The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League is set to return for matchday two of the league phase this week, with all 18 matches taking place throughout Thursday evening.
After an exciting start to the league phase, teams will be eager to build on their opening results or bounce back from early setbacks. With this, we expect plenty of action and drama as every team battles for three points.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at a selection of the matches and pick out our top tips:
Rigas Futbola Skola vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray’s big summer signing Victor Osimhen got off the mark with two goals in their last outing against Kasimpasa, but the striker was forced off at half-time with a muscle injury, leaving him unlikely to feature in this one.
Mauro Icardi, who has netted 55 goals in the last two campaigns for Galatasaray and already has three in eight appearances this year, is likely to lead the line in Osimhen’s place, and with the Argentinians phenomenal goalscoring record for the Turkish giants, we expect him to score here.
Mauro Icardi to score anytime, 2.00 – 778ZCLS
Lazio vs Nice
Lazio have made a positive start to their 2024/25 season, winning four, losing two and drawing one of their opening seven matches across all competitions, including a comfortable 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in the first matchday of the Europa League.
Nice, in comparison, have won just two of their opening seven fixtures, losing two and drawing three, leaving them coming into this one in mixed form.
With this, and Lazio also boasting the home advantage, we believe the Italian side will win this one.
Porto vs Manchester United
Porto have had an incredible opening to the 2024/25 campaign, winning seven and losing just two of their opening nine matches, leaving them in positive spirits heading into a huge match against Manchester United.
The visitors, in comparison, have had an awful 2024/25 season so far, winning just three of their nine fixtures, resulting in the pressure starting to mount on Erik ten Hag’s position at the club. With the Red Devils coming into this game low on confidence, as well as without a win in their last three, we believe that this will end as a draw, extending their poor start.
Porto & Manchester United to draw, 3.40 – 778ZRQ9
Rangers vs Lyon
Rangers will be in fantastic spirits as they head into this game against Lyon, with them not only holding the home advantage but also coming into the game having won all of their last four outings, including a 2-0 win in matchday one of this competition.
Lyon will be their hardest test in that run, though the French side have faced difficulties so far this season. They won just one of their first five fixtures, losing three and drawing one, but their form has picked up in recent matches, heading into this one with back-to-back victories.
With this, as well as Lyon’s higher quality throughout the squad, we believe the French side will secure a narrow victory here.
