Published: 11:00, 11 August 2020

Shakhtar Donetsk’s pursuit of a second Europa League title will be tested when they face FC Basel in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday evening (20:00 kick-off).

The reigning Ukrainian champions lifted their first major continental prize in 2009 when they edged out a much-fancied Werder Bremen 2-1 in Istanbul.

FC Basel, meanwhile, have never tasted glory outside Swiss domestic football though in these unique circumstances must fancy their chances of correcting that statistic.

Shakhtar Donetsk & Basel’s previous line-ups:

• Shakhtar Donetsk (vs VfL Wolfsburg): Pyatov; Dodô, Khocholava*, Kryvtsov, Matvienko; Stepanenko, Marcos Antônio; Marlos, Alan Patrick, Taison; Júnior Moraes.
• FC Basel (vs Eintracht Frankfurt): Nikolic; Widmer, Cömert*, Alderete, Petretta; Frei, Xhaka; Stocker, Campo, Pululu; Arthur Cabral.

Shakhtar centre-back Davit Khocholava is suspended after being sent off in their impressive win over Wolfsburg. FC Basel also have a player serving a match ban; Eray Cömert is joined on the sidelines by injured trio of Jonas Omlin, Eric Ramires and Luca Zuffi.

Players to watch:

• Shakhtar Donetsk: Since dropping into the Europa League there’s not been a drop off in form regarding Shakhtar, who still heavily rely on their veteran Brazilian-born Ukrainian striker Júnior Moraes. The 33-year-old currently has three goals to his name and will again be Donetsk’s biggest attacking threat more so after bagging a brace against Wolfsburg last time out.
• FC Basel: FC Basel are one win away from equalling their best Europa League performance, when they reached the 2012/13 semi-finals, a survivor from that run — which ended at the hands of Chelsea — is Fabian Frei and the defensive midfielder has been in prolific form lately. Frei, a club legend that has amassed over 350 appearances for the Swiss giants, is looking to score in a fourth consecutive Europa League game.

Scoreline prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 FC Basel

Paris Saint-Germain are looking to end a 25-year wait to reach the Champions League semi-finals when they face a spirited Atalanta side in Lisbon on Wednesday night (20:00 kick-off).

The reigning French champions have flattered to deceive in European competition it recent years, finding themselves on the wrong end of stunning comebacks, which ultimately cost a few managers their respective jobs.

Current incumbent Thomas Tuchel looked to be on the chopping block after Manchester United eliminated them last season, but the powers that be resisted that urge, and by promoting a long-term vision their dreams could be realised this month.

But they must get past this season’s unlikely quarter-finalists. Not many fancied Italian upstarts Atalanta being two wins away from reaching the final, but here we are. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men — who bagged 98 goals across their 2019/20 Serie A campaign — are here on merit and PSG would be foolish to take them lightly.

Atalanta & PSG’s previous line-ups:

• Atalanta (vs Inter Milan): Gollini; Tolói, Caldara, Djimsiti; Castagne, Freuler, De Roon, Gosens; Pasalic, Papu Gómez; Zapata.
• PSG (vs Lyon): Navas; Kurzawa*, Silva, Kimpembe, Bakker; Marquinhos, Gueye, Verratti*; Di María*, Icardi, Neymar.

Gian Piero Gasperini has no fresh injury worries ahead of their quarter-final showdown. PSG, meanwhile, are stretched with Ángel Di María suspended while Marco Verratti and Layvin Kurzawa are injured. Kylian Mbappé is a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury last month with some reports suggesting he could make an unlikely comeback.

Players to watch:

• Atalanta: This is uncharted territory for Atalanta who have now established themselves as a top-four club in Serie A, and following Juventus’ surprise elimination at the hands of Lyon, there’s a sense of salvaging Italian pride on Wednesday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will continue to relish their underdog status, knowing very well the pressure is on mega rich PSG, and if they can keep the ball moving through playmaker Alejandro Gómez there’s a strong chance of causing an upset. In his eight previous appearances this season Gómez has created no fewer than 13 chances, more than anyone wearing an Atalanta jersey, whilst averaging 37.55 successful passes per game.
• PSG: It goes without saying Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain for one reason and that is bringing the Champions League to France’s capital for the very first time. Since becoming part of the Parisian furniture he’s been nothing short of prolific, having bagged 70 goals across 82 outings, with his Champions League tally standing at 14 strikes in 17 appearances. However, this game will be Neymar’s quarter-final debut for PSG, and given question marks surrounding Mbappé’s involvement all eyes will be on world football’s most expensive player to produce a display worthy of his talents.

Scoreline prediction: Atalanta 1-2 PSG

Inter Milan face Bayer Leverkusen on Monday night in a battle between two of the competition’s favourites.

Antonio Conte’s men are contesting their first European quarter-final since 2011 but having finished just one point behind Juventus in the Serie A table and an attacking line-up which is the envy of many sides across the continent, the Nerazzurri will be high on confidence.

The same could be said of Bayer Leverkusen, who are playing in their first continental quarter-final since the 2008 Uefa Cup. They breezed past Rangers in the previous round with a 4-1 aggregate win and finished fifth in the Bundesliga, missing out on a top-four spot by just two points.

With the rest of this season’s Europa League and Champions League ties being played across one leg, we’re guaranteed a winner here and, with that, plenty of drama in Dusseldorf.

Previous XIs and pre-match team news:

• Inter Milan (vs Getafe): Handanovic; Godín, Bastoni, De Vrij; D’Ambrosio, Gagliardini, Barella, Brozovic, Young; Lukaku, Martínez.
• Bayer Leverkusen (vs Rangers): Hradecky; Lars Bender, Tapsoba, Bender, Sinkgraven; Aránguiz*, Palacios, Wirtz; Havertz, Volland, Diaby.

Antonio Conte, who is only missing Matías Vecino, may resist the temptation of changing his lineup from the win over Getafe though Christian Eriksen is pushing for a place in his starting XI. Charles Aránguiz is missing for Leverkusen as he serves a one-match suspension and Paulinho is also missing through injury.

Players to watch:

Inter Milan: Knockout football is all about fine margins and with that comes the need for a reliable goalscorer who can finish chances when the pressure is at its highest. No player has delivered more in that respect during 2019/20 than Romelu Lukaku, who has netted a huge 30 goals in 47 games across all competitions. Lukaku opened the scoring against Getafe as Inter won 2-0 in the round-of-16 last time out and he’ll have his sights firmly set on crushing Leverkusen, too.

Bayer Leverkusen: No Leverkusen player has drawn more attention this season than Kai Havertz and now, with reports linking him to Chelsea appearing around every corner, all eyes will be on the German wonderkid. Havertz helped himself to 12 goals and six assists in the Bundesliga as Leverkusen finished fifth and has replicated that form on the continental stage, scoring three and assisting twice in four Europa League appearances. At this point, Leverkusen are likely resigned to losing their prized asset, so, if Havertz can fire them to European glory and drive up his price in the process, it’s a win-win situation for all involved.

Scoreline prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Manchester United will be looking for a place in this season’s Europa League semi-finals when they face FC Copenhagen in Cologne on Monday evening.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men weren’t exactly at their scintillating best against Austrian outfit LASK last time out and will be wanting to put on a better show.

As for their Danish opponents, this is the furthest they’ve been in a major European club competition, and Ståle Solbakken — a former international teammate of Solskjaer — knows his side has nothing to lose with all the pressure on the Premier League giants.

Previous XIs and pre-match team news:

• Man Utd (vs LASK): Romero; Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Maguire, Williams; Fred, McTominay; Mata, Lingard, James; Ighalo.
• FC Copenhagen (vs Istanbul Basaksehir): Johnsson; Varela, Nelsson, Bjelland, Boilesen; Zeca, Mudrazija; Biel, Wind, Falk Jensen; Kaufmann.

Luke Shaw remains out for Man Utd due to a troublesome ankle injury. Solskjaer is expected to make a number of changes from his last lineup, though Sergio Romero should retain his spot in goal. Ståle Solbakken, meanwhile, is likely to keep the eleven who knocked out Istanbul Basaksehir, meaning a place for ex-Red Devil full-back Guillermo Varela.

Players to watch:

Man Utd: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has often rotated his squad in the Europa League, meaning those on the periphery getting a run-out. Someone who’s benefited from this approach is newly-acquired striker Odion Ighalo, and he’s expected to feature when FC Copenhagen face the 2017 champions. The 31-year-old Nigerian marksman has started in United’s last four outings registering two goals, including a neat effort at LASK in March, and creating a further one.

FC Copenhagen: Given the gap in quality between the sides it’s not outlandish to suggest that Man Utd will dominate the proceedings in this game. Solskjaer’s incredible attack should pose FC Copenhagen a lot of uncomfortable questions, so the onus is on Copenhagen’s defensive rearguard, and they couldn’t have asked for a more experienced goalkeeper to call upon. Karl-Johan Johnsson is one of three players to feature in all of their Europa League games this season, though he has kept only three clean sheets while shipping seven goals.

Scoreline prediction: Man Utd 2-0 FC Copenhagen

With the Australian A-League coming to a close, Western United play host to Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday (10:30am).

There may only be a handful of games remaining in the regular season but it is still all to play for as eighth-placed Western United and ninth-placed Wanderers scramble it out for a place in the top six and the Finals Series.

As things stand five points separates both these side from Adelaide United, who occupy the last qualification position for the Finals Series. The Green and Black have three games in hand over Adelaide but will need to put points on the board when WSW come to town.

The visitors currently have a game in hand and could close the gap on Adelaide to within two points with a win heading into the final stretch, making Friday’s contest a proverbial six-pointer if ever there was one.

These two sides have already met each other twice this season with the Green and Black unbeaten in both of those contests (one win, one draw), but can Mark Rudan’s side inflict further woe and edge closer to Adelaide? Or will Jean-Paul de Marigny pull off a tactical masterclass and scoop three precious points?

Player to watch:

He may be 37 years old, but Alessandro Diamanti is still an elegant playmaker and can dictate proceedings when he fancies it. The mercurial midfielder forged a reputable name for himself in Europe while donning the colours of Fiorentina, West Ham and Atalanta among others, while also racking up 17 caps for Italy.

On his day he is a delight to watch, mesmeric on the ball and precise with his set-pieces. Thus far, the veteran playmaker has amassed five goals and seven assists in 21 A-League appearances this season, and will be hoping to finish the season on a high as the Green and Black chase a top-six finish.

Scoreline prediction: Western United 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

A-League 2019/20 recent form:

• Western United: LWWWL
• Western Sydney Wanderers: LWDDD

Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ hopes of European football for 2020/21 sees them host Olympiacos in the Europa League last-16 on Thursday at 8:00pm.

Arsenal‘s FA Cup win at the weekend means Wolves failed to qualify for next season’s Europa League, but a shock Champions League spot could still be on the cards if they win this year’s Europa League.

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s men currently hold a slight advantage over Olympiacos going into their last-16 second leg on Thursday, thanks to an away goal in their 1-1 draw in Greece back in March.

A win for Wolves would see their long Europa League journey continue, having started in the qualifying rounds on July 25, 2019 – over a year ago. But standing in their way are an Olympiacos side who have already knocked out English opposition in the Europa League, beating Arsenal in the last-32 which included a 2-1 win at the Emirates.

Player to watch:

Players aren’t often used to playing knockout European football with transfer rumours surrounding them and their future in doubt, but that’ll be the case on Thursday for Raul Jimenez.

The Mexican forward has enjoyed another good season at Molineux, scoring 26 goals in 53 games across all competitions, including 17 in the Premier League.  Since joining initially on loan from Benfica at the start of the 2018/19 season, Jimenez has now scored 43 goals in 97 games for Wolves – already his highest tally at a single club.

And although Jimenez appears to have his heart in Wolves, as does his family, the Mexican is currently being linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United and Juventus.

United appear to be the more likely destination as they look to build on their third-placed Premier League finish, with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Odion Ighalo the club’s current recognised strikers.

But, for now, Jimenez’s focus is on going all the way with Wolves.

“We have to think big,” he said.

“If we think like this – we want to be in the final and win it, we have to go with that mentality and effort – we can achieve it.

“If we go with our heads down, we aren’t going to achieve anything. We all know each other; we know we are a good team that works together. We have to think bigger.”

Scoreline prediction: Wolves 2-1 Olyampiacos

Europa League 2019/20 recent form:

1. Wolves: DWWLD
2. Olympiacos: LWD

Inter Milan and Getafe will lock horns in a single-leg Europa League round-of-16 tie in Germany on Wednesday evening.

The two sides had yet to face off in the first leg before football came to a halt in March, and will now decide their fixture in a one-off match at Schalke’s stadium.

Antonio Conte’s side continue in the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s favourites, while Getafe will be quietly confident of pulling off another shock result, having eliminated last season’s Champions League semi-finalists, Ajax, in the previous round.

The winners of this encounter will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Rangers in the quarter-finals, but who will progress and make it to the last eight?

Players to watch:

• Inter Milan: Inter Milan finished as runners-up in Serie A this season, just a point below Juventus, and will be relishing the chance to win continental silverware. With some very intimidating sides still in the Europa League, Conte will be relying upon his most prolific forwards to get the job done if the Nerazzurri are to make considerable noise in the latter stages of this competition. Romelu Lukaku is one such player. With 23 league goals this season and two in Europe, he is a man in the form of his life and will be looking to add to his tally this month while simultaneously firing Inter to European glory.
• Getafe: Bordalas may not have a 20-goal-a-season striker to call upon, but he does boast a very competent finisher in Jaime Mata. The one-time Spain international bagged 11 goals in La Liga this season and has outscored any Inter Milan player in the Europa League this term with three goals to his name. Inter are notoriously difficult to break down under organised virtuoso Conte, so Mata will need to bring his A-game if Getafe want to remain in Germany.

Scoreline prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Getafe

Europe 2019/20 recent form:

• Inter Milan: WWLWL
• Getafe: LWWWL

Manchester United play host to LASK in the Europa League round-of-16 second leg with a five-goal advantage on Thursday night.

The Red Devils cruised to a 5-0 win in the first leg and will be confident of progressing to the mini-tournament in Germany for the latter rounds of this season’s Europa League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have already secured Champions League football for next season after finishing in the Premier League top four, but having come up short in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, the Norwegian will be desperate to clinch his first piece of silverware in the dugout.

It will take a monumental effort from Valerien Ismael’s side to reach the quarter-finals, but crazier things have happened in football. So, will this be a routine win for the hosts? Or can the Black-Whites pull something special out of the bag?

Man Utd & LASK’s first leg line-ups:

• Man Utd: Romero; Williams, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw*; Fred, McTominay, Mata, Fernandes, James; Ighalo.
• LASK: Schlager; Ramsebner, Trauner, Ranftl; Reiter, Holland, Michorl, Renner; Tetteh, Klauss, Frieser.

Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are all ruled out of this fixture, but further forward, Solskjaer has a full squad to select from. 

Published: 18:38, 4 August 2020

Manchester United play host to LASK in the Europa League round-of-16 second leg with a five-goal advantage on Thursday night.

The Red Devils cruised to a 5-0 win in the first leg and will be confident of progressing to the mini-tournament in Germany for the latter rounds of this season’s Europa League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have already secured Champions League football for next season after finishing in the Premier League top four, but having come up short in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, the Norwegian will be desperate to clinch his first piece of silverware in the dugout.

It will take a monumental effort from Valerien Ismael’s side to reach the quarter-finals, but crazier things have happened in football. So, will this be a routine win for the hosts? Or can the Black-Whites pull something special out of the bag?

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Man Utd & LASK’s first leg line-ups:

• Man Utd: Romero; Williams, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw*; Fred, McTominay, Mata, Fernandes, James; Ighalo.
• LASK: Schlager; Ramsebner, Trauner, Ranftl; Reiter, Holland, Michorl, Renner; Tetteh, Klauss, Frieser.

Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are all ruled out of this fixture, but further forward, Solskjaer has a full squad to select from. 

Players to watch:

• Man Utd: Since the resumption of football on these shores, Man Utd have been in exceptional form, losing just one game in 11 and finding the back of the net at an alarming rate. Bruno Fernandes has undoubtedly played a huge part in that upturn in form, but the growing emergence of Mason Greenwood has added extra potency to Solskjaer’s attacking third. The free-scoring teenager ran riot in the Premier League towards the latter stages, but he has been firing them in for fun in the Europa League all season. Thus far he has netted five goals, the second-most of any player in the tournament, and will be looking to add to that total in the coming weeks.
• LASK: If the Austrian club are to pull off one of the great comebacks of modern football, then they will need their most clinical players on song and in the form of their lives. One player who could make an impact in this game is Marko Raguz, the 22-year-old Austrian forward, who has netted five goals in the Europa League this season, more than any of his teammates. It’s a tall order, but Raguz has shown he has the capacity to make a difference in this tournament, and Solskjaer should be wary of this threat.

Scoreline prediction: Man Utd 2-0 LASK

Europa League 2019/20 recent form:

• Man Utd: WWDWL
• LASK: LWDWW