Europa League Knockout Play-Offs 2nd Legs football tips and predictions – Copybet

Stuttgart return home to the MHP Arena with a commanding 4‑1 first‑leg lead over Celtic and look well placed to complete the job.

Sebastian Hoeness’s side have hit form at the right time, winning three and drawing one of their last five matches. Their dominant display in Glasgow showcased their pace and verticality – qualities that repeatedly exposed the Hoops’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Celtic’s European record against Bundesliga sides has long been poor, and the scale of the deficit leaves them needing to chase the game from the outset.

That should play directly into Stuttgart’s hands, with the Germans expected to exploit the spaces in behind.

With confidence high and the tie firmly in their control, Stuttgart look good value to cover a -1.5 goal handicap, something they have done in two of their four home European wins this season.

Crvena Zvezda take a 1‑0 lead back to the Rajko Mitic Stadium after producing another disciplined defensive display to beat Lille last week.

Dejan Stankovic has yet to lose a competitive match since returning to the club, winning six straight games and keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

Lille must chase the game, but the Serbians’ home record and defensive structure make them difficult to break down.

With the hosts in excellent form and backed by one of Europe’s most intimidating atmospheres, the Draw No Bet option provides security while favouring the stronger home trend.

Genk hold a 3‑1 advantage from the first-leg win over Dinamo Zagreb and they return to the Cegeka Arena as clear favourites to progress.

The Belgian side have been excellent at home in Europe, winning their last two matches, while Dinamo have lost their last two away Europa League fixtures without scoring.

The Croatian outfit struggled to contain Genk’s attacking movement in the first meeting so, with the hosts in strong form and boasting superior momentum, they should be able to see out the tie with another victory.

The City Ground should be bouncing on Thursday as Nottingham Forest take a three‑goal cushion into the second leg against Fenerbahce after a superb display in Istanbul.

The English side have now won five of their last seven Europa League matches and may already be dreaming about emulating Tottenham’s run last year when this competition was a welcome distraction from Premier League troubles.

Fenerbahce, however, cannot be completely written off. Despite being winless in their last three European outings, they possess enough attacking quality to trouble Forest’s defence.

Vitor Pereira’s side tend to play expansively at home, and their European matches frequently feature goals at both ends.

With Forest in control but unlikely to sit back, a home win combined with both teams to score looks like a strong angle.