The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League kicked off on Wednesday night and is set to continue with another nine matches taking place throughout Thursday evening.
These matches are sure to provide plenty of drama and entertainment as each team aims to get off to the perfect start to their league phase campaign, aiming to set an early marker that they are aiming to go deep into the competition.
In this article, we will be taking a look at a selection of these matches and picking out our top tips and best booking code (all odds at time of writing):
Fenerbahce Istanbul vs Union St. Gilloise
Fenerbahce have made a strong start to their season under new boss Jose Mourinho, losing just two of their first 10 matches across all competitions, winning six and drawing two in that time.
Throughout his career, Mourinho’s teams have been at their best when playing in European competition, especially in their home matches, and that should give Fenerbahce plenty of confidence here.
USG have also faced extreme difficulties at the beginning of this term, winning just three of their opening 11 games, and for that reason, we are betting the hosts will win here.
Fenerbahce Istanbul to win by 2 goals, 4.00
Ajax vs Besiktas
Ajax and Besiktas come into this match appearing to be two fairly evenly matched sides, making this one a hard game to predict.
The hosts have lost just twice so far this term, with one of those coming in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie with Panathinaikos, which they won on penalties, and the other in the league.
Besiktas, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their eight matches this season, including recording a phenomenal 5-0 win against Galatasaray in the Super Kupa. However, with Ajax holding the home advantage, we expect a narrow win for the hosts.
Ajax to win, 1.95
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao
Roma and Artem Dovbyk have both got off to a slow start this season, already resulting in Daniele De Rossi being sacked just three months after signing as the permanent manager.
However, their performances and results have picked up in recent games, including recording their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory against Udinese last time out.
Dovbyk has also improved in recent outings, scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw with Genoa before netting the opener in that win against Udinese, meaning the striker has now scored in back-to-back matches.
Dovbyk will be looking to extend that scoring streak against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, and we predict the striker will get his name on the scoresheet.
Artem Dovbyk to score anytime, 2.50
Tottenham vs Qarabag
Tottenham, alongside Manchester United, are early favourites to win this year’s Europa League, and they will be looking to get off to a winning start when they face Qarabag on matchday one.
Ange Postecoglou’s men have faced a mixed start to this season, winning three and losing two of their first six matches, but they have consistently created plenty of chances, something that will be expected to continue into this game against Qarabag.
With this, we expect Tottenham to dominate and put away plenty of their chances, leading us to believe they will win and score over 3goals.
Tottenham to win & over 3.5 goals, 1.99
Best Booking Code @38.80:
762ZNKV – Bet Here
