After two nights of breathtaking Champions League action — including Real Madrid thrashing Man City 3–0, Bayern Munich destroying Atalanta 6–1, and PSG drawing 2–2 with Chelsea in a Paris classic — the spotlight now shifts to the Europa League. Thursday March 12 brings us eight Round of 16 first legs, with two English Premier League sides in action: Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Here are our Europa League predictions tonight for every fixture.
UCL Wednesday Night Recap
Before Thursday’s action, here is a quick summary of Wednesday’s stunning Champions League results:
- Leverkusen 1–1 Arsenal — Arsenal held away, second leg at the Emirates crucial
- Bodø/Glimt 2–0 Sporting CP — Norwegian giants pull off a huge first leg win
- PSG 2–2 Chelsea — thriller in Paris, Chelsea away goal is massive
- Real Madrid 3–0 Man City — Bernabéu magic strikes again, City have a mountain to climb
What a night. Now on to Thursday.
Bologna vs Roma – 18:45
Match Overview
The Italian derby of the round sees Bologna host Roma in what promises to be a fiercely competitive and tactically tight encounter. Both sides know each other extremely well from Serie A, and that familiarity tends to produce cagey, low-scoring affairs. Roma have the pedigree and experience in European competition to make this difficult for Bologna at home.
Form & Key Stats
Bologna have been impressive domestically this season, combining organised defending with efficient attacking play. However, Roma’s European experience and the quality of their squad makes them dangerous opponents regardless of the venue. Roma have reached the Europa League knockout stages for the third consecutive season and know how to navigate these ties.
Our Prediction
A tight, competitive contest is expected. Roma’s experience in European knockout football gives them the edge. Under 2.5 goals and Roma to win or draw is the smart angle.
⚽ Prediction: Bologna 0–1 Roma
Lille vs Aston Villa – 18:45
Match Overview
One of the most anticipated ties of the Europa League round. Aston Villa travel to Lille in what is a fascinating clash between two sides who have been on remarkable European journeys this season. Villa, playing in Europe’s second club competition for the first time in their recent history, have shown they belong at this level. Lille are a seasoned European outfit who won the French league not long ago and are always dangerous on home soil.
Form & Key Stats
Aston Villa arrive off the back of a 4–1 home defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League last week, which will have dented confidence going into this fixture. However, European nights have a different feel, and Villa have shown the ability to raise their game in continental competition. Lille’s home record in Europe is formidable — they are direct, physical, and make the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium a very difficult place to get a result. Villa will need to be defensively solid and clinical with their chances.
Key Battle
Villa’s attacking quality against Lille’s organised defensive block will be the defining contest. If Villa can score an away goal, they will be in an excellent position heading back to Villa Park for the second leg.
Our Prediction
Lille are slight favourites at home, but Villa have too much quality to be written off. A narrow home win or a draw are the two most likely outcomes. Both Teams to Score and under 3.5 goals represents the best value.
⚽ Prediction: Lille 1–1 Aston Villa
Panathinaikos vs Real Betis – 18:45
Match Overview
Greek side Panathinaikos host Real Betis of Spain in an intriguing cross-continental tie. The Athens atmosphere will be electric, but Betis arrive with superior quality and European experience that should see them through this round. Panathinaikos will be galvanised by their home crowd but face a tough task against a Betis side that has been one of Spain’s most consistent European performers in recent seasons.
Our Prediction
Real Betis to win or draw away is the safe selection here. Their quality and experience should prove decisive over 90 minutes. Betis to win or draw is our pick.
⚽ Prediction: Panathinaikos 0–2 Real Betis
VfB Stuttgart vs FC Porto – 18:45
Match Overview
A fascinating tie between German side Stuttgart and Portuguese giants Porto. Both clubs have proud European traditions and this first leg at the MHPArena promises to be competitive. Porto, with their history of producing and developing elite talent, are always dangerous in knockout football. Stuttgart have been one of the most improved sides in the Bundesliga and will be confident on home soil.
Our Prediction
This is an evenly matched tie. Stuttgart’s home advantage makes them slight favourites but Porto’s experience in European knockouts cannot be underestimated. Both Teams to Score is the standout market in this fixture.
⚽ Prediction: Stuttgart 1–1 Porto
Celta Vigo vs Lyon – 21:00
Match Overview
Two clubs with passionate fanbases and attacking traditions face off in this evening kick-off. Celta Vigo host Lyon at the Abanca Balaídos in what should be an open, entertaining encounter. Lyon have been building momentum in Ligue 1 and arrive with confidence, while Celta Vigo will be energised by a fervent home support.
Our Prediction
Both teams like to play attacking football, which makes this an ideal candidate for goals. Both Teams to Score and over 2.5 goals is the best market here.
⚽ Prediction: Celta Vigo 2–1 Lyon
Ferencvaros vs Braga – 21:00
Match Overview
Hungarian champions Ferencvaros host Portuguese side Braga in a tie between two clubs who thrive in European competition. Ferencvaros have made the Groupama Arena a fortress in recent European campaigns, while Braga are perennial Europa League performers who always punch above their weight. This promises to be tight and hard-fought.
Our Prediction
Ferencvaros at home have home advantage and momentum. A narrow home win is the most likely outcome, though Braga will make it difficult. Home win and under 3.5 goals is our selection.
⚽ Prediction: Ferencvaros 1–0 Braga
Genk vs Freiburg – 21:00
Match Overview
Belgian side Genk welcome German outfit Freiburg to the Cegeka Arena in a tie that is difficult to call. Both clubs have solid domestic records and will approach this first leg cautiously, aware that the second leg will be equally important. Genk’s home form has been strong this season and they will look to take an advantage back to Germany.
Our Prediction
A competitive, low-scoring affair is expected. Under 2.5 goals and Genk to win or draw is the smart market in this fixture.
⚽ Prediction: Genk 1–0 Freiburg
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland – 21:00
Match Overview
The standout fixture for Premier League fans on Thursday night. Nottingham Forest host Danish side FC Midtjylland at the City Ground in what on paper looks like Forest’s most winnable tie of their European adventure. Midtjylland are a well-organised side with a clear tactical identity, but Forest’s quality and home advantage should make them strong favourites in this first leg.
Form & Key Stats
Nottingham Forest have been one of the stories of the Premier League season, consistently performing above expectations under their manager. The City Ground under European floodlights is a special occasion, and the passionate home support will give Forest a significant lift. Midtjylland, while competitive in Danish football and capable of causing upsets, will find the step up in quality against a Premier League side a significant challenge. Forest’s physicality, directness, and set-piece threat should create multiple opportunities over the course of 90 minutes.
Our Prediction
Forest to win comfortably is the banker pick of the Europa League evening. This is the most straightforward prediction on the card. Nottingham Forest to win and over 1.5 goals is the standout selection — Forest should be able to put this tie to bed in the first leg.
⚽ Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2–0 FC Midtjylland
Europa League Predictions Summary – March 12
Here is a complete overview of our Europa League predictions tonight for all eight Thursday fixtures:
| Fixture | Kick-off | Prediction | Best Bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna vs Roma | 18:45 | 0–1 Roma | Roma Win or Draw & Under 2.5 |
| Lille vs Aston Villa | 18:45 | 1–1 Draw | BTTS & Under 3.5 |
| Panathinaikos vs Real Betis | 18:45 | 0–2 Betis | Betis Win or Draw |
| Stuttgart vs Porto | 18:45 | 1–1 Draw | Both Teams to Score |
| Celta Vigo vs Lyon | 21:00 | 2–1 Celta | BTTS & Over 2.5 |
| Ferencvaros vs Braga | 21:00 | 1–0 Ferencvaros | Home Win & Under 3.5 |
| Genk vs Freiburg | 21:00 | 1–0 Genk | Under 2.5 & Home Win or Draw |
| Nottm Forest vs Midtjylland | 21:00 | 2–0 Forest | Forest Win & Over 1.5 ⭐ |
Thursday Night Accumulator
Our suggested accumulator for Thursday’s Europa League action:
Roma to win or draw + Real Betis to win or draw + Nottingham Forest to win + Celta Vigo BTTS
Four solid selections across the evening’s fixtures. Forest are the banker of the accumulator. As always, gamble responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose.
Final Thoughts
Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 first legs offer a wide variety of football from across Europe. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa carry the Premier League flag, with Forest in particular looking well placed to advance. After the drama of the Champions League this week, the Europa League promises more excitement as the knockout stages heat up.
Stay tuned to The Final Whistle for full results, reaction, and all the latest European football coverage throughout the week.
