UEFA Europa League - Quarter Finals Preview

The Europa League is ready to take it's place in the spotlight, after two days of high stakes Champions League matches, the secondary tournament will surely offer up plenty of intrigue, and all around interest from these competitive fixtures.

The field presents a number of European elites. With Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Marseille all still apart of the final 8 teams in the field, we are certain to see high quality matches as this event progresses.

Enjoy the first day of Europa League action! Many often overlook this particular event, but with a plethora of high profile clubs doing battle over the next two months, we are certain to be entertained by the highest level of club football in the Europe.

20504 Atletico Madrid vs. 20505 Sporting Lisbon

Wanda Metropolitano , Madrid, Spain

4-5-2018 - 3:05 pm ET

The featured match on the docket sees Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, making the short trip to Spain, where a gritty Atletico Madrid await them, at the newly constructed Wanda Metropolitano.

Sporting Lisbon have been in top form during the 2017-2018 campaign, currently 3rd in the Portuguese Primeira table, the "Leões" are focused on making yet another trip to the Champions League.

Jorge Jesus will lead "Três Grandes" to one of the more daunting locations in European football.

Knowing the task at hand, the veteran Portuguese head man is confident he can leave Madrid with a manageable result, as they head back to Lisbon next week.

The Green and Whites will make the trip at less than full strength, with Seydou Doumbia and Daniel Podence both  sidelined due to injury, William Carvalho and Sebastián Coates could also be misses to the normal rotation.

Never the less, Sporting should stay consistent with their 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dutch Striker Bas Dost, set to lead the line as their dedicated Number 9 in the attack.

The accomplished Forward is extremely dangerous in Aerial situations within the box, scoring 29 Goals in all competitions during this excellent campaign, the host will certainly look to have the "Verde e brancos" tally's man, marked at all times.

Gelson Martins is scheduled to take his place in the starting eleven, the Attacking Midfielder brings out the best in the Sporting attack, with a powerful hold-up game, the Portuguese International is also highly capable of placing passes on a dime, while using his skillful dribbling techniques to create space against opposing defenses.

Martins has been responsible for 10 Goals and 7 Assists in all competitions, his creative flow is crucial to the overall success of "Três Grandes", as they look to grab a positive result on Spanish soil.

Sporting Lisbon have been efficient at finding the back of the net during their travels, scoring an average of 1.3 Goals per match, during their last 4 European League road games.

The Sporting defense has had difficulties keeping clean sheets away from home, conceding an average of 2 Goals per match, during their last 4 European League road games.

Atletico Madrid welcome their Portuguese neighbors to their magnificent new stadium, after dismantling Russian side Locomotiv Moscow in the Round of 16, the powerful Madrid outfit look prime to continue their run to the Finals in Lyon.

Diego Simeone has lead yet another group to players to a European Quarter Finals, after failing to have a productive showing in the Champions League Group Stage, Los Rojiblancos were given an opportunity to still raise Silverware through the Europa League path.

Simeone is a highly emotional leader while on the sideline, urging his squad to play with an aggressive edge while on the pitch.

The Atleti head man will certainly ask his loyal participants to keep their same edge, against this dangerous Portuguese squad.

The Red-and-Whites line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with danger men Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann heading the top of the line.

The talented partnership are still getting accustomed to playing with one another, as Costa recently returned to Atleti after a productive stint with English giants Chelsea.

The lethal tandem now set their sights on a vulnerable Sporting back-line, with 29 combined Goals scored in all competitions, expect a barrage of shots produced by the Los Rojiblancos target men, as they stand the best chance to put the host on the board during this much anticipated fixture.

Saul is also a key player to watch in the home sides attack, often a producer of spectacular long range shots, this Spain International definitely saves his best performances for the grandest stage.

Saul has amassed 3 Goals in just 3 Europa league appearances this campaign, do not be surprised  to see this dynamic talent, having an Epic moment during his time on the pitch against the Portuguese.

Atletico Madrid have not missed hitting the back of the net during this seasons UEFA events, scoring an average of 1.6 Goals per match, during their last 5 European League home games.

The Atleti Defense is world renowned, this years version has not failed to disappoint, conceding a microscopic 0.6 Goals per match, during their last 5 European League home games.

Prediction:

Atletico Madrid have continued to gain steam as of late, winning their last 8 home matches, while failing to concede a goal over that marvelous span of play.

The Madrid side have also won 21 of their last 24 Europa League fixtures, while scoring 2 plus goals in each of their matches to start this seasons version of events.

Sporting Lisbon on the other hand are having a dreadful spell, losing 3 out of their last 4 matches, while failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 away games in all competitions.

Atletico should come out highly inspired to grab a early first half lead, solidifying their overall dominance in front of their loyal supporters.

Expect the home side to play very aggressive on their own pitch, looking to create havoc and cause turnovers, while they get out an run on the counter attack, which is a true weapon for Los Rojiblancos.

The hosts are also very creative in creating shots on goals, from both inside and outside the box, their pure quality and skill should be on full showcase for all to see, expect a multi-goal performance at the sepctacular Wanda Metropolitano.

Sporting are more than capable of creating their own chances on goal, but this match-up does not suite them well, as they look to be on the back-foot for much of their time in Madrid.

The visitors must try and limit the damage as much as possible, in hopes of returning to Lisbon next week and turning their fortunes around.

Tips:

Atletico Madrid  -0.5  -115 / 1.87 - 1st Half Spread

Atletico Madrid  -1.25  -115 / 1.87 - Full Time Spread

Atletico Madrid - Team Total Over 1.75  -110 / 1.91 - Goals

*Europa League - Bonus Tips*

20501 RB Leipzig vs. 20502 Marseille

4-5-2018 - 3:05 pm ET

RB Leipzig - Team Total Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +110 / 2.1

20510 Arsenal vs 20511 CSKA Moscow

4-5-2018 - 3:05 pm ET

Over  1  -135 / 1.74 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  2.75  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Time Goals

Best Of Luck To All