---
title: "Breaking down the Europa League quarter-final ties"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/03/16/breaking-down-the-europa-league-quarter-final-ties/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Brian Gosden"
section: "Articles"
published: "2018-03-16T11:00:39Z"
modified: "2018-04-18T09:15:40Z"
---

# Breaking down the Europa League quarter-final ties

Arsenal fans will have been fairly happy with the [draw against CSKA Moscow](https://readarsenal.com/2018/03/16/arsenal-will-face-cska-moscow-in-europa-league-quarter-final/) in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the Russian side marked down as rank outsiders for the tournament. In saying that, CSKA were impressive against Lyon in the Last 16 and will be tricky opponents for Arsène Wenger’s men.

While the Europa League is the last chance for the Gunners to get some silverware this season, not to mention the only realistic route back to the Champions League, there are also some very good sides left in the tournament. Below is a quick guide to the quarter-finals:

### Arsenal vs. CSKA Moscow

**Odds to qualify for next round: Arsenal 1/4, CSKA 7/2**

**Outright odds: Arsenal 3/1, CSKA 33/1**

Aside from issues over the safety of Arsenal fans travelling to Russia given the tensions with the UK, you would have to believe that Wenger will be very happy with this. Only a major upset will see CSKA Moscow make it to the semi-finals, although Arsenal fans will not be overconfident given the way the season has went to date. If you want to back the Gunners however, check out these [best online free bets UK](https://www.freebets.com/) bookmaker offers.

**Prediction:** Arsenal

**Player to watch:** Alan Dzagoev (CSKA)

### Atlético Madrid vs. Sporting Lisbon

**To qualify: Atl****ético 2/9, Sporting 3/1**

**Outright odds: Atl****ético 11/8, Sporting 20/1**

Atlético were simply magnificent in [dismantling Lokomotiv Moscow 8-1 on aggregate](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=508243) in the Last 16, a team who lead CSKA by eight points in the Russian Premier League. They have quality up and down the squad and have emerged – after a slow start – as the only viable challengers to Barcelona in La Liga. Sporting have their work cut out for them here.

**Prediction:** Atlético Madrid

**Player to Watch:** Saul Niguez (Atlético)

### Lazio vs RB Salzburg

**To qualify: Lazio 1/2, Salzburg 6/4**

**Outright odds: Lazio 15/2, Salzburg 16/1**

Lazio have gone under the radar as one of the most exciting sides in Europe this season. They have an ambitious manager in [Simone Inzaghi](https://www.football-italia.net/118576/inzaghi-lazio-beyond-expectations) and are challenging for the Champions League sports in Serie A. They are third-favourites for the Europa League and one of the best to watch too. Salzburg showed their worth when beating Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion in the Last 16. It was no fluke either, with the Austrian side deserving to go through over the two legs. However, Lazio might just have too much for them.

**Prediction:** Lazio (but only just)

**Player to Watch:** Ciro Immobile (Lazio)