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Europa League Round of 32: Second Leg Preview

By jili tutorial · September 1, 2026

Europa League Round of 32: Second Leg Preview

The second legs of the Europa League kick off on Thursday night, with four English sides in action. Will Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leicester City all advance? Manchester United, who lifted the trophy four years ago, is among the most recent English winners. Can any team follow in the Red Devils’ footsteps this season? Let’s peer into our crystal ball and find out.

Arsenal vs. Benfica (Agg 1–1) – 5:55 PM GMT

Last week’s first leg was a frustrating affair for both teams. Benfica will feel they missed an opportunity to exploit Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal, while the Gunners will be kicking themselves for not putting the tie to bed. The away goal will no doubt please Mikel Arteta, but Arsenal’s recent slide into the bottom half of the Premier League has not endeared him to the club’s increasingly restless fan base.

Still, we believe Arsenal will have enough to progress – though they may need a late goal. French striker Alexandre Lacazette is reliable from the half-chances that could decide the tie. Our tip: Alexandre Lacazette to score and Arsenal to win (17/10).

Leicester City vs. Slavia Prague (Agg 0–0) – 8:00 PM GMT

This last‑32 clash is even more finely balanced. Leicester, the surprise package of the Premier League season, face a Slavia Prague side that crashed out of the Champions League qualifying round with a 4‑1 loss to Midtjylland. After a goalless first leg in Prague, and with key players Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal having departed to West Ham, Slavia look a shadow of their former selves.

The first leg was not the most sparkling display from either side, but it hinted at areas Leicester can exploit back at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes are right up there when it comes to attacking, free‑flowing football, and they will surely deliver a champagne performance. One player who has quietly been among Leicester’s best this season is Belgian midfield magician Youri Tielemans. At 4/1, he’s a great bet to help his side secure an entertaining victory. Our tip: Youri Tielemans to score and Leicester to win (4/1).

Full Schedule of Second Leg Fixtures

Below is the complete list of Europa League Round of 32 second leg matches:

Wednesday 24th February

Thursday 25th February

This article was originally published on CalvinAyre.com.