The Europa League returns tonight with a full programme of 18 matches as the league phase reaches Matchday 3. With the competition beginning to take shape, several clubs are looking to protect perfect records, while others are already under pressure to recover from disappointing European starts.
The early kick-offs feature Juventus against Rennes, Sunderland’s trip to Lech Poznań and Bayer Leverkusen’s visit to OFI Crete. Marseille face Sturm Graz, while AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb and Ferencváros also have important assignments as they look to strengthen their positions in the standings.
The later fixtures offer plenty of intrigue, particularly Bournemouth’s meeting with AC Milan on the south coast and Crystal Palace’s difficult trip to Beşiktaş. Celtic host Celta Vigo, Benfica travel to Cyprus to face an impressive Omonia side, and Lyon visit Hoffenheim. Real Sociedad, Anderlecht and Sporting’s Austrian neighbours Salzburg are also among the clubs in action.
At OddsFactory, we’ve examined all 18 encounters, assessing recent European performances, home advantage, attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities. Below are our match-by-match considerations, predictions and recommended betting selections, alongside links to our detailed previews and the relevant Coolbet match pages.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Ararat-Armenia have endured a difficult introduction to the Europa League, losing their opening two matches against Sparta Prague and Jagiellonia Białystok while conceding seven goals. Their willingness to attack has offered occasional encouragement, but defensive problems have repeatedly undermined their performances. Returning to home territory should provide a more favourable environment, although they must demonstrate considerably greater organisation against technically accomplished Dutch opposition.
AZ Alkmaar recovered from defeat at Sunderland to beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva, giving them an opportunity to build momentum. Their technical quality and ability to move the ball through midfield should create opportunities against opponents who have struggled defensively. AZ cannot afford to become careless in possession, however, as the hosts will look to exploit transitions whenever the visitors commit players forward.
Read our full Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
AZ have the stronger European pedigree and should create enough opportunities to capitalise on the hosts’ defensive weaknesses. Ararat-Armenia may contribute to the attacking play, but the visitors are better equipped to control the decisive moments. Our tip: AZ Alkmaar to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Ferencváros have enjoyed an excellent start to their Europa League campaign, defeating Celtic away from home before overcoming Viktoria Plzeň. Those results have demonstrated both attacking efficiency and the ability to remain organised against technically capable opposition. Returning to Budapest should provide further encouragement, and the Hungarian side will expect to dictate significant periods of this encounter.
Torreense face a demanding assignment against opponents who have already established considerable momentum in Europe. The Portuguese visitors will need to defend compactly and prevent Ferencváros from finding space between the lines. Their opportunities may depend on quick counterattacks and set pieces, but sustaining that approach over the full match could prove difficult if the hosts establish control early.
Read our full Ferencváros vs Torreense preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Ferencváros have the stronger form and the benefit of home advantage. Their ability to control possession and create opportunities should eventually tell against visitors who are likely to spend long periods defending. Our tip: Ferencváros to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Dinamo Zagreb have opened their Europa League campaign without conceding a goal, drawing against Hapoel Beer-Sheva before securing victory over Anderlecht. Their defensive organisation has provided a reliable foundation, allowing them to remain competitive even when opponents enjoy possession. Back in Zagreb, they will expect to play with greater attacking ambition while maintaining the discipline that has served them well so far.
NEC Nijmegen have shown that they can compete at this level, but travelling to Croatia presents a different examination. The Dutch visitors must cope with an intense atmosphere and a Dinamo side comfortable managing difficult European fixtures. NEC should have opportunities to threaten in transition, although the hosts’ defensive record suggests that clear chances may be limited.
Read our full Dinamo Zagreb vs NEC Nijmegen preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Dinamo’s defensive reliability and home advantage make them marginal favourites, but NEC have enough quality to keep the contest competitive. Supporting the hosts with the draw providing protection appears the more measured approach. Our tip: Dinamo Zagreb Draw No Bet.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Juventus have collected maximum points from their opening two Europa League matches, defeating NEC Nijmegen and Celta Vigo while scoring seven goals. Their attacking performances have been particularly encouraging, demonstrating an ability to create opportunities through different areas of the pitch. Returning to Turin should provide another advantage, although Rennes are likely to offer more organised resistance than the hosts have encountered in some recent fixtures.
Rennes have taken four points from their opening two matches and arrive with confidence in their ability to compete against strong opposition. Their defensive structure and willingness to counterattack could create problems if Juventus become impatient. Nevertheless, the visitors must withstand sustained pressure and remain efficient when opportunities arise, particularly if the Italian side establish control of possession.
Read our full Juventus vs Rennes preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Rennes deserve respect for their positive European start, but Juventus possess greater attacking depth and have been convincing in the competition so far. The hosts should create enough opportunities to secure another victory. Our tip: Juventus to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Lech Poznań have endured a disastrous opening to their Europa League campaign, suffering consecutive 4-0 defeats. Those results have exposed significant defensive problems and left the Polish side needing an immediate improvement. Home advantage should provide encouragement, but they must demonstrate considerably greater organisation against opponents who have already shown their ability to win difficult European fixtures.
Sunderland have made an excellent start, winning both opening matches and establishing themselves as one of the competition’s early success stories. Their attacking movement and willingness to press opponents could create problems for a Lech defence that has struggled under pressure. The English visitors must still manage the atmosphere in Poznań, but their recent European performances suggest they have the confidence to approach this fixture positively.
Read our full Lech Poznań vs Sunderland preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Sunderland’s positive European form contrasts sharply with Lech’s defensive struggles. The hosts should offer greater resistance at home, but the visitors possess enough attacking quality to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. Our tip: Sunderland to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
OFI Crete face one of the most demanding assignments of the Europa League evening against opponents with considerable technical and attacking quality. The Greek hosts will need to remain compact and avoid allowing Leverkusen to establish sustained pressure around their penalty area. Their best opportunities may come from counterattacks and set pieces, although maintaining defensive concentration throughout the contest will be essential.
Bayer Leverkusen have started their European campaign strongly, following victory over Celje with a convincing 4-0 success at Lech Poznań. Their ability to move the ball quickly and create chances through coordinated attacking movement should cause problems for the hosts. Leverkusen will nevertheless need to manage the atmosphere and avoid giving OFI encouragement through unnecessary defensive mistakes.
Read our full OFI Crete vs Bayer Leverkusen preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Leverkusen’s attacking strength and European experience make them clear favourites. OFI should compete with determination on home territory, but the visitors are likely to create enough chances to secure all three points. Our tip: Bayer Leverkusen to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Union Saint-Gilloise have demonstrated that they can compete against strong European opposition, including taking a point from Real Sociedad. Their energetic approach and willingness to press opponents should make them difficult to contain in Belgium. The hosts will nevertheless need to convert territorial pressure into clear chances, particularly against visitors who have shown that they can remain organised for long periods.
Hapoel Beer-Sheva drew against Dinamo Zagreb before suffering a narrow defeat to AZ Alkmaar. Their defensive resilience has been encouraging, but creating opportunities against opponents capable of controlling possession remains a challenge. The Israeli visitors may be content to defend compactly and look for openings on the counterattack, making patience important for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Verdict
Union Saint-Gilloise should enjoy the greater share of possession and benefit from home advantage. Hapoel Beer-Sheva are capable of making this difficult, but the hosts have enough attacking quality to find a breakthrough. Our tip: Union Saint-Gilloise to win.
Bet on Union Saint-Gilloise vs Hapoel Beer-Sheva at Coolbet →
Thursday, 22 October · 17:45 UK
Our considerations
Sturm Graz drew with Rennes before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth, leaving them without a goal in their opening two Europa League fixtures. Their defensive organisation has been tested, while the lack of attacking productivity has made it difficult to relieve pressure. Returning to Austria should provide encouragement, but they must find a better balance between defensive caution and creating opportunities.
Marseille have also endured a disappointing start, losing against Beşiktaş and Olympiacos. Their attacking talent has not translated into the results expected of them, and the pressure to secure a first European victory is growing. The French visitors should have periods of control, but Sturm’s determination to avoid another defeat could make this a more cautious contest than the teams’ reputations might suggest.
Read our full Sturm Graz vs Marseille preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Both sides are desperate for points, but neither has shown enough attacking efficiency to justify expecting a high-scoring encounter. A tense contest in which defensive organisation takes priority appears plausible. Our tip: Under 3.5 Goals.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Bournemouth have made an outstanding start to their Europa League campaign, winning both opening matches and defeating Sturm Graz 3-0 in their latest European outing. Their pressing intensity and willingness to attack have made them difficult opponents, particularly when they establish a high tempo. The opportunity to welcome AC Milan to the south coast represents another significant occasion for the club, and the hosts will be eager to demonstrate that their European success can continue against established opposition.
Milan recovered from defeat against Benfica with a convincing 4-0 victory away to Salzburg, underlining the attacking quality available to the Italian side. Their experience should help them manage difficult periods, although Bournemouth’s pressing could disrupt their attempts to control possession. Equally, Milan possess the technical ability to exploit spaces behind the hosts’ defensive line, suggesting an encounter with opportunities at both ends.
Read our full Bournemouth vs AC Milan preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Bournemouth’s energy and home advantage should ensure they create chances, but Milan have the quality to punish any defensive lapses. Neither side is likely to be content simply protecting a point, making goals at both ends an appealing possibility. Our tip: Both Teams to Score.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Beşiktaş have started their Europa League campaign with victories over Marseille and Hoffenheim, establishing an excellent platform for the remainder of the league phase. Their attacking confidence and the atmosphere in Istanbul make them formidable opponents on home territory. The Turkish side will look to establish an aggressive tempo and force Crystal Palace into defensive situations, particularly during the opening stages.
Crystal Palace began with a convincing victory over Lech Poznań before suffering a narrow defeat at Lyon. Their pace in transition and ability to exploit space should give them opportunities against opponents who are likely to commit players forward. However, Palace must also demonstrate defensive discipline in an intimidating environment, where allowing Beşiktaş to build momentum could make the evening considerably more difficult.
Read our full Beşiktaş vs Crystal Palace preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Beşiktaş have the stronger European form and home advantage, but Palace possess enough attacking quality to create chances of their own. The hosts’ ambition could leave openings for the visitors, making a competitive encounter with goals at both ends a realistic prospect. Our tip: Both Teams to Score.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Celtic have endured a difficult start to their Europa League campaign, losing both opening matches and conceding seven goals against Ferencváros and Benfica. Their defensive organisation has been a significant concern, making this home fixture particularly important. Celtic Park should provide a more encouraging environment, but the Scottish side must demonstrate greater discipline if they are to avoid another disappointing European result.
Celta Vigo have also lost their opening two matches, although they demonstrated an ability to compete during their encounter with Juventus. The Spanish visitors possess enough technical quality to exploit Celtic’s defensive weaknesses, particularly if the hosts commit too many players forward. With both teams desperate to register their first points, the match could become increasingly open as the evening progresses.
Read our full Celtic vs Celta Vigo preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Neither side has established defensive reliability in Europe, and both have strong reasons to approach this fixture positively. Celtic’s home advantage should help them create opportunities, but Celta have the quality to respond. Our tip: Both Teams to Score.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Viktoria Plzeň will be determined to recover from defeat against Ferencváros and make home advantage count. Their European experience and ability to control possession should help them establish a stronger attacking platform than they enjoyed in Budapest. The Czech side must nevertheless remain patient against opponents who may be content to defend compactly and wait for opportunities on the counterattack.
Levski Sofia face a demanding away assignment against a club accustomed to European competition. Their defensive organisation will be crucial, particularly if Plzeň establish sustained pressure. The Bulgarian visitors should have opportunities to threaten through transitions and set pieces, but they may struggle to create enough chances if the hosts dominate midfield and control the tempo.
Read our full Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Plzeň’s European experience and home advantage give them the stronger platform. Levski may make the contest competitive, but the hosts should create enough opportunities to secure a much-needed victory. Our tip: Viktoria Plzeň to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Jagiellonia Białystok recovered from an opening defeat against Olympiacos to secure a 3-1 victory over Ararat-Armenia. Their attacking ambition has produced opportunities, and returning to Poland should provide encouragement against opponents who have struggled to establish momentum. The hosts will look to impose themselves through energetic pressing and quick movement into attacking areas, although defensive balance remains important.
Anderlecht have endured a difficult start to the competition, including a narrow defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. Their technical ability should allow them to compete in midfield, but they must demonstrate greater efficiency in the final third. Jagiellonia’s willingness to attack could leave spaces for the visitors to exploit, making this a potentially competitive fixture rather than a straightforward home assignment.
Read our full Jagiellonia Białystok vs Anderlecht preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Jagiellonia’s home advantage and more encouraging recent European performance make them difficult to oppose. Anderlecht possess enough quality to compete, so backing the hosts to avoid defeat appears preferable to relying on an outright victory. Our tip: Jagiellonia or Draw (1X).
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Lillestrøm face a demanding assignment against Spanish opposition with considerable technical quality. The Norwegian hosts will hope that home advantage and an energetic approach can disrupt Real Sociedad’s passing rhythm. Their defensive organisation will be particularly important, as allowing the visitors to dominate possession around the penalty area could make it difficult to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
Real Sociedad have collected one point from their opening two Europa League matches, losing against Bournemouth before drawing with Union Saint-Gilloise. Their performances have not yet produced the results expected, but they possess the technical resources to improve. The visitors should enjoy significant periods of possession, although they must demonstrate greater efficiency in the final third and remain alert to Lillestrøm’s counterattacking threat.
Read our full Lillestrøm vs Real Sociedad preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Real Sociedad have the greater individual quality and should be capable of controlling substantial periods of the match. Lillestrøm’s home advantage deserves respect, however, making the draw-no-bet market a reasonable compromise. Our tip: Real Sociedad Draw No Bet.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Celje will be eager to respond after suffering a heavy defeat against Omonia in their previous Europa League fixture. Their defensive organisation was exposed, and they must demonstrate greater discipline against opponents who are comfortable attacking at speed. Home advantage should help them compete more effectively, although they will need to avoid allowing Salzburg space to exploit during transitions.
Salzburg also arrive seeking a response following a heavy defeat to AC Milan. Their energetic attacking style can create opportunities, but it also carries risks when opponents break through the press. Against Celje, the Austrian visitors will expect to enjoy possession and establish an attacking rhythm, although their recent defensive problems suggest that the hosts may also find openings.
Read our full Celje vs RB Salzburg preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Both teams have defensive questions to answer and reasons to pursue a positive result. Salzburg’s attacking ambition could create an open encounter, while Celje should find opportunities to threaten on home territory. Our tip: Over 2.5 Goals.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Olympiacos have made an excellent start to their Europa League campaign, winning both opening matches and securing an impressive away victory at Marseille. Their defensive organisation and ability to manage difficult periods have provided a reliable foundation. Returning to Greece should offer further encouragement, particularly if they can establish the same intensity and discipline that have characterised their European performances so far.
Sparta Prague have shown that they possess the attacking quality to compete effectively in this competition, but a visit to Olympiacos presents a demanding challenge. The Czech visitors must remain organised and avoid allowing the hosts to build sustained pressure. Their ability to threaten on the counterattack could keep the contest competitive, although Olympiacos’ home advantage gives the Greek side a slight edge.
Read our full Olympiacos vs Sparta Prague preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Olympiacos have the stronger European form and the benefit of home advantage, but Sparta are capable of making this a difficult evening. Supporting the hosts with protection against a draw appears preferable to relying on an outright victory. Our tip: Olympiacos Draw No Bet.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Omonia have enjoyed an outstanding start to their Europa League campaign, winning both opening matches without conceding a goal. Their 3-0 victory at Celje demonstrated an ability to combine defensive discipline with effective attacking play. Returning to Cyprus provides another advantage, although Benfica represent a significant step up in opposition quality and will test the hosts’ organisation throughout the evening.
Benfica have also won both opening matches, defeating AC Milan and Celtic while scoring six goals. Their attacking depth and European experience make them formidable opponents, particularly when they establish control in midfield. Nevertheless, Omonia’s defensive record suggests that the Portuguese visitors may need patience, and avoiding unnecessary risks will be important against hosts who have shown they can exploit opportunities efficiently.
Read our full Omonia vs Benfica preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Omonia deserve considerable respect for their perfect European start, but Benfica possess greater individual quality and attacking depth. The visitors should create enough opportunities to secure victory, even if the hosts make them work hard for it. Our tip: Benfica to win.
Thursday, 22 October · 20:00 UK
Our considerations
Hoffenheim face an important home fixture after a difficult start to their Europa League campaign. Their attacking approach can create opportunities, particularly when they move the ball quickly into wide areas, but it also leaves space for opponents to exploit. Against a technically accomplished Lyon side, the German hosts will need to find a better balance between attacking ambition and defensive protection.
Lyon arrive encouraged by their victory over Crystal Palace, which demonstrated their ability to manage a competitive European encounter. Their movement in possession and technical quality should allow them to create chances against Hoffenheim, although the visitors must remain alert to quick transitions. With both sides possessing attacking talent and neither guaranteed defensive control, an open contest appears a realistic possibility.
Read our full Hoffenheim vs Lyon preview for more detailed analysis.
Verdict
Both sides have enough attacking quality to trouble the opposition defence, and Hoffenheim’s willingness to commit players forward could create opportunities at both ends. Lyon should contribute to the scoring, making the goals market particularly interesting. Our tip: Both Teams to Score.