AC Milan vs. Roma (Thursday, 8.00pm)
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Kicking off an all-Italian tie at San Siro, AC Milan host Roma on Thursday, in the first leg of an enticing Europa League quarter-final.
Milan have won both Serie A meetings this season and are unbeaten in nine games against their counterparts from the capital. However, the Giallorossi have a recent track record of going the distance in Europe.
We say: AC Milan 2-1 Roma
Given the occasion, it could be a relatively cagey affair between two teams that have had no trouble scoring goals of late. With next week's return leg in Rome still to come, Milan should make the most of home advantage to eke out a slim lead before heading to the capital.
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Liverpool vs. Atalanta (Thursday, 8.00pm)
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Facing the sternest examination of their Europa League credentials yet, Liverpool kick off their two-legged quarter-final with Italian powerhouses Atalanta BC at Anfield on Thursday.
The Reds put a staggering 11 goals past Sparta Prague in the last 16 to surge into the quarters, while Gian Piero Gasperini's side edged out Sporting Lisbon, whose head coach seems set to take the Merseyside reins for 2024-25.
We say: Liverpool 3-1 Atalanta BC
Fans can expect sparks to fly between two outfits with an unwavering devotion to fast-paced offensive football, but Atalanta have been found wanting more often than not in recent weeks, especially away from their Bergamo home.
Liverpool's vulnerabilities at the back should at least lead to some joy in front of goal for Gasperini's men, but they could end up being overwhelmed at the other end of the field as Klopp's crop arrive in Italy for leg two with a healthy lead to protect.
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> How Liverpool could line up against Atalanta BC
> Alisson, Jota latest - Liverpool injury news ahead of Atalanta BC clash
B. Leverkusen vs. West Ham (Thursday, 8.00pm)
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West Ham United will somehow attempt to stop the Bayer Leverkusen juggernaut in its tracks when they face the Bundesliga champions-elect in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg at the BayArena.
The Hammers produced an emphatic second-leg comeback over Freiburg to reach the last eight, while Xabi Alonso's men eliminated Azerbaijani hopefuls Qarabag in the most incredible circumstances.
We say: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham United
No Bowen does not necessarily mean no party for West Ham fans, who rejoiced in seeing Mohammed Kudus run Freiburg ragged in the last 16, but an unbeaten and unwavering Leverkusen side are a different kettle of fish entirely.
Alonso's men may already have one eye on this weekend's possible Bundesliga crowning, but facing a West Ham crop still waiting for their first away clean sheet of 2024, we have faith in the hosts to take care of business and earn a comfortable advantage before next week's stopover in London.
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> How West Ham could line up against Bayer Leverkusen
Benfica vs. Marseille (Thursday, 8.00pm)
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Benfica will be looking to take a first-leg lead in their Europa League quarter-final tie against Marseille when they face off at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Thursday evening.
The second leg will take place at Stade Velodrome next week, and the winners will advance to the final four of the competition, where they will face either Liverpool or Atalanta next month.
We say: Benfica 2-1 Marseille
Benfica have been in excellent form at the Estadio da Luz this season and come into this match unbeaten in their last eight home games in all competitions. Marseille, on the other hand, are on a three-match losing streak on the road and have only won once in their last eight games away from Stade Velodrome.
We are expecting an entertaining match here but feel that the hosts will take a first-leg lead to France next week.
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Oliver Thomas
