When: 21:00
Where: Europa League

Athletic
The Basques are currently experiencing one of their best seasons in recent years. In La Liga, they belong to the extended top group and are a force at home – in the ongoing Europa League competition, they have won every home game. I have looked at their recent performances: especially at San Mamés, they play aggressively, with high intensity and good pressing. Against Roma and Rangers, they have shown that they can turn around even deficits. The only downside: the absence of Oihan Sancet, their most goal-threating midfielder. This will limit their creativity, but the Williams brothers and Berenguer remain fiercely dangerous on the wings.

Manchester United
Undefeated internationally, but hardly competitive domestically anymore – that sums up the Red Devils’ season. While they are struggling in the Premier League, they deliver dramatic games with lots of spectacle in Europe. But what I saw in the second leg against Lyon was more chaos than control – three goals in seven minutes masked many structural problems. Injuries are plaguing the team massively: among others, Dalot, Martinez, and Diallo are missing, and de Ligt is doubtful. The defense in particular therefore looks improvised. It will be difficult to hold up away against such a strong home team.

Injuries
Athletic: Sancet (injured)
Manchester United: Martinez, Dalot, Diallo, Heven, Zirkzee (all injured), de Ligt (doubtful)

Direct Encounters
No current reference through direct duels – the last serious comparison is more than ten years ago.

Prediction for the game
Athletic is flawless at home in the Europa League. Even without Sancet, they have proven that they can hold their own against strong opponents. United’s away form is not convincing – wins came only against significantly weaker opponents. I expect a physically intense game in which the Spaniards will apply pressure from the first minute. The injury-plagued defense of the English side could suffer greatly from this.

My tip: Over 1.5 goals (1.38)

When: 21:00
Where: UEFA Europa Conference League

Betis has qualified for a European semi-final for the first time in the club's history and faces a Fiorentina side currently in very good form. The Spaniards advanced by defeating Vitória Guimarães, Gent, and Jagiellonia, with the experienced forward Cédric Bakambu shining with seven goals. Manuel Pellegrini's team is very strong at home, having won five of their last seven home games and will once again play boldly in front of their home fans.

Betis
Despite convincing performances, there are some absences. In defense Diego Llorente is missing, in midfield Marco Roca, and upfront the versatile Chimy Ávila. Nobél Mendy is doubtful. For the regular goalkeeper Adrián, Francisco Vieites will stand in goal as in the previous Conference League matches. Offensively, Betis relies on creativity through Isco, Lo Celso, and Fornals, while Bakambu operates as the target man up front. Tactically, it will likely be a 4-2-3-1, with much control in the midfield and play over the wings.

Fiorentina
The Italians arrive with a run of eight unbeaten games, including a convincing 3-0 win against Juventus as well as a 2-2 draw at Milan. Their form is good, but the team has to do without several players. Moise Kean is doubtful; Dodô, Bove, and Colpani are missing. Nevertheless, Fiorentina brings quality and experience – especially players like Gudmundsson, Beltrán, and Mândragora. Raffaele Palladino's team is expected to play a 3-5-2 formation and attempt to be dangerous through counterattacks and set pieces.

Injuries
Betis misses Ávila, Roca, and Llorente for sure, Mendy is doubtful. Fiorentina is without Bove, Dodô, Colpani; Kean is doubtful.

Head-to-Head
No official matches so far in UEFA competitions.

Prediction
Betis plays at home with a lot of confidence and has had more recovery time due to a longer break than Fiorentina, who last played on Sunday. Additionally, the Spaniards have a good home record. Fiorentina brings stability and form but does not always appear consistent away from home. I expect Betis to narrowly win the game with the support of their fans.

My Tip: Betis win (1.75)

When: 19:30
Where: Italian Serie B

Introduction
In Serie B, league leaders Sassuolo host eleventh-placed Carrarese. The home team is close to promotion back to Serie A and does not want to drop points against a mid-table opponent. For Carrarese, it's primarily about presenting themselves respectably and not slipping down in the fight for a single-digit league position.

Sassuolo
Sassuolo dominates the league: 75 goals scored in 34 games is the best in the league. The team has won four of the last five matches and plays very confidently at home. Offensively, the team shows great joy in playing with fast wingers, high pressing, and efficient chance conversion. Defensively, they are not invulnerable, but thanks to their offensive strength, they are often able to equalize or lead comfortably. The atmosphere in the stadium is electrifying and additionally boosts the team.

Carrarese
Carrarese is having a mixed season. Placed 11th, they are in the league's no-man’s-land. Only 35 goals in 34 games show a lack of offensive punch. Although the team has recently remained unbeaten with two wins and three draws, they usually lack quality against top teams. Away, Carrarese often seems aimless, especially when defending deep. It will likely be difficult to keep up with Sassuolo’s high tempo and offensive dynamism.

Injuries
Sassuolo is missing Kristian Thorstvedt (midfield, Norway). Despite his absence, the team remains strong enough to dominate offensively. Carrarese can rely on their full squad.

Head-to-head
The first leg in September 2024 was won comfortably by Sassuolo away, 2-0. Further encounters date back a long time and are irrelevant for the current assessment. The clear win in the first meeting clearly shows the class difference between the two teams.

Match Prediction
Sassuolo enters this duel as the clear favorite and will dominate the game with home advantage and significantly better individual quality. Carrarese will be challenged defensively and will hardly be able to set their own accents. Everything suggests that Sassuolo will offensively ensure a clear outcome.

My tip: Sassuolo to win (1.55)

When: 15:00
Where: Italian Serie B

Introduction
In the race for direct promotion, Pisa hosts the mid-table club Frosinone. The home team is currently second and in excellent form. For Frosinone, it only concerns placement, as neither promotion nor relegation is a realistic option. Pisa will play for the win – anything else would be a surprise.

Pisa
The team is currently showing great strength. 20 wins from 34 games and a goal difference of 56:32 speak for themselves. Especially at home, Pisa often dominates with early pressure and a solid defense. The team has won four of their last five matches – a true promotion form. Their style combines ball control with quick counterattacks, making them very effective against weaker opponents like Frosinone.

Frosinone
Frosinone is having a dull season. 12th place, a negative goal difference, and only 35 goals in 34 matches clearly show their offensive problems. The team struggles away from home, especially against well-organized teams. In recent matches, there have been several draws – but against a motivated Pisa, that is unlikely to be enough.

Injuries
Pisa will miss Tomas Esteves. Frosinone is missing Simone Romagnoli. Neither absence significantly affects the respective team structure.

Head-to-Head
The first leg ended goalless, and before that, Pisa won clearly 3-0. Overall, recent encounters between the teams have been mixed, but currently Pisa is clearly the stronger side.

Match Prediction
Pisa plays at home, is in promotion form, and faces an opponent without a clear goal and with an inconsistent defense. I expect a controlled performance from the hosts and a well-deserved three points.

My tip: Pisa win (1.93)

When: 15:00
Where: Italian Serie B

Introduction
Two teams, two very different missions: Palermo is fighting to return to Serie A, while Südtirol is trying to escape the relegation zone. Both need points – some for the playoffs, the others for league survival. In a duel that brings both excitement and potential mistakes, one thing is quite certain: it won’t be boring.

Palermo
Palermo is in 6th place, firmly in the playoff race but under pressure. The Rosaneri have scored 47 goals but have also conceded 38. In the last five games there have been three wins and two losses – not absolute consistency, but always dangerous offensively. At home, Palermo plays more aggressively. Much of the offense goes through the wings, while defensively coordination problems repeatedly become apparent. The defense leaves gaps, especially during the opponent’s quick counterattacks.

Südtirol
The guest from Südtirol is in 13th place, with only a small margin from the relegation zone. Particularly noticeable is the weak defense: 52 goals conceded in 34 games speak clearly. The team regularly manages to score (1.26 goals per game), but their defense falters heavily. In five games, there was only one win. Away, the team appears significantly more unstable, with the defense often overwhelmed.

Injuries
Palermo will field their best squad – no absences.
Südtirol has to do without two important players: Tommaso Arrigoni (ankle injury) and Karim Zedadka (cruciate ligament rupture). Both are missing especially in the center, which is likely to negatively affect the gameplay.

Head-to-Head
No relevant recent direct encounters – therefore no impact on the assessment.

Match Prediction
Both teams have their strengths – Palermo in attack, Südtirol in determination. But both also have weaknesses – especially defensively. Palermo will play offensively at home, Südtirol will have to counter and create chances. Due to the shaky defenses on both sides and Palermo's offensive strength as well as the guests’ counter threat, a goal by both teams seems very realistic.

My tip: Both teams to score: Yes (1.75)

When: 21:00
Where: Europa League

Introduction
An extraordinary Europa League semi-final is ahead – Tottenham, at the bottom end of the Premier League, faces the surprise team from Norway: Bodo/Glimt. For the English side, it is the last chance to salvage a failed season. For the Norwegians, it could be the biggest moment in the club’s history.

Tottenham
The “Spurs” have clearly prioritized: the Europa League. Things are catastrophic in the Premier League – five defeats in the last six games. Signs of resignation in the league competition indicate that the full focus is on the international competition. Problematic is the likely absence of captain Heung-min Son, who is not expected to be fit after a foot injury. Striker Werner is also not registered, Bentancur and Drăgușin are also doubtful. This directly affects creativity and punch in attack. Although Tottenham has reached the semi-final in the Europa League, almost all games were close and rarely convincing.

Bodo/Glimt
What a run! The Norwegians have eliminated Lazio, are consistently playing well in league and cup, and approach with great confidence. Bodo/Glimt has already proven it can keep up with opponents from top leagues – not only fighting well but also tactically and technically. However, the central midfield is thinned out due to suspensions of Patrick Berg and Håkon Evjen. Without these two key players, it will be more difficult to maintain the balance between defense and offense. Nevertheless, Bodo/Glimt impresses with pace, high running effort, and strong set pieces – they lead the Europa League in goals scored from set pieces.

Injuries
At Tottenham, Son, Bentancur, and Drăgușin are doubtful; Werner is not registered.
At Bodo/Glimt, Berg, Evjen, and Helmersson are missing due to suspensions; Blomberg is doubtful.

Head-to-Head
No direct comparison available – a true debut duel.

Match Prediction
Tottenham appears battered, Bodo/Glimt is euphoric. Son’s absence could be decisive, especially since the Spurs are not in top form anyway. Despite the weakening in central midfield, the Norwegians are expected to hold their own in London. Tottenham rarely wins by a wide margin, Bodo/Glimt rarely gets defeated heavily – even Lazio won narrowly in the first leg. My feeling is: The visitors will stay within reach and secure a manageable position with a close result for the return leg in Norway.

My tip: Over 2.5 goals (1.48)