The qualification rounds for the 2024/25 editions of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League are coming towards their closing stages in the coming weeks, with the first legs of the playoff round taking place throughout this week.
While the Champions League has already seen some of those first legs take place, the Europa League matches are set to happen throughout Thursday evening, with 24 teams battling it out in 12 matches for an advantage to take into the second legs.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at a selection of these matches and pick out our top tips: (odds available at time of writing)
Molde vs Elfsborg
Molde come into this game having had a mixed season up to this point, sitting fourth in the table and already 10 points behind Bodo/Glimt after 18 matches, but they have been dominant in the qualifying rounds so far. They beat Silkeborg 5-4 on aggregate in the second round before recording a 3-1 victory in the third round against Cercle Brugge.
Elfsborg have also performed strongly in the Europa League, winning 8-2 on aggregate in the first round, 3-0 in the second and 3-1 in the third. They have similarly struggled in the league, sitting in a disappointing seventh place, but their recent form has improved with just one defeat in their last 13.
We expect these two sides to have a closely fought first leg contest with the game ending in a draw, leaving everything to play for in the reverse fixture.
Molde & Elfsborg to draw, 4.00
Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Ajax
Ajax come into this one as the favourites to progress through the tie and into the Europa League, but they are unlikely to be filled with confidence heading into this one after suffering back-to-back defeats, one of those being their second-leg match against Panathinaikos, which they eventually won 13-12 on penalties.
Jagiellonia have also stumbled in recent games, losing all of their last three across all competitions, including a dismal 5-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
While the Polish champions do have the home advantage in this game, we believe that Ajax have much more quality throughout their squad and will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back poor results, suggesting the visitors will win.
Ajax to win, 1.83
Braga vs Rapid Vienna
Braga have been in hot form since the beginning of the season, winning four and drawing two of their opening six matches, remaining unbeaten across all competitions. Combined with their strength at home in recent years, losing just four of their 17 home league matches last year, and they will be in good spirits coming into this one.
Rapid Vienna will be a challenging opponent, also remaining unbeaten in all competitions after eight games of their campaign, winning seven in that time. While we expect them to make this a difficult game for the hosts, we do believe Braga will take a narrow first-leg lead, leaving them in the driving seat going into the second leg.
Braga to win by 1 goal, 3.30
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