UEFA Europa Conference League: Round of 16 - Leg 2
Summary
The UEFA Conference League sets its sights on leg two of the round of sixteen playoffs, and there are many battles still to be had to decide who advances into the last eight.
These teams have been fighting tooth and nail in order to get further in their European endeavours, and some might say it is not worth it.
This experience that is gained from playing more and more non-domestic matches is definitely invaluable, though.
Managers will be rotating players in and out and those who are on the losing side of leg one will be encouraging more from their squads.
There is plenty of football to be played and those who believe and truly assert themselves in these matches will be rewarded.
Some of the best teams in the world find themselves in tough spots, and there is going to be an all-out war to get to the next round.
Let’s dive into some of the better matches this week, a week that is contested in all three European competitions.
The rewards will be there, but the fight and drive has to be on level terms.
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Match Betting Previews
AZ Alkmaar versus Lazio - Thursday, March 16th (Agg. 2-1)
AZ Alkmaar came into Roma Lazio and shocked the Italian side after coming back from a goal deficit early and securing a two to one victory.
The Netherlands have a ton of capable squads ready to make a splash and AZ Alkmaar has been a pleasant surprise to all.
2023 is the year for teams like Feyenoord and AZ and they have big chances to make their presence known on the world stage.
European football may not 100% grasp their abilities yet, but AZ Alkmaar is a squad with tons of depth and talent.
With a bunch of players being looked at by multiple other European clubs, there is a ton of room to show out.
Reflecting on their manager and club culture, there is an aura around AZ that could see them go deep in this tournament.
They will have to clean up business here in leg two though, at home in the Netherlands.
Roma Lazio is looking to rebound after an absolutely shocker performance, especially in the second half to AZ Alkmaar.
The Serie A side needs to recuperate and realize that they are still more than in this tie and can still advance with a good performance.
Making the right play and finding the target man has become increasingly hard for Lazio, and they will have to do exactly that this Thursday night.
There will be chances for them to take, it is up to them to finish their dinner plate.
Betting Prediction - Lazio to win and turn the tides into a possible comeback qualification.
Villareal versus Anderlecht - Thursday, March 16th (Agg. 1-1)
Villareal has not had a steady climb after their hire of new manager and revamp of the team as a whole.
A squad that was flying with great momentum under Unai Emery, they are now in a precarious spot with a ton of problems to fix.
Drawing at Anderlecht may be the least of their problems, and they have an opportunity to have a strong showing this week at home.
Things are not guaranteed for the Spanish team, but Anderlecht are not on their level in terms of talent.
The Belgian side will focus on defending and hitting on the counter, which is something that Villareal has not defended well at all this season.
Betting Prediction - Villareal to win this match at home and silence the haters.