After the Champions League knockouts get underway it's easy to feel a little mentally fatigued by Wednesday night, because the intensity and drama is unparalleled. So naturally, the Europa League doesn’t generate the same interest on Thursday. That being said, I like the knockout stages of UEFA’s second competition on its own merits. I can’t pretend I am looking forward to all 16 ties in the round of 32, but nevertheless I have picked eight ties that I am interested in.
Getafe vs Ajax
Sporting vs Basaksehir
Shakhtar vs Benfica
Brugge vs United
Frankfurt vs Salzburg
Wolves vs Espanyol
Leverkusen vs Porto
Olympiacos vs Arsenal