Thursday football tips: Europa League challengers look for early advantage

Two Europa League semi-finals are top of the bill with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United looking to establish a first-leg lead against Roma at Old Trafford while Arsenal face a tough-looking trip to Villarreal to face former boss Unai Emery.

Barcelona also have the chance to gain valuable points in the La Liga title race as they entertain Granada.

Today's best accumulator bets

Bets to be placed by 6pm

Barcelona to beat Granada

Manchester United to beat Roma

Draw in Villarreal v Arsenal

Braga to beat Maritimo

Barcelona should have few problems claiming top spot in La Liga by beating Granada and Manchester United are well placed to win their Europa League semi-final first leg against Roma, who have failed to win their last four games.

Villarreal and Arsenal look difficult to separate, while Braga should win at Portuguese strugglers Maritimo.

The acca pays just under 8-1 with William Hill.

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Manchester United v Roma

BT Sport 2, 8pm

Roma's hopes of gaining a top-four spot in Italy have evaporated and although they beat runaway Dutch League leaders Ajax in the last round of the Europa League, they look likely to struggle against a Manchester United defence who have looked solid throughout the Europa League.

Click here to read the full preview

Best bet
Manchester United & under 3.5 goals

Villarreal v Arsenal

BT Sport 3, 8pm

Both teams' seasons revolve around this game and that would point to a tight affair even though Arsenal should be stronger than in recent weeks due to an improvement to their injury situation.

Click here to read the full preview

Best bet
Draw

Bet of the day

Barcelona -2 on handicap v Granada La Liga TV, 6pm

Barcelona can go top of La Liga with a win over Granada and they should do it with something to spare. Barca have lost just one of their last 13 matches while their opponents have lost six of their last eight games.

Cards bet of the day

Manchester United v Roma BT Sport 2, 8pm

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been shown 14 yellow cards in league and cup games this season and he could pick up another in what could be a tense Europa League semi-final.

Best bet
Harry Maguire to be shown a card