This week sees matchday 2 of the Europa League take place, with some teams looking to get their first points and others trying to get an early lead at the top of their group.
There are plenty of clashes between big sides and intriguing stories going into this matchday, and we’ve picked out our top four talking points ahead of the games.
Here’s what to look out for on Matchday 2:
Brighton hunt for first European win
Brighton & Hove Albion fell to a disappointing defeat in their first Europa League game as they lost 3-2 at home to AEK Athens, leaving them bottom of Group B. The Seagulls are therefore still looking for their first ever win in a European competition, and they’ll be looking to do just this as they travel to Marseille.
Brighton may fancy their chances too, with Marseille not having the greatest of starts to their season. Losing on penalties after two legs against Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualification games, and getting embarrassed 4-0 in ‘Le Classique’ against PSG are just some of the underwhelming results they have had so far.
West Ham in early top spot battle?
Coming off the back of a Europa Conference League win last year, West Ham started their Europa League campaign in the perfect way as they won 3-1. Freiburg were also able to win their game as they won 3-2 against Olympiacos. Both sides are now set to meet in what early betting odds determine to be first vs second favourite to finish top of Group A.
Liverpool’s quality too much
Despite going down early in the first half in their opening game against LASK, Liverpool’s quality ultimately showed through as they scored three in the second half to win 3-1. Even with it being so early in the competition, the quality Liverpool possess make them overwhelming favourites to win the Europa League, with odds of them winning at 4.00 with Bet9ja.
We expect this dominance will be on show again as they face Union Gilloise in their upcoming game.
Villareal look to bounce back
Villareal have had a torrid time so far this season with the side who finished 5th in LaLiga last year finding themselves down in 14th. Having lost five of their opening eight games in all competitions, including a 2-0 loss in their first Europa League game, Villareal will be hopeful they can bounce back in their coming game against Stade Rennes.
