Europa League 2017: Quarter-Final Leg 1 TV, Live-Stream Schedule and Predictions

Manchester United will be expected to have one foot in the UEFA Europa League semi-final after facing Anderlecht in Belgium in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Thursday.

However, the game between Olympique Lyonnais and Besiktas, two teams capable of upsetting United in this tournament, is the marquee first-leg fixture. Lyon boast a squad brimming with young and gifted players, such as schemer Corentin Tolisso, while Besiktas have their own quality in the form of ex-Arsenal prospect Oguzhan Ozyakup.

Elsewhere, La Liga outfit Celta Vigo should overcome Anderlecht's Belgian First Division A rivals Genk without too much fuss. Meanwhile, Ajax have enough technical quality to beat Schalke 04 in Amsterdam and take a lead to Germany for the second leg.

Here is the schedule for the quarter-final first-leg ties, along with viewing details and predictions:

Date	Time (BST/ET)	Match	TV Info	Live Stream	Prediction
Thursday, April 13	8:05 p.m./3:05 p.m.	Lyon vs. Besiktas	BT Sport Extra 2/ESPN3	BT Sport App/Fox Soccer 2Go	2-2
Thursday, April 13	8:05 p.m./3:05 p.m.	Ajax vs. Schalke 04	BT Sport Showcase/Fox Sports 2	BT Sport App/Fox Soccer 2Go	2-1
Thursday, April 13	8:05 p.m./3:05 p.m.	Celta Vigo vs. Genk	BT Sport Extra 3/ESPN3	BT Sport App/Fox Soccer 2Go	3-0
Thursday, April 13	8:05 p.m./3:05 p.m.	Anderlecht vs. Manchester United	BT Sport 2/Fox Sports 1	BT Sport App/Fox Soccer 2Go	1-2

Streaming links: BT Sport app. Fox Soccer 2Go.

Preview

United have the depth in their squad to make life miserable for Anderlecht in Brussels. Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a good bet to get on the scoresheet since the 35-year-old has scored five times in the tournament already this season.

The competition's website also detailed how the Red Devils also boast two of the most accurate passers in the Europa League. Paul Pogba has completed the most passes, with 554, but team-mate Ander Herrera may be the more efficient distributor of the ball, having completed 93 per cent of his passes.

Pogba and Herrera must get the supply right for Ibrahimovic. If they do, United will snatch more than one valuable away goal.

OZAN KOSE/Getty Images

Speaking of quality strikers, Alexandre Lacazette's pace and intelligent movement give Lyon a chance in any match. Lacazette can be an erratic finisher, but he usually gets himself into scoring positions several times per game.

The strikers won't be the only players to watch in this intriguing encounter, though. The battle between midfield playmakers could be even more engrossing.

Tolisso is a gifted passer with the touch and vision to unlock any defence. Yet the 22-year-old Frenchman may find his equal in the form of Ozyakup. The 24-year-old is an outstanding pass-and-move maestro who keeps Besiktas ticking between the lines.

Ozyakup may enjoy more freedom in France since Lyon midfield destroyer Maxime Gonalons is suspended. Besiktas' chief playmaker will need to be on form to offset the loss of powerhouse centre-forward Vincent Aboubakar through suspension.

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There will be just as much creative verve in midfield when Ajax host Schalke. In particular, Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen must outwit Schalke playmaker Leon Goretzka.

The latter has drawn admiring glances from Premier League side Arsenal thanks to his natural flair and ingenuity, according to Tom Sheen of The Sun. Goretzka could decide a tie sure to settled by no more than a single goal after both legs.

Finally, Celta will have too much for Genk if an underrated forward line, led by the cerebral Iago Aspas, is firing. Aspas has scored four times and provided an assist in the competition this term.

Apart from Anderlecht, the home sides will avoid defeat in the first leg. However, only Celta will build a commanding advantage ahead of the second-leg ties.