Table of Contents
Freiburg vs West Ham
After facing each other in the group stage, West Ham will be confident of getting through to the quarter-finals after winning home and away before Christmas. Nayef Aguerd headed home the winner at Europa-Park Stadion back in October, then at the London Stadium they ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez. The difference, however, was that David Moyes’s team were in good form in the first half of the season but at the moment are in a run of eight games without a win. The Germans’ attack will be led by veteran Italy international Vincenzo Grifo, 30, who is their top scorer in all competitions this season.
Winners: West Ham
Roma vs Brighton
The Italians sacked Jose Mourinho last month, which is a reflection of their season. But they are finalists from last season and have pedigree in the competition. They also have a team containing Romelu Lukaku, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who are match-winners against any opposition. Daniele De Rossi’s appointment has led to a series of victories so they will head into the match in form, while Brighton have blown hot and cold recently under Roberto De Zerbi. They scored 14 goals in recent wins against Sheffield United (twice) and Crystal Palace, but also lost 4-0 to Luton.
Winners: Roma
Sparta Prague v Liverpool
The Czech champions started the season in the Champions League but were knocked out at the play-off stage, although they were not defeated outright, going out on away goals to Copenhagen, who then defeated Manchester United. In their Europa League group they finished second ahead of Real Betis and behind Rangers, whom they drew with at home and lost to away. Liverpool, however, will not fear any team in their current form and their only issue is juggling matches and getting players back fit. They managed to avoid the tougher ties in the last-16 stage and it will be an upset if they do not progress.
Winners: Liverpool
