The never-before-seen play-off stage for the Europa League begins on Thursday as some of Europe’s biggest sides fight to stay in the competition.
Teams will battle it out over two legs for a place in the last 16. The importance of these games cannot be overstated, so we’re here to guide you through this week’s schedule.
And when you bet on Europa League football, live betting helps make it even more exciting!
*All odds are subject to change
Roma to beat Porto @ 2.93
Arguably the biggest clash in this round of the Europa League, this game would not be out of place in the Champions League knockout stage. These two giants of European football are a huge draw for fans watching the tournament and some of the game’s biggest stars will be on show.
However, current form can provide some good evidence as to how this one may go. Roma have struggled this season, sitting 9th in Serie A, though they look to be on the up, without a loss in their last five games. On the other side of the coin, Porto are 3rd and rapidly losing ground on the top two. They are without a win in their last five and this is why we’re backing the Romans to take a victory into the second leg.
Victor Osimhen to score in AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray @ 1.94
In a tight game to predict, we see this one being decided by the key players in the fixture, namely Gala’s star striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward has 5 goals in 6 Europa League games this season, with 17 in all competitions.
It’s easy to see why he’s wanted by the top clubs on the continent and we think he’ll be the difference when these two sides meet in Alkmaar on Thursday.
Real Sociedad to beat FC Midtjylland @ 2.00
While Sociedad may be the favourites in what many neutrals consider a clear-cut fixture, this should be a much tougher task than anticipated against a Midtjylland side who are battling hard to top the Danish League this season. They have undeniable quality and would not have reached the play-off stage if this were not the case.
However, Sociedad have proven their quality time and time again, with a pool of excellent players performing well in both league and cup competition. While we believe Midtjylland could surprise many, we think that Sociedad will take the win on this occasion.
Over 3 goals in Union Saint-Gilloise vs Ajax @ 2.20
Two sides that have been on the top of their game in recent weeks go head-to-head in a fixture that will go under the radar of many neutrals. Ajax have some of the highest pedigree in Europe and will be battling to return to the elite tier of continental competition. Currently topping the Eredivisie after a period of mediocrity, a sense of normality has returned to Amsterdam.
Whereas in Belgium, it’s business as usual for USG, who continue their fierce battle in the Jupiler Pro League while also maintaining impressive form in Europe. It’s set to be a tough game with two sides who will go all out to secure the win, so we’re predicting a stunner with plenty of goals.
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