UEFA Europa League Matchday 2 Predictions Digest

Thursday, October 2, brings the second round of UEFA Europa League matches. After the drama and surprises in the Champions League, it might seem nothing can top it, but Europe’s second-tier competition is ready to deliver a fresh wave of emotions. Which matches should you focus on, and what bets are worth considering? Let’s dive into the latest digest from TipsGG.

Steaua vs Young Boys

Romanian side Steaua, who reached the Europa League Round of 16 last season before falling to Lyon (1:3, 0:4), host Young Boys, the biggest disappointment of last season’s Champions League group stage, where they finished last with zero points.

Steaua’s start to the season has been more negative than positive. After winning the Romanian Super Cup against CFR Cluj (2:1), they were knocked out of Champions League qualifying by Macedonian side Shkendija (0:1, 1:2). However, they secured a Europa League spot by overcoming Drita and Aberdeen. Last year’s slow start gave way to improvement, landing them among the tournament’s top 24 teams.

Young Boys, now led by Giorgio Contini since December, eliminated Slovan (1:0, 3:2) to reach the Europa League. However, they disappointed in their group stage opener, losing at home to Panathinaikos (1:4). Their domestic campaign has been more promising: four wins, two draws, and one loss in seven matches. Their struggles, though, come mostly away from home (one win in three games).

Bologna vs Freiburg

Bologna earned their Europa League spot by winning the Coppa Italia. Last season, they competed in the Champions League but finished a modest 28th out of 36 teams. Under Vincenzo Italiano, they’ve started the new season with two wins, one draw, and three losses. Notably, all defeats came away, while at home, they’ve always earned points, albeit minimally, with losses never exceeding one goal.

Freiburg, managed by Julian Schuster, finished fifth in the Bundesliga in his first season. This campaign has been inconsistent: a convincing cup win over Lotte (2:0) was followed by two heavy losses (1:3, 1:4). However, post-international break, the Breisgau side is unbeaten in four matches.

Fenerbahçe vs Nice

A clash of two teams that fell short in Champions League qualifying, both stopped by Benfica.

Fenerbahçe parted ways with José Mourinho after their second consecutive Champions League qualifying failure, with Domenico Tedesco taking over. Under him, the “Yellow Canaries” have played five matches: two wins, two draws, and a loss to Dinamo Zagreb (1:3). A much-needed win over Antalyaspor, ending a three-match winless streak, has boosted their confidence ahead of Nice. Historically, Fenerbahçe have struggled against French clubs (four wins in 22 matches), but they did beat Nice twice in the distant 1970s.

Nice missed direct Champions League qualification last season, finishing one point behind Monaco and edging out Lille on goal difference. Their transfer window weakened the squad, making their Europa League participation fitting. This season has been disastrous: losses to Benfica in Champions League qualifying, poor Ligue 1 form, and a defeat to Roma in the Europa League opener. Their away form is particularly dire, with three losses in three matches this season and four consecutive away defeats in European competitions.

Sturm Graz vs Rangers

Last season, Sturm competed in the Champions League; this year, they’re in the Europa League. In their opener, they lost to Midtjylland (0:2) despite a balanced game. In 12 matches this season, they’ve recorded eight wins and four losses, with defeats coming against domestic rivals Austria Vienna and Rapid, plus European losses to Bodø/Glimt and the aforementioned Danes.

Rangers are struggling: knocked out of the Champions League by Brugge and regularly dropping points in the Scottish Premiership, where they sit eighth with half the points of the leaders. Manager Russell Martin’s position looks shaky.

Lyon vs RB Salzburg

Lyon struggle to score this season without a striker of Lacazette or Mikautadze’s caliber but rarely concede, allowing them to compete with PSG in Ligue 1. Their midfield and defense are robust. Despite Paulo Fonseca’s rotation in European competitions, their quality remains unaffected.

RB Salzburg lost captain Mads Bidstrup to injury, a key link between defense and attack. Once a hub for top prospects, Salzburg’s current squad lacks elite talent, contributing to their domestic struggles and frequent managerial changes.

Feyenoord vs Aston Villa

Feyenoord lost their Europa League opener and are banking on their home form to earn their first points, aiming for maximum results. They’re strong at home in Europe, with wins in four of their last five matches. Moreover, Feyenoord have scored in 23 of their last 25 European home games.

Aston Villa are recovering from a poor start with two consecutive wins, both at home. Away games remain a challenge: they’re winless in their last five official away matches and have only three victories in their last ten European away games. However, they’ve avoided defeat in their last two visits to Dutch clubs (one win, one draw). Unai Emery’s European experience could also play in their favor.

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