunches.

Fabian Ruiz and Allan offer artistry from midfield for a team led by serial European winner Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has won the UEFA Champions League three times, twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid, but the 59-year-old has never lifted this trophy.

Fortunately for Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery knows a thing or two about winning this competition. He led Sevilla to a hat-trick of Europa League trophies before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2016.

Emery has also got the Gunners clicking by finally embracing the ample attacking quality he inherited from predecessor Arsene Wenger. Arsenal overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Rennes by starting strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang together.

The prolific pair were supported by the guile of Mesut Ozil, not always an Emery favourite this season, and the energy of Aaron Ramsey. Aubameyang bagged a brace, with Ramsey setting up his first goal, as Rennes were swept aside 3-0.

Arsenal have the firepower to trouble a Napoli defence picked apart during a 3-1 second-leg defeat away to Red Bull Salzburg which saw Ancelotti's men scrape through 4-3 on aggregate.

Arsenal have now produced 12 different scorers in this season's #UEL:

⚽️ Aubameyang
⚽️ Lacazette
⚽️ Sokratis
⚽️ Smith-Rowe
⚽️ Welbeck
⚽️ Iwobi
⚽️ Özil
⚽️ Guendouzi
⚽️ Willock
⚽️ Ramsey
⚽️ Mustafi
⚽️ Maitland-Niles

No team has produced more. pic.twitter.com/G4jnMLM3GC

— Coral (@Coral) March 14, 2019

If the Gunners make it through, they could set up a reunion with former playmaker Santi Cazorla. He's helping Villarreal impress this season.

The Yellow Submarine might feel aggrieved by odds of 15-1, considering how easily they brushed off Zenit St. Petersburg 5-2 on aggregate in the last round. Cazorla and Pablo Fornals ensure there's enough flair in the middle of the park to supply dangerous strikers Carlos Bacca and Gerard Moreno.

Villarreal can produce magic in the final third but won't find it easy overcoming Valencia. Los Che are managed by a familiar face in Marcelino, who took the Yellow Submarine to the last four of this competition back in 2016.

💛 Gerard Moreno in UEFA competition 👇

👕 16 games
⚽️ 8 goals#UEL pic.twitter.com/qXLcoP3kqL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 14, 2019

His versatile 4-4-2 formation ensures a solid shape, while also guaranteeing progressive fluency in forward areas. Yet it still took a last-gasp equaliser from Goncalo Guedes to help Los Che edge past Krasnodar 3-2 on aggregate.

Even so, Valencia justify a spot as fourth favourites thanks to gifted players like creative skipper Dani Parejo and powerhouse forward Rodrigo. Their presence makes this side of the draw easily the toughest for a possible tournament winner to negotiate.

Arsenal have been handed a difficult UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Napoli, while Premier League peers Chelsea were given a simpler-looking matchup opposite Slavia Prague.

Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland, revealed the quarter-final lineup, which also sees Spanish contenders Villarreal and Valencia picked opposite one another in what will be a tense duel between La Liga rivals.

Three-time runners-up Benfica will look to tame a dangerous Eintracht Frankfurt side in their quarter-final.

The first-leg quarter-finals will take place on Thursday, April 11, and the return fixtures will be held on Thursday, April 18.

Here's the 2018-19 Europa League quarter-final draw

• Napoli vs. Arsenal
• Villarreal vs. Valencia
• Benfica vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
• Slavia Prague vs. Chelsea

         

And the semi-finals:

• Napoli/Arsenal vs. Villarreal/Valencia
• Benfica/Eintracht Frankfurt vs Slavia Prague/Chelsea

         

The quarter-finals will be played on Thursday, April 11, and Thursday, April 18. The first legs of the semi-finals will be played on Thursday, May 2, ahead of the return legs on Thursday, May 9.

Here's how the bracket looks heading into the last eight:

All set. #UELDraw pic.twitter.com/h3nJK67W2h

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 15, 2019

Unai Emery couldn't have hoped for a much more difficult draw coming into the quarters, with Napoli having beaten Zurich and Red Bull Salzburg since they dropped down from the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners were initially drawn away in the first leg, but UEFA clarified after the draw that Chelsea—who finished higher than Arsenal in the Premier League last season—would keep their slot:

*Arsenal & Chelsea cannot play at home on the same night following a decision made by the relevant local authorities. Arsenal's tie will be reversed in accordance with the UEFA Club Competitions Committee principles. The first leg against Napoli will therefore be in north London.

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 15, 2019

An opening leg at the Emirates Stadium could work in their favour, with Arsenal having had to come from behind following first-leg disappointment in each of the previous two rounds.

Journalist James Benge was confident of their chances:

Nothing to fear from Napoli, great team though they are. Arsenal will believe they have enough to beat them.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) March 15, 2019

Arsenal and Napoli previously met in the 2013-14 Champions League group stage, with each team winning 2-0 in their home leg.

Mesut Ozil was involved in both Arsenal's goals to beat the Italians at home five-and-a-half years ago, but the German isn't as certain to feature in Emery's XI this time around.

Chelsea beat Benfica 2-1 to win this competition in 2013, and the Czech contenders may struggle to contend with a confident team that beat Dynamo Kiev 8-0 over two legs.

Slavia Prague have reached the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time since 2000 and could break a 23-year record if they managed to make it back into the last four.

Jindrich Trpisovsky's side shouldn't be taken lightly after pulling off an extra-time win over Sevilla to advance from the last 16, but mimicking that upset against Chelsea could prove a request too far.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could face a dream final if his team advance, per sportswriter Simon Johnson:

#Sarri wanted to face former club Napoli in the Europa League final. The opportunity is there if #cfc and Napoli make it through next two rounds.

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) March 15, 2019

One goal over the course of 180 minutes was all that separated Eintracht Frankfurt from Inter Milan in the round of 16, with forward Luka Jovic supplying a pivotal winner for the Germans.

Adi Hutter has his team operating at a higher quality than many might have thought possible, and Squawka pointed out they represent Germany alone now:

Eintracht Frankfurt are the only Bundesliga side to reach the last eight of either European competition this season.

A win at San Siro a special way to confirm a quarter-final place. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/xd635P4Qmo

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 14, 2019

Spain will be reduced to only Europa League outfit in the semis, with Villarreal hoping they can beat Valencia and continue their Europa League dream amid a struggle to remain in La Liga.

The trouble for them is that they failed to score in two league matches with Valencia this season and lost 3-0 at the Mestalla, with the Yellow Submarine targeting their first Europa League final.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri hailed Ruben Loftus-Cheek's performance in the Blues' 5-0 UEFA Europa League win over Dynamo Kiev on Thursday and believes he has enormous potential. 

The England international kicked off an excellent showing with an assist as Chelsea cruised to an 8-0 aggregate victory in Ukraine to reach the quarter-finals.

Per MailOnline's Luke Augustus, Sarri said of Loftus-Cheek:

"He's improving. In the last month he's been great in training. He's improving every day, and I'm really happy that he was able to play for 90 minutes.

"His potential is very, very high. Physically and tactically he is improving. He can become one of the best in Europe."

The 23-year-old made just his 10th start of the season on Thursday, but he took full advantage of the opportunity.

He nodded Willian's corner down for Olivier Giroud to score in the fifth minute, and he almost scored himself soon after following a mazy run into the box.

Marcos Alonso supplied Giroud for his second after Loftus-Cheek had shown impressive strength to hold off a challenge from Serhiy Sydorchuk (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1106262212581183493

That is a quality Chelsea goal!

The strength from Loftus-Cheek 💪
The pass from Marcos Alonso 😍

And Giroud is there to score his 8️⃣th Europa League goal in 7️⃣ games! pic.twitter.com/Qa8CZg9ZFW

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2019

Callum Hudson-Odoi put the ball on a plate for Alonso to make it 3-0. Giroud had his hat-trick in the second half when he headed home Willian's free-kick, and he slipped through Hudson-Odoi for Chelsea's fifth.

Football commentator Guy Mowbray singled out Giroud and Loftus-Cheek for praise:

Ok, Chelsea weren’t up against much, but some excellent performances in Kiev. Perfect hat trick from Giroud, & Loftus-Cheek stood and strode out

— Guy Mowbray (@Guymowbray) March 14, 2019

The midfielder showed off his impressive combination of physical and technical attributes, with the former playing a key role in Giroud's first two goals.

It was far from the first time Loftus-Cheek has demonstrated his ability on the ball in the Europa League this season:

Most take-ons completed in the #UEL so far this season:

• Callum Hudson-Odoi (30)
• Ruben Loftus Cheek (30)

Chelsea’s academy boys running rings around everyone else. 💃 pic.twitter.com/nkLVfHMCD5

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 14, 2019

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella believes the England man just needs game time to realise his potential:

Loftus-Cheek is pretty complete, you just feel he needs experience from game time to finish him off as a top midfielder. #CFC #DYNCHE https://t.co/RXPDQEhpWg

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 14, 2019

It falls to Sarri to give him that, as the Italian has handed him just one start in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea will have at least two more Europa League fixtures to contend with, having progressed to the quarter-finals, so there's scope for Loftus-Cheek to earn more starts.

He needs more than European games, though, and he deserves greater opportunities after putting in performances like Thursday's.

Arsenal produced a brilliant comeback in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, as a 3-0 win against Rennes at the Emirates Stadium put them into the quarter-finals 4-3 on aggregate.

Elsewhere, there was a big win for Eintracht Frankfurt as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 at the San Siro to move into the last eight. Luka Jovic's early goal was enough to separate the two sides over the course of two tight games.

Earlier on, Chelsea completed the job against Dynamo Kiev, winning 5-0 away from home and securing an 8-0 aggregate win. Valencia and Napoli were other high-profile names to advance, although neither won on the night.

The game of the evening arguably saw Slavia Prague upset Sevilla, as they won 4-3 after extra time. Ibrahim Traore netted a winner for the Czech outfit in the 119th minute.

Here is a recap of Thursday's action ahead of what promises to be a fascinating quarter-final draw on Friday.

      

Europa League, Last-16 Second-Leg Results (Aggregate)

Dynamo Kiev 0-5 (0-8) Chelsea

Krasnodar 1-1 (2-3) Valencia

Red Bull Salzburg 3-1 (3-4) Napoli

Arsenal 3-0 (4-3) Rennes

Inter Milan 0-1 (0-1) Frankfurt 

Villarreal 2-1 (5-2) Zenit Saint Petersburg

Slavia Prague 4-3 (6-5) Sevilla

Benfica 3-0 (3-1) Dinamo Zagreb

     

Thursday Recap

Having slumped to a shock 3-1 loss in France, Arsenal recovered to great effect on home soil.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck in both halves—on either side of an Ainsley Maitland-Niles header—including an early goal to build key momentum for the Gunners. Aubameyang's second goal prompted the following extravagant celebration:

From Batman to Black Panther.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang loves to save the day. pic.twitter.com/HsAOeC0b0H

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 14, 2019

In what many anticipated would be the tie of the last 16, Frankfurt were able to overcome Inter.

There was little between the two sides over the course of both legs, but the visitors created the better openings on Thursday. Ultimately an error from Stefan de Vrij and a fantastic finish from Jovic was enough to see the Bundesliga outfit progress into the last eight.

German football journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt summed up why it was such a huge win for Frankfurt:

Winning the DFB-Cup with Niko Kovac having been in relegation playoff not long before was some achievement by Eintracht.

In Adi Hütter, they’ve somehow managed to upgrade, made a mockery of a squad on a modest budget doing so well in Europe + having an excellent league season. pic.twitter.com/BQREubIYtH

— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) March 14, 2019

Jovic, who is on loan at Frankfurt from Benfica, has been linked with Barcelona as of late, per Frankfurter Allgemeine (h/t Sport). The speed and composure he showcased to score the decisive goal showed why there's been such high-profile interest.

Per OptaFranz, it's been a long time since a club from Germany's top flight found the back of the net at the San Siro:

1 - The last player to score for a German team at Guiseppe Meazza before Luka #Jovic was @bendtnerb52 for Wolfsburg, when they faced Inter in the Europa League Round of 16 2014-15. Lord. #InterSGE @eintracht_us @eintracht_eng pic.twitter.com/8m1xHeokXF

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) March 14, 2019

Earlier in the day there was an emphatic win for Chelsea in Kiev, with Olivier Giroud netting a fine hat-trick.

Having won the first leg of the tie 3-0, the Frenchman's away goal after five minutes ended any chance of a comeback before the Blues dominated the fixture. In addition to Giroud's treble, Marcos Alonso and Callum Hudson-Odoi were on the scoresheet for Maurizio Sarri's side.

The three goals saw Giroud continue his outstanding form in the Europa League, with nine in total in the competition this term. Afterwards, he commented on the contrast between his domestic and European record:

Giroud laughs when asked by BT why he scores more in the Europa League: "Do you want me to answer that? When I’m on the pitch I try to give everything for the team. I play mostly in the Europa League games, so that’s why I score maybe less goals in the [Premier League]" #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) March 14, 2019

The most dramatic of the second legs saw Valencia get past Krasnodar thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser.

The Russian side were on course to progress after Magomed Suleymanov netted in the 85th minute. However, their hearts were broken three minutes into added time, when Goncalo Guedes pounced (U.S. only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1106280910645874688

The goal of the night undoubtedly came in the match between Slavia Prague and Sevilla, as Munir El Haddadi blasted home this incredible volley for the latter (UK only):

WHAT. A. STRIKE! 😍

Munir El Haddadi with a sensational volley for Sevilla!

When you catch it perfectly on the laces 👌 pic.twitter.com/oZRSJnZ0EE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2019

However, it wasn't enough to send Sevilla through. After another 2-2 draw, the match went to extra time, and the La Liga outfit appeared to be on course to advance after going 3-2 in front. But Mick van Buren gave Slavia a chance with a quick equaliser before Traore won it for the hosts with just one minute remaining.

Elsewhere, Napoli managed to make it through despite being well short of their best in Salzburg.

Despite their domestic struggles, Villarreal produced another fine performance against Zenit. A 3-1 win for the home side was enough to see them through 5-2 on aggregate.

Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League after defeating Rennes 3-0 in their second-leg match on Thursday.

The Premier League side trailed the Ligue 1 team 3-1 from the first leg but gave a strong performance to make it to the last eight at the Emirates Stadium.

A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an excellent finish from Ainsley Maitland-Niles gave the Gunners the margin of victory they needed to progress.

                   

Maitland-Niles is Arsenal's Next Superstar

The 21-year-old is set for the brightest of futures after a breakout campaign under Unai Emery.

Maitland-Niles is adept on either wing, and the versatile burgeoning talent scored a vital goal against Rennes.

The midfielder has been used as a utility player since making his debut in 2014-15, but he now appears ready to cement a starting role.

The signs were good for the player during Arsene Wenger's final season at the Emirates, but Emery has taken the youngster to another level.

Maitland-Niles was influential as the Gunners burst out of the blocks. Aubameyang slotted home after five minutes, and the writing was on the wall for the Ligue 1 team.

Aubameyang then turned provider as he stood the ball up at the far post, and Maitland-Niles sprinted towards goal to head the ball home, per BT Sport (U.K. only):

Arsenal have wiped out the deficit inside 1️⃣5️⃣ minutes.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the 1️⃣2️⃣th Arsenal player to score in the competition this season! pic.twitter.com/5XOcQZ9AVb

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2019

The goal was controversial as replays showed Aubameyang was offside as he crossed the ball, but with the video assistant referee not used in the Europa League, the goal could not be overturned.

It was a magic moment for the Englishman who surely will become a full international in the months ahead.

Rennes battled hard in the second half, hitting the woodwork twice as they searched for a goal to take it to extra-time.

However, Arsenal were worthy winners on a nervous night in north London.

Maitland-Niles appears destined to be a huge player for the Gunners in the next 12 months. His ability to dribble past his marker and provide a final ball, as well as his knack for delivering quality set pieces, make him special.

                                

What's Next

Rennes are back in action in Ligue 1 on Sunday as they travel to Bordeaux. Arsenal host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday, April 1 after the international break.

Chelsea breezed into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, as Olivier Giroud's hat-trick inspired them to a 5-0 win on the night and an emphatic 8-0 victory on aggregate.

After a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge a week ago, any lingering hopes that Dynamo Kiev had of putting together a remarkable turnaround at home were extinguished after just five minutes when Giroud turned home Willian's corner.

Giroud netted again before the break, finishing calmly after a pinpoint pass from Marcos Alonso. The Spain full-back then got in on the act on the stroke of half-time, prodding home Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross.

In the second period, the Blues continued to pile on the pressure, with Giroud capping off a memorable night with his third before the hour mark. Hudson-Odoi then continued his excellent form in the competition with the Blues' fifth on the night.

Here's the moment Giroud completed his hat-trick (U.S. only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1106273537931788289

The Blues will find out who their next opponent is in Friday's quarter-final draw.

     

Blues Should Prioritise Europa League Over Top-4 EPL Chase

There has been plenty of criticism of Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri this season, but overall, the coach has got things spot-on in the Europa League.

The first leg of the tie with Kiev was one example, as the side he fielded blew away the Ukrainian outfit at Stamford Bridge. It meant Chelsea had breathing room ahead of what had the potential to be a challenging away fixture.

From the off the Blues played with freedom, and after Giroud's early goal, they were completely dominant.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella praised the approach of the visiting players as they raced into a three-goal lead by the interval:

HT: Dynamo 0-3 Chelsea

If the tie wasn't already over, then it is now. Chelsea will have delighted Sarri tonight. Top mentality. Giroud X2, Alonso X1 #CFC #DYNCHE

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 14, 2019

Liam Twomey of ESPN FC commented on how poor the home side were on the night:

It helps that the home side are giving them space everywhere, but Chelsea are moving the ball with more like the speed, precision & movement that Sarri wants tonight #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) March 14, 2019

It's not only a competition the team has taken to, but the supporters have as well. There's been a freshness about the XIs being selected by Sarri, with fans delighted to see the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi not only involved but shining.

With that in mind and just five matches between the Blues and the Europa League trophy, it would make sense for Sarri to prioritise the tournament during the 2018-19 run-in, especially with the race for a top-four spot in the Premier League so competitive.

Chelsea, in sixth, are three points off Arsenal in fourth with a game in hand, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix. Qualifying for next season's Champions League via a Europa League championship would not only be more enjoyable, but at this point it appears more feasible.

     

What's Next?

Chelsea's quest to finish in the top four in the Premier League will continue on Sunday, as they travel to Everton. It's Olimpik Donetsk on Sunday for Dynamo, as they play the final game of their domestic campaign.

Arsenal have been finding the UEFA Europa League "difficult," according to head coach Unai Emery. The Spaniard made the admission ahead of Thursday's last-16 second leg at home to Rennes.

It could be the Gunners' last match in this season's competition after Emery's men lost the first leg 3-1 in France last week. The result has left Arsenal on the brink, but Emery isn't giving up hope, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail:

"In Europa League we are finding some results like the last round versus Borisov, difficult.

"It will be a tough match but our demand for our best performance is very high. I want to play matches with difficult results, against tough players. Tomorrow we need to be together and create a big atmosphere with our supporters to help us."

"We need to play with high emotion, but taking clever and clear decisions on the pitch. These are both important issues. We need to control for 90 minutes, maybe more, we want to control but be on the game."

Those words will raise questions about how much importance Arsenal should place on the Europa League. It offers a route back into the UEFA Champions League to the winner, but the Gunners can also return to the more lucrative tournament by finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

Emery has Arsenal fourth following Sunday's 2-0 win over Manchester United. The 47-year-old has previously said fixture congestion and the demands of Europe won't be an excuse for tiredness or poor performances in either competition.

Few managers know how to negotiate the demands of Europa League football as well as Emery. He lifted the trophy three seasons running as manager of Sevilla, before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2016.

The haul put Emery in pole position to take over at Arsenal after Arsene Wenger stepped down last May. However, Emery has yet to replicate the same magic in Europe.

His reference to events in the previous round speaks to Arsenal's troubles in Europe's second-tier cup competition this season. The Gunners suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat away to BATE Borisov in the first leg of the Round of 32.

While Arsenal were able to turn things around with a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, Rennes will be a tougher proposition when they visit north London. The Ligue 1 side proved their credentials earlier this month by cutting through Emery's team with pace, intuition and purpose.

It was a performance summed up by the third goal, when a swift break caught Arsenal cold and ended with Ismaila Sarr emphatically heading in a cross from fellow winger James Lea Siliki.

Sarr's diving header vs Arsenal = 🔥🔥🔥#UEL | @staderennais pic.twitter.com/KK3kpTfY4M

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 12, 2019

Sarr's considerable threat was reinforced when he assisted two goals to help Rennes beat Caen in domestic action on Sunday. He's the player Arsenal's suspect and plodding defence will fear, especially after his movement led to centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos receiving a red card in the first leg.

https://twitter.com/FTalentScout/status/1104804529231577093

One of the goals Sarr created against Caen was scored by M'Baye Niang. The striker missed the first leg but is back from suspension for the return match.

Like Sarr, Niang offers pace and power, two qualities potentially lethal on the break against an Arsenal side obliged to push forward in numbers in search of the goals needed to qualify. 

The presence of Niang and Sarr is one reason why some, including Gunners great Patrick Vieira, believes Rennes can go through. Arsenal's former skipper, who now manages Nice, said he wasn't surprised by the first-leg scoreline, per Ryan Taylor of the Daily Express: "Offensively they are able to score against all teams in every minute of a game."

Vieira also said all of France wants to see Rennes go through at his old club's expense.

Arsenal's own firepower could leave Vieira and his countrymen disappointed, though. Emery's chances were boosted on Tuesday when the Gunners confirmed Alexandre Lacazette has been cleared to play after having a three-match ban reduced by UEFA:

🗞 Good news ahead of our #UEL second leg against Rennes...

🚨 @LacazetteAlex will now be available for selection

More information 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 12, 2019

Having Lacazette available alongside leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could prove too much for the Rennes defence.

It's also a moment for Emery to offer a reminder of his expertise in this tournament. His decorated history with the trophy needs to be reflected with better results in a competition which represents his last chance for silverware in his first season in charge.

Winning it for a fourth time would endorse Emery's status as a worthy successor to Wenger.

Chelsea are in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, as they head to Dynamo Kiev for the second leg of their last-16 showdown with a 3-0 lead secured. 

In the clash at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were totally dominant with goals from Pedro, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Manager Maurizio Sarri now has a decision to make on how much he rotates his side for the second leg.

Kiev are now huge outsiders to progress, and an away goal for Chelsea would effectively end the tie. Still, the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium can be an intimidating venue for opposition players and the Premier League side will be wary of letting Dynamo build up any momentum in the game.

         

Odds

Result

Dynamo Kiev win (49/18)

Draw (12/5)

Chelsea win (13/5)

      

To Qualify

Dynamo Kiev (33/1)

Chelsea (1/200)

Odds courtesy of OddsChecker.

      

Date: Thursday, March 14

Time: 5:55 p.m. (GMT), 1:55 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (UK)

Live Stream: BT Sport website (UK), BR Live (U.S.)

     

Preview

Given how difficult a trip to Kiev can be, Sarri would have been delighted with the manner in which his players approached the first leg of this contest and almost certainly secured progression.

On the ball their passing was incisive and inventive, while off it the pressing of players like Willian and Pedro unsettled the Ukrainian outfit, allowing Chelsea to win the ball back consistently in dangerous areas.

Here is the third goal of what turned into a routine victory for the Blues (U.S. only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1103775413560590336

The second goal scored by the Blues was a stunning free-kick from Willian. The strike was almost a carbon copy of a goal netted against the same opposition four years ago (UK only):

Same player...
Same opposition...
Same spot...
Same outcome...

Willian scored two *identical* free-kicks, four years apart.

There's a glitch in the matrix 👀 pic.twitter.com/QZhkPWBGH2

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2019

While Sarri will take a strong squad with him to Kiev, supporters will be hopeful he uses this fixture as a chance to give some younger players time on the field.

In the previous clash, Chelsea's third goal was a product of a fine finish from Hudson-Odoi, after he had been played in by another academy graduate in Ruben Loftus-Cheek. 

The Europa League has given both a chance to shine, and they've each been productive when given chances:

In the Europa League this season...

Callum Hudson-Odoi:
⚽️⚽️⚽️
🅰️

Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
⚽️⚽️⚽️
🅰️

7️⃣6️⃣6️⃣ combined minutes played
8️⃣ combined goal contributions
(one every 95 mins)

Young. English. Talented. pic.twitter.com/bOJ92a9pM6

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 7, 2019

In the case of Hudson-Odoi, who was strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich in January, Liam Twomey of ESPN said Sarri is in a difficult situation:

To clarify, I sympathise with Sarri. This isn’t a problem of his making & his first priority has to be to win & keep his job. It’s not his job to get Hudson-Odoi to sign a new contract.

But the consequences of not playing him (enough) are very clear #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) March 7, 2019

Kiev have to fly out of the traps in search of an early goal if they're to stand any chance of mounting a recovery. Manager Alyaksandr Khatskevich will want to see more from his attacking players too, with the likes of Viktor Tsygankov and Benjamin Verbic unable to get in the game at the Bridge.

The hostile crowd and attacking approach should see a more spirited display from the Ukrainians, but it's hard to see them preventing Chelsea from netting a decisive away goal.

       

Prediction: Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Chelsea

Arsenal host Rennes at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday needing to overturn a two-goal deficit if they are to advance in the UEFA Europa League. The Gunners slipped to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their last-16 tie. 

Chelsea eased to a 3-0 win at home to Dynamo Kiev last time out, so they'll take that lead with them to Ukraine, and Napoli are in the same position against Red Bull Salzburg. 

Sevilla's tie with Slavia Prague is finely balanced after they drew 2-2 in Spain, as is Inter Milan's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt following their stalemate in Germany.

Elsewhere, Benfica host Dinamo Zagreb having lost 1-0 in the first leg, while Valencia and Villarreal will defend 2-1 and 3-1 leads against Krasnodar and Zenit St. Petersburg, respectively.

                            

Thursday Schedule, Predictions

Dynamo Kiev 1-2 Chelsea, 5:55 p.m. GMT/1:55 p.m. ET, BT Sport 3 (UK)

Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 Napoli, 5:55 p.m. GMT/1:55 p.m. ET, BT Sport Extra (UK)

Krasnodar 2-2 Valencia, 5:55 p.m. GMT/1:55 p.m. ET, BT Sport Extra (UK)

Arsenal 2-1 Rennes, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET. ET, BT Sport 2 (UK)

Villarreal 1-1 Zenit St. Petersburg, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport Extra (UK)

Benfica 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport Extra (UK)

Inter Milan 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport ESPN (UK)

Slavia Prague 1-2 Sevilla, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport 3 (UK)

                           

B/R Live provides UEFA Europa League live-stream coverage, while Univision Deportes will also stream in the United States. Viewers in the United Kingdom can tune in via the BT Sport app.

             

Match Odds

Dynamo Kiev (49-18), Draw (12-5), Chelsea (21-17)

Krasnodar (11-5), Draw (5-2), Valencia (7-5)

Red Bull Salzburg (16-11), Draw (25-9), Napoli (27-14)

Arsenal (3-10), Draw (91-17), Rennes (10-1)

Benfica (10-21), Draw (39-11), Dinamo Zagreb (15-2)

Inter Milan (23-17), Draw (29-12), Eintracht Frankfurt (12-5)

Slavia Prague (11-4), Draw (11-4), Sevilla (11-10)

Villarreal (30-29), Draw (11-4), Zenit St. Petersburg (29-10)

Via Oddschecker

              

Slavia Prague vs. Sevilla

Sevilla will have been disappointed to concede two away goals in the home leg, particularly after going in front each time.

Wissam Ben Yedder put them ahead after just 24 seconds (U.S. only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1103716751160889344

Munir El Haddadi restored their lead after Miroslav Stoch equalised, but Alex Kral pulled Slavia level a second time to give them a chance of an upset against Sevilla.

The Spanish side will look to Ben Yedder on Thursday to see them through. The Frenchman, who has scored five goals in his last four Europa League games, bagged a 13-minute hat-trick against Real Sociedad on Sunday to take his tally to 26 goals for the season.

He has been in excellent form of late:

Wissam Ben Yedder: Last 8 Sevilla apps

🆚 Eibar ⚽️
🆚 Lazio ⚽️
🆚 Villarreal ❌
🆚 Lazio ⚽️
🆚 Barcelona 🅰️
🆚 Huesca ⚽️
🆚 Slavia Prague ⚽️
🆚 Real Sociedad ⚽️⚽️⚽️⭐️

For more player stats -- https://t.co/eu2TndR8ab pic.twitter.com/uqeNZb6lWx

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 12, 2019

Slavia have scored 61 goals in 24 domestic matches this season, and they're capable of causing Sevilla problems.

Sevilla are Europa League specialists, though—they've won it in each of the last three seasons they've participated—and Ben Yedder can be a difference-maker for them.

                   

Arsenal vs. Rennes

Arsenal enjoyed the perfect start in the first leg when Alex Iwobi fired them in front early on, but a first-half red card for Sokratis Papastathopoulos proved costly.

Benjamin Bourigeaud and Ismaila Sarr scored either side of a Nacho Monreal own goal to earn Rennes an impressive win.

Thanks to their away goal, a 2-0 win on Thursday will put the Gunners through.

Their hopes have been bolstered by the reduction in Alexandre Lacazette's three-match European ban to two games, which he has already served.

The striker has an impressive record at the Emirates:

Alexandre Lacazette's last eight games across all competitions at the Emirates:

🅰️ vs. Burnley
⚽️ vs. Fulham
⚽️ vs. Chelsea
🅰️ vs. Man Utd
⚽️ vs. Cardiff
⚽️ vs. Southampton
⚽️ vs. Bournemouth
🅰️ vs Man Utd

Alexandre Back-azette. #UEL pic.twitter.com/GjKyLQQSrl

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 12, 2019

With him in the side, Arsenal are more than capable of getting goals against the Ligue 1 outfit.

The key will be whether they can keep Rennes out at the other end to avoid conceding an away goal themselves.

The French side have scored three times in each of their last three Europa League matches, and they've already shown they can capitalise on the Gunners' shaky defending—Arsenal could find themselves out of the competition if they're not careful.

Arsenal will be tasked with overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their last-16 UEFA Europa League tie against Rennes on Thursday. 

The Gunners were well below their best in the first leg in France, as they surrendered an early lead and slipped to a shock loss. Despite that result, there will be some confidence in the Arsenal camp, as they beat Manchester United 2-0 on Sunday in the Premier League.

Rennes will now be tasked with completing the job on the road and secure one of the shocks of the tournament so far.

       

Odds

Result

Arsenal win (3/10)

Draw (5/1)

Rennes win (10/1)

        

To Qualify

Arsenal (19/20)

Rennes (4/5)

   

Odds courtesy of OddsChecker.

    

Date: Thursday, March 14

Time: 8 p.m. (GMT), 4 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (UK)

Live Stream: BT Sport website (UK), BR Live (U.S.)

   

Preview

It's been an eventful week for the Gunners, as Arsenal supporters have seen the best and worst of Unai Emery's side.

In France, they were poor, as they failed to capitalise on an early goal from Alex Iwobi. A red card for Sokratis Papastathopoulos gave the Ligue 1 side a route back into the game, before Benjamin Bourigeaud and Ismaila Sarr netted either side of a Nacho Monreal own goal.

Here are the highlights from what was a memorable night for the Rennes supporters at Stade de la Route de Lorient (U.S. Only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1103777122471084032

Emery was keen to stay in a "positive" mindset ahead of the game with Manchester United, and his side responded with a big display.

The Gunners became the first team to beat the Red Devils in the Premier League since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge at Old Trafford, with Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the scoresheet.

In the Premier League, Emery has been able to steer Arsenal to within touching distance of last season's top-flight points total:

🔴 #Arsenal last season
👕 38 games
😕 63 points

🔴 #Arsenal this season
👕 30 games
⬆️ 60 points

👏 Not doing a bad job, is he? pic.twitter.com/2lzw0ArEGN

— Unibet (@unibet) March 11, 2019

In another boost for the Gunners ahead of this game, it's been confirmed forward Alexandre Lacazette will be available to play after his ban was reduced from three games to two. Greg Johnson of Football.London thinks that's important for Arsenal:

https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/1105528021002448896

Rennes showed in the first leg they can pose a major threat to Arsenal. With Hatem Ben Arfa and Sarr in their attacking setup, the Ligue 1 side will be hopeful of getting the away goal that would make them big favourites to progress.

What will be intriguing is how manager Julien Stephan sets his side up. The match last week showed they are a side more at ease when playing on the front foot, although they will be wary of giving Arsenal's own attacking stars too much space to work in early on.

The Gunners will seek to carry the momentum from their win over United into this fixture, and the atmosphere will push them on at the Emirates. In the end, they will have enough to overturn the deficit.

       

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Stade Rennais