The UEFA Europa League, like other European club competitions, is steadily approaching its League Phase. Today marks the second round of the tournament, featuring many familiar teams that even casual football fans will recognize: Beşiktaş, Shakhtar Donetsk, Anderlecht, and Braga are all household names, regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League. What are the best bets for these games? Let’s find out with tips.gg.
Sheriff vs. Utrecht
Sheriff comfortably navigated their tie against Prishtina and showed a strong start in the Moldovan championship, though their recent 0-0 draw with Petrocub likely served as a wake-up call for the Tiraspol side. Sheriff aren’t the outright favorites in this matchup, but their overall physical conditioning and European experience speak volumes. They would have benefited from home advantage in Tiraspol, but due to the political situation, the match will be played in Nisporeni.
Utrecht are back in European competition after nearly six years. Ron Jans’ team had a rather impressive season in the Eredivisie and deservedly secured a Europa League spot. However, Utrecht’s preparation for the Sheriff game saw them suffer two defeats in friendly matches, which is a cause for concern. Their prolonged absence from European tournaments is also a disadvantage.
We expect Sheriff and Utrecht to play a low-scoring game given the unfamiliar circumstances, despite bookmakers’ predictions for a high-scoring affair.
Betting Tip: Utrecht Double Chance (X2) and Total Goals Under 3.5 at odds of 1.72
Levski vs. Braga
Before their European campaign, Levski played four friendly matches, securing four wins with a combined score of 12-3. The “Blues” were well-prepared for the Europa League qualifiers, where they immediately drew a tough opponent in Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva. This was an evenly matched opponent, and the battle was, as expected, intense. Both legs ended in draws (0-0 and 1-1), with the winner only decided by a penalty shootout. Following this, the Bulgarian team, riding a wave of confidence, thrashed a newly promoted league side 5-0 in the championship. All these successes should boost Levski’s confidence, especially in the first leg in front of their home crowd.
Braga continues their pre-season preparations. The clash with Levski is their first official match of the football year, so their preparation is accordingly thorough. The Portuguese club has had a strong run of friendly matches: five consecutive victories, including convincing wins over Celta, Panathinaikos, and Moreirense. Braga has scored in 16 consecutive matches, with 10 goals scored and only 2 conceded in their last five games.
Both Levski and Braga are in excellent form, but the visitors have more experience on the international stage and a better-balanced squad. The Bulgarians might put up a fight on home turf, but Braga’s defense and attacking consistency give the Portuguese an edge. Given that both teams score regularly and play from a position of strength, betting on the over for total goals seems optimal.
Betting Tip: Total Goals Over 2.5 at odds of 1.92
Midtjylland vs. Hibernian
The statistics from both teams’ recent matches suggest high-scoring affairs – the Danes have seen over 3 goals scored in each of their last four outings, while the Scots have consistently conceded at least two goals. Midtjylland is in impressive home form, where the team feels particularly confident in attack. The opening match of the new Superliga season also confirmed the team’s high quality.
Their 3-3 home draw against Odense was high-scoring and entertaining, though the “Wolves” had to come from behind twice in that match. I expect an open and high-scoring game here, especially from the home side.
Betting Tip: Midtjylland Double Chance (1X) and Total Goals Over 2.5 at odds of 1.74
Anderlecht vs. Häcken
One of Belgium’s top teams continues their pre-season preparations. Their opponents haven’t been top-tier, but the form-building process is acceptable against relatively easier adversaries. For instance, they recently comfortably defeated Dordrecht (5-0). It’s hard to say if they’ll rout Häcken, but the hosts are capable of controlling the game. Scandinavian teams are adept at possession-based football. Moreover, the Belgian squad boasts players like Thorgan Hazard, Dolberg, and Rits, who can certainly bolster the team.
As for the Swedish team, they are at their peak physical condition, with their domestic league season in full swing. However, things aren’t going so well for Häcken in the league – they sit in 8th position, 18 points behind the leaders. One of the team’s main problems is their attack, averaging only 1.5 goals per game. Regarding defense, it’s almost certain that Häcken will make many mistakes. Even an Anderlecht side like this can capitalize on them.
The visitors will try hard, but the Belgians make quicker and more effective decisions on the pitch. Their skill level is higher, and this will undoubtedly determine the outcome of this clash.
Betting Tip: Anderlecht Asian Handicap (-1) at odds of 1.67
Beşiktaş vs. Shakhtar
Beşiktaş, under the guidance of Solskjær, approaches the second qualifying round of the Europa League after a rather unconvincing pre-season: one win in four matches and two losses to opponents from lower European leagues raise questions about the team’s current form. Despite some targeted reinforcements, including the loan of Tammy Abraham, the “Eagles” are still far from their optimal condition. A strong defense in the Süper Lig doesn’t guarantee stability in European competitions, where they conceded almost two goals per match last season.
Shakhtar’s situation is more encouraging: Arda Turan’s team comfortably dispatched Ilves and has already put their squad through a rigorous test. The Donetsk club emphasizes tactical flexibility, and the new coach aims to build a strong team not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room. This adds a layer of stability to Shakhtar that Beşiktaş currently lacks.
In Istanbul, the “Eagles” remain a formidable force and are unlikely to lose. This match should be rich in corner kicks.
Betting Tip: Total Corners Over 9 at odds of 1.78