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UEFA Europa League Matchday 1 preview: predictions and betting odds
The league phase of the UEFA Europa League kicks off for its second season with nine matches each on Wednesday, 24 September, and Thursday, 25 September. The defending champions, Tottenham Hotspur, compete in the UEFA Champions League this season, but we still have plenty of big names among those dreaming of becoming the new winners.
In this article, we'll provide UEL odds for the first round of games and analyse some key encounters of Matchday 1. MightyTips' experts will also give some Europa League tips that will help you to make a value bet.
Europa League Matchday 1 odds
Here are the odds for the first games of the new campaign. We've included the top five matches per Tuesday and Wednesday, providing the lines for 3-way outcome betting. All games mentioned start at 21:00 CET.
| ⚽ | 1 | X | 2 |
| Braga – Feyenoord | 2.25 | 3.50 | 3.00 |
| Real Betis – Nottingham Forest | 2.30 | 3.25 | 3.10 |
| Nice – Roma | 3.10 | 3.40 | 2.25 |
| SC Freiburg – Basel | 1.70 | 4.00 | 4.33 |
| Dinamo Zagreb – Fenerbahçe | 3.00 | 3.50 | 2.25 |
| Aston Villa – Bologna | 1.70 | 3.60 | 5.00 |
| Red Bull Salzburg – Porto | 3.20 | 3.40 | 2.20 |
| VfB Stuttgart – Celta Vigo | 1.80 | 3.80 | 4.20 |
| Utrecht – Lyon | 3.40 | 3.50 | 2.05 |
| Young Boys – Panathinaikos | 2.30 | 3.50 | 3.00 |
Notable matches
Real Betis - Nottingham Forest
Real Betis start another European adventure after making history last season by reaching their first-ever continental final, when they lost to Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League. The key left-back Ricardo Rodriguez is ready to play after injury, and having a seasoned European contestant in Manuel Pellegrini at the helm of the club is another huge plus. Fun fact to mention, striker Antony faced Nottingham Forest seven times with Manchester United and won six of those games.
The Tricky Trees, two-time winners of the European Cup, are returning to Europe for the first time since the 1995/96 campaign, yet their focus will definitely be on the English Premier League. The English club also has an ace up its sleeve. Their coach, Ange Postecoglou, won the last tournament with Tottenham, and he stepped in to replace Nuno Espírito Santo earlier this month. Still, we believe that the hosts have more motivation and international experience than their opponents and should take all three points here.
Aston Villa - Bologna
Aston Villa and Bologna are preparing for a reunion at Villa Park, as the Lions won 2-0 here a year ago in the first match of the Champions League. Aston Villa had a dreadful start to their Premier League campaign, earning three draws in the first five games and scoring a single goal in the process. Yet they possess Unai Emery, the competition's most decorated coach, and we believe the Villans will be back on track very soon.
Bologna are back in Europe thanks to their Italian Cup triumph. They are a strictly home team in the national league, losing both times on the road. Besides, Bologna have never beaten an English side in UEFA competitions, earning a single draw with three defeats. Aston Villa might rest some of their leaders ahead of Sunday's battle with Fulham, yet even that shouldn't stop them from winning the game.
Red Bull Salzburg - Porto
Salzburg, who smashed one big club after another in Europe at one point, are not that dangerous opposition anymore. Their first seven games in the Austrian Bundesliga showed plenty of weaknesses, even though Petar Ratkov already has five goals under his belt. The hosts will play on the counter, trying to catch Porto, but will that be enough? We doubt that.
The Dragons, who won this tournament twice previously, started the new campaign with a bang. They have won their first six matches with a stunning goal difference of 15-1. Samu Aghehowa already hit top form with four league goals, and last season he scored six goals in nine Europa League games. You can bet on him scoring a goal against Salzburg at 2.30, but we'd opt for a safer option of Porto winning the match.
How to bet on the UEFA Europa League
You should always begin by studying the teams, their current form, and squad news. Other important factors include fatigue (yet it's too early in the season for that), travel aspects, and motivation. Make sure to check different bookmakers for the best odds and value. Most importantly, set a clear budget, stick to it, and never chase losses, which you will hopefully avoid. Betting on the UEFA Europa League should enhance your enjoyment of football, not cause financial difficulties. Check our Europa League predictions and tips round by round during the whole season.
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