The last 16 of the UEFA Europa League is upon us, and there’s plenty of mouthwatering clashes to behold.

As the business end of the lengthy tournament finally approaches, it’s time to get serious, with the prospect of silverware and a place in next year’s UEFA Champions League up for grabs.

Here’s all the information you need to catch Thursday’s first legs, and how they’re likely to play out.

 

Ties of the Round

Wolfsburg vs. Inter Milan

Making predictions regarding Inter Milan is always tricky.

When they look like they’ll be turned over, they produce a surprising performance as they did to come from two goals down to earn a well-deserved point against Lazio in December. When they should win comfortably on paper, they shoot themselves in the foot, such as in their shock 2-0 defeat to Parma in November.

Whichever Inter side turns up, it’s sure to be a thrilling encounter when they take on the sole representatives from Germany.

Wolfsburg currently sit nine points clear in second place in the Bundesliga, while Inter have struggled and find themselves down in ninth in Serie A.

The most fascinating prospect will be the appearance of Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost. The Dutchman has 16 goals in all competitions this season, with 13 of them coming in 2015, showing the finishing prowess of a predator:

Dost’s form hasn’t failed to escape the notice of the Guardian’s James Horncastle or B/R’s own Clark Whitney:

It may well be a purple patch, but for as long as it continues, Die Wolfe have a potent weapon in their arsenal, particularly with the creative Kevin De Bruyne supplying Dost with ammo.

The attacking midfielder has an incredible 11 goals and 18 assists this season.

Between the Belgian’s incisive passing and Dost’s instinctive finishing, Wolfsburg are well-suited to exposing Inter’s high defensive line, as noted by Richard Hall of ESPN. 

It could be a long night for Roberto Mancini’s men, but the deficit won’t be insurmountable in the second leg.

Prediction: 3-1

 

Fiorentina vs. Roma

An all-Italian clash between Fiorentina and Roma is set to get pulses racing on Thursday night.

The pair have already faced off three times this season, with honours so far even—a win apiece and a 1-1 draw.

Fiorentina’s 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions ended spectacularly on Monday at the hands of Lazio, and La Viola will need to pick themselves up as they face the Serie A runners-up.

It won’t be easy, though, as Fiorentina will likely be missing Stefan Savic and Mario Gomez, per Football-Italia.net, while January signings Alessandro Diamanti and Alberto Gilardino are not registered in Vincenzo Montella’s European squad.

Savic will be a big blow. The powerful defender is a huge presence in the air, and the loss of his calming influence make Fiorentina vulnerable to the likes of the pacey Gervinho.

Roma do not enter the tie in spectacular form, though, having drawn five of their last six matches.

Rudi Garcia had strong words for his players after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Chievo.

According to Joe Wright of Goal.com, he said: “Playing like that, we could’ve been on the field for three hours and still not scored. This was a terrible performance… Tomorrow we have to tell each other the truth and have a strong response. We must show our true face in the four big games we have coming up.”

How his players respond will be an interesting watch.

With the likes of Savic missing, Roma should have less of a problem finding the back of the net, but the Florentine outfit can draw on their impressive 2-0 away win in Rome in February.

What will follow will be a tense affair, with little to separate these two sides after 90 minutes, but Fiorentina can claim precious away goals here.

Prediction: 2-2

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