Europa League quarter-final preview: Manchester United in a strong position to progress while Arsenal must score in Prague

The second legs of the Europa League quarter-finals are played this Thursday, with tournament favourites Manchester United in a good position to make the semi finals while outsiders Arsenal have it all to do in Prague.

Manchester United in a good position against Granada

Following their 2-0 first leg win over Granada, United just need to avoid defeat by two or more goals this time round to make their second consecutive semi-final.

They have the added confidence boost of beating Tottenham at the weekend as well, although will be without key players Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire this time out.

Fringe players like Alex Telles will be expected to step up and see the Red Devils through into the next round, but Granada won’t be easily beaten.

Arsenal face a tough task in Prague

The situation is slightly different to Arsenal, who conceded a late equaliser in the first leg against Slavia Prague.

Mikel Arteta’s side now have to go and win in the Sinobo Stadium, where Slavia are yet to lose so far this season.

With reports suggesting that the manager’s job could be on the line should the Gunners fail to win the Europa League, the pressure is on for them to get a result this time out.

Elsewhere in the Europa League

Away from the English sides, Roma hold a 2-1 lead over Ajax following their late winner in the first leg.

More importantly, the Italian club have two valuable away goals to take with them into the reverse fixture.

Their opponents have to score at least twice to make it into the semi-finals it what is shaping up to be another exciting European tie.

Finally, Villarreal hold a slender lead in their tie against Croatian outfit Molde.

The Spaniards won 1-0 in the first leg with Gerard Moreno netting from the penalty spot, another away goal that could prove to be invaluable at this stage in the competition.

Whoever wins in the Villarreal tie will go on to face the winner of Arsenal vs Slavia Prague, while whoever comes out on top out of United and Granada will play either Ajax or Roma.