The Europa League returns: 18 magnificent matches await spectators this Thursday, January 22nd. The League Phase climax is drawing near, and the atmosphere of every match is only getting hotter. In a tight race at the top, teams continue their battle to break into the best sides of Europe’s second-most prestigious club competition.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Porto
At the Doosan Arena, Viktoria Plzeň—one of only four teams remaining unbeaten after 6 rounds—hosts a Portuguese giant currently in excellent form.
Czech First League matches won’t resume until February, allowing Plzeň to focus entirely on their Europa League campaign. Generally, the “Viktorians” have solid chances of continuing their journey in the playoffs. However, reaching the top 8 looks like a daunting task, primarily due to the congestion in the standings and the caliber of their rivals.
Since Francesco Farioli’s arrival, Porto has demonstrated near-phenomenal results: since the start of the season across all competitions, they have recorded only two losses and two draws against 25 victories. Currently, the “Dragons” are on a 9-match winning streak, which speaks volumes about their consistency and quality of play.
This is a clash between the League Phase’s best defense—Viktoria has conceded only 2 goals—against a team with the best defense in the Portuguese league (4 conceded) that generally avoids open football, especially away from home. Given these circumstances, a high-scoring affair is unlikely. Considering the visitors’ class and current form, a “double chance” bet on their result looks logical.
- Match Bet: Porto Double Chance (X2) and Total Under 2.5 (Odds: 2.10)
Malmö vs Crvena Zvezda Belgrade
The opponents will play their debut match under new management, but their approach to this game will differ. Malmö is no longer in contention for the next round; with only one point after six rounds, reaching the playoffs is virtually impossible. For this reason, their remaining January fixtures will serve as preparation for the new season, which begins in Swedish football in a month.
Crvena Zvezda Belgrade sits in the middle of the table and could either drop out of the play-off zone or attempt to break into the top eight by the finish. Their mindset must be dead serious. Stanković has already won trophies at the helm of the club, so expectations for his tenure are high. Under Milojević in the Europa League, the team scored little but picked up points thanks to defensive improvements.
Under their previous coach, Malmö struggled with scoring—perhaps something will change after the break, but for now, Crvena Zvezda looks superior.
- Match Bet: Total Over 1.5 and Crvena Zvezda Belgrade to Win (Odds: 2.30)
PAOK vs Betis
PAOK enters the confrontation with an impressive six-match winning streak, showing confident play on the domestic stage. In the last round of the Greek Super League, the “Double-Headed Eagles” comfortably handled OFI Crete (3:0). Deciding the outcome in the first half allowed the coaching staff to rotate the squad and keep key players fresh ahead of the European battles. The only fly in the ointment was an injury to key midfielder Soualiho Meïté, who was forced off in the 27th minute. Currently, the Greek club has 9 points in the overall standings, making it crucial for the hosts to secure a result against Betis to solidify their place in the playoff zone.
Spanish side Betis has yet to taste defeat in the Europa League this season, sitting comfortably in fourth place with 14 points. Unlike their opponents, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have to manage their resources more carefully. Before the decisive European round against Feyenoord (January 29th), the Sevillians face an exhausting trip to Alavés. The latter are fighting desperately for survival in La Liga and will be highly motivated against the favorites.
PAOK’s home unbeaten run now spans 23 matches. Although Betis is superior in class and technique, the Greeks’ tournament motivation and favorable schedule could be decisive factors. A tense battle is expected, where even a goalless scenario is not out of the question.
- Match Bet: PAOK Double Chance (1X) and Total Under 4.5 (Odds: 1.77)
Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz
In Rotterdam at De Kuip, two underdogs of this year’s Europa League will meet, though both still retain slim chances of continuing in the next stage. Both collectives are showing extremely inconsistent results, which explains their league position.
Feyenoord has not won in 6 matches, and Robin van Persie’s managerial seat is becoming increasingly precarious with every game. Sturm’s affairs are also far from optimal—only 2 wins in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
An additional problem for both teams is a significant number of players in the treatment room—players who could have substantially boosted the team at such a crucial point in the season.
Another interesting fact unites these teams: in the four Europa League matches played this season involving them, both sides have invariably found the back of the net. In a situation where both teams have nowhere left to retreat, it is logical to expect open football once again.
- Match Bet: Both Teams to Score and Total Over 2.5 – Yes (Odds: 1.90)
Fenerbahçe vs Aston Villa
The Turkish side Fenerbahçe started 2026 on a triumphant note by winning the domestic Super Cup. This success was special as they overcame their eternal rivals, Galatasaray, who had prevented the “Canaries” from winning the Super League title for the past three seasons. The team is in excellent form: 4 consecutive wins have allowed them to close the gap to the league leaders to just one point. Chances for direct qualification to the Europa League Round of 16 also remain viable. Thanks to a 4:0 thrashing of Brann, the Istanbul side climbed to 12th place, trailing the coveted top eight by only two points.
Aston Villa is already among the six clubs that have pre-booked their place in the spring stage of the tournament. A recent home defeat in the EPL looked somewhat anomalous, as prior to that, the “Villans” were neck-and-neck with Manchester City at the top. Unai Emery’s comments that his squad supposedly isn’t among the top 5 teams in England drew attention. However, as a three-time Europa League winner, the Spanish specialist knows exactly how to find the right levers to restore player confidence.
The optimal bet for this encounter looks to be an exchange of goals. Inspired by their fans and recent results, the Turks will try to dictate terms, while the English side, who have scored in every match of the current EL campaign, will look to bounce back from their league setback.
- Match Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 1.62)
Freiburg vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Freiburg’s struggle for European spots in Germany has been difficult so far: Julian Schuster’s men have an identical number of wins, draws, and losses (6 each). However, in the Europa League, the “Breisgau Brazilians” remain undefeated, scoring an average of 1.5 goals per match. Their last game against Augsburg showcased the team’s character: trailing by two goals, Freiburg players managed to snatch a draw in a tough contest.
Maccabi Tel Aviv currently possesses the worst defense in the tournament, having conceded 18 goals in 6 rounds. The single point earned at the start against PAOK remains their only asset. It can be argued that the Israelis have lost their chances for the playoffs, so they will likely focus on defending their title in the national championship.
Since the visitors are stripped of tournament pressure, they might try to play open football, but the disciplined German defense is unlikely to let them roam free. I lean towards a confident and “clean” victory for the hosts.
- Match Bet: Freiburg to Win and Both Teams to Score – No (Odds: 1.83)
Young Boys vs Lyon
After a brief period of progress, Young Boys are on the verge of crisis again: a losing streak has persisted since the end of last year, and the problems involve not just results but discipline—regular red cards have become a systemic issue for the Bern-based side (four red cards in the last five official games). Defensive absences and squad instability further complicate the task. Their standings in the Europa League remain acceptable for now, but can they overcome a team in peak condition?
Lyon, by contrast, is at the height of their form: six wins in a row across all competitions and a confident lead in the group allow Paulo Fonseca’s team to feel as comfortable as possible. Even considering squad losses, the Lyonnais are much more competitive than the Swiss club, and their defense remains one of the most reliable in the Europa League.
Given Young Boys’ problems, Lyon’s stability and confident defense make the French club the clear favorite, expected to bring a convincing victory home from Switzerland—likely with a high goal count.
- Match Bet: Lyon Individual Total Goals Over 1.5 (Odds: 1.63)
Nice vs Go Ahead Eagles
At the Allianz Riviera, the main “loser” of the League Phase will host Go Ahead Eagles, who still maintain chances to reach the knockout play-offs.
In the previous round of the French championship, Nice suffered their first defeat under Claude Puel, losing 1:5 to Toulouse without a chance. Despite some improvement since the new manager’s arrival, the “Eaglets” have plenty of problems. Most importantly, the club has definitively lost all chances of continuing in European competition, so this match will be more formal than tournament-critical for the hosts.
Go Ahead Eagles approach the match in a much better psychological state—on a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions. In the last round, the Dutch side managed to take points from an Ajax team that is gradually finding its form (2:2). While the “Eagles” are not doing as well in their domestic league, Melvin Boel’s gritty squad still has a real shot at advancing in the Europa League. To do so, they must collect points in the final two matches and hope for rivals to slip up.
The match against Nice, who have nothing left to play for in the tournament (except perhaps prize money), looks like a great opportunity for the visitors to get the necessary result. Go Ahead Eagles have proven their character more than once—victories over Aston Villa and Panathinaikos as underdogs only confirm this.
Regarding the prediction, it is logical to look at the scoring potential of the match. As an alternative, one could risk a handicap bet on the visitors, for whom the victory is much more important than for the hosts.
- Match Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 1.64)
- Alternative Match Bet: Go Ahead Eagles Handicap (0) (Odds: 2.75)
Roma vs Stuttgart
Roma continues to be a contender for the Scudetto and for the top 8 in the Europa League general standings. Recently, the Romans managed to avenge their Coppa Italia exit against Torino and continue to show very convincing defensive play, while also improving in attack, scoring at least twice in five of their last six matches.
Stuttgart managed to rehabilitate themselves after the shock against Bayern Munich, strengthening their position in the Bundesliga and the Europa League. The visitors are unbeaten in six consecutive matches and score often, but operate less effectively in defense.
In this century, the “Swabians” have faced Italian clubs seven times and managed only one victory. A major problem is Stiller’s injury, along with limited options in defense, so it’s difficult not to leave Roma as the favorite.
- Match Bet: Both Teams to Score and Roma Double Chance (1X) (Odds: 2.10)
Celta Vigo vs Lille
Two representatives of Europe’s top 5 leagues meet in a direct clash at Balaídos; they share the same number of points and are consequently neighbors in the Europa League table. The teams approach the match in completely different emotional and competitive states.
After a brief break in La Liga, Celta earned the maximum possible points—three wins out of three—twice thrashing opponents at their home stadium: Valencia (4:1) and Rayo Vallecano (3:0). The Galicians are showing bright, aggressive football and are confidently utilizing their home-field advantage.
Lille can only envy such form. Since the league resumed, the “Dogues” have suffered three defeats in three matches; their on-field problems look systemic, and confidence has noticeably wavered.
Typically, teams from the leading leagues aim to settle play-off qualification as early as possible. However, it is highly likely that neither Celta nor Lille will break into the top 8 based on the six rounds. Furthermore, the gap to 24th place is only two points, forcing both teams to play at their limit with no room for error.
The Galicians’ form after the break has been impressive, while the French side’s state is rather concerning. Given the high tournament motivation and home support, the hosts look like the favorites for the encounter.
- Match Bet: Celta Vigo Handicap (0) (Odds: 1.72)
Rangers vs Ludogorets
Under Danny Röhl, Rangers have finally stabilized their game: a six-match winning streak gives fans hope that the season can still be saved after a disastrous start. However, this positive dynamic has yet to reach the international stage, where the “Gers” have only one point after 6 rounds. Advancing to the next stage looks almost impossible, especially since they face Porto in the final round.
The Bulgarian championship is currently on its winter break, so Ludogorets is focusing all its energy on fighting for the Europa League top 24. Petar Stanić, who leads the tournament’s scoring charts with 6 goals, has double motivation to maintain his lead. The “Eagles” desperately need points, but their match fitness remains a question without regular league practice. It should also be noted that the Bulgarians look significantly more confident playing at home.
I think Rangers will try to “slam the door” loudly in European competition in front of their home fans at Ibrox Stadium. The team’s current form certainly allows them to count on three points in this meeting.
- Match Bet: Rangers to Win (Odds: 1.9)