The UEFA Europa League continues to keep pace with the Champions League. The short break after the League Phase has come to an end, and teams from 9th to 24th place are diving into the knockout battle. Already in the first round, we are in for extremely interesting clashes between Fenerbahçe and Nottingham or Celtic and Stuttgart. The TipsGG analytics team shares their betting options for individual matches of the matchday.
Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest
Fenerbahçe secured only one win in their last five Europa League matches, but lost just one game across the entire League Phase. That sole defeat came at home against one of the best teams of the current Premier League season, Aston Villa (0:1). What raises concern is that the Canaries scored more than one goal only once in their last six League Phase matches and historically do not score many against English teams.
Nottingham are fighting for survival in the English championship, which has led to the third managerial change of the season. At the same time, the Forest’s Europa League results are highly commendable – 15 goals in eight matches, enough for four wins and two draws, while Nottingham’s defence demonstrated the most reliable performance in the tournament.
Despite all the internal problems and thanks to the emotional boost from the recent managerial change, it is reasonable to assume that the visitors will at least not lose.
Match bet: Nottingham not to lose (odds 1.66)
Brann vs Bologna
Brann, who managed to “jump on the last train” to the Europa League play-offs by taking the lowest qualifying spot, will host solid Bologna. For the Norwegians, simply reaching the spring stage is already a serious achievement, but the team’s ambitions clearly do not stop at participation.
The Norwegian championship starts only in mid-March, so the question of match sharpness and physical condition for the hosts remains open. The absence of official matches may affect rhythm, especially against a top-5 league opponent. At the same time, Brann had plenty of time for targeted preparation specifically for this tie. Importantly, most of their League Phase points were earned at home – 7 out of 9 possible. In Bergen, the city’s pride traditionally plays more boldly, actively uses the flanks and is not afraid of high pressing.
Bologna are going through a difficult stretch of the season. Since late December, the team has won only three times in 13 matches across all competitions. Nine of those games ended with both teams scoring, indicating certain defensive issues despite an overall quality squad. At the same time, in the previous Europa League stage, the Rossoblù showed one of the best away records – 9 points, the second-highest among several teams. However, current form and a congested calendar may influence the Italians’ approach to the first leg, especially with an important league match just days away.
The teams already met in the League Phase. Back then, despite an early red card, Bologna managed a draw and created more scoring chances. But this time the match is in Bergen, where the hosts traditionally try to make life as difficult as possible for opponents. The Italians’ class and squad depth look more convincing, but given Brann’s home statistics and Bologna’s tendency towards high-scoring games, the hosts can certainly count on scoring.
Match bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (odds 1.95)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk
The current Croatian league leaders had a very inconsistent League Phase in the Europa League, which landed them in the knockout round. Mario Kovačević’s team remains strong in attack but allows opponents to create far too much, resulting in Dinamo conceding at least twice in four of their last five Europa League matches.
Genk had a much more even run in the Europa League but find themselves in a difficult position in the Belgian Pro League. A place in the championship group is not yet guaranteed, and there are more contenders than needed. Their defensive play can also be called a weak point for the visitors – no one in the Belgian top ten has conceded more than them.
The match should be tough for both sides. Two bright attacking potentials are unlikely to leave viewers without goals, but it is hard to talk about a clear advantage for one side over the other.
Match bet: Total Goals Over 2.5 + Both Teams to Score (odds 2.24)
PAOK vs Celta Vigo
PAOK demonstrate impressive domestic stability, holding an unbeaten run of six matches. The gap to AEK is only three points with a game in hand, allowing the Double-Headed Eagles to count not just on reaching the championship group but on outright leadership in the Super League. Last week the Eagles triumphantly beat Panathinaikos in the Greek Cup, booking their place in the final.
Regarding the international arena, following the main European stage, the Black-Whites finished 17th. Despite the defeat to Lyon (2:4) in the final round, the team stood out as one of the most entertaining sides in the tournament. Matches involving the Greek club deliver a real goal-scoring spectacle for neutral fans: an average of 3.9 goals per game is the highest among all Europa League participants.
Celta continue their tough fight for European qualification in La Liga. However, the Galicians’ form over the last month looks rather depressing. Claudio Giráldez’s team’s last victory dates back to 18 January, when they beat Lille at Balaídos. Since then, the club has a five-match winless run across all competitions, leading to the loss of a top-6 place in the Spanish league. The crisis was confirmed in the last round against Espanyol (2:2): despite game dominance, the Galicians snatched a draw only in the 90+3 minute against an opponent who had lost four times in a row.
The teams already met in the group stage. Back then the Spaniards comfortably beat their opponents at home (3:1), showing character after conceding.
In the upcoming tie, attention should be paid to goalscoring. Both teams have proven throughout the season that they are not inclined towards pragmatic “dry” football. The home factor and the pressure of the first play-off leg should force the hosts to play more sharply to build a comfortable lead before the trip to Spain.
Match bet: Total Goals Over 2 (odds 1.52)
Ludogorets vs Ferencváros
Ludogorets approach the match against Ferencváros on an emotional high. This is evidenced by four consecutive wins, including two over Levski – their current title rivals, although the domestic championship situation is not yet in Ludogorets’ favour. Now the team is focused on the game against the Hungarian champions and has finally registered Kwado Dua for the tournament.
Ferencváros clearly perked up after the away defeat to Zalaegerszeg in the league. Robbie Keane’s team let Győr pull three points ahead, but now the Irishman, with numerous new signings, will have to do what he did in the League Phase (excluding the Nottingham Forest game): perform confidently away.
I assume the match will be sharp in attack and not short on goals, where the hosts will at least not lose, despite all the circumstances of previous head-to-heads.
Match bet: Ludogorets not to lose + Total Over 1.5 (odds 2.03)
Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzeň
In Athens, Panathinaikos will host Viktoria Plzeň – the only team in the Europa League League Phase that did not suffer a single defeat. The Czechs show stability and the ability to play for results, making them an extremely uncomfortable opponent in two-legged ties.
The teams already met earlier, also in Greece. Back then, despite a first-half red card, the Plzeň side managed to hold a goalless draw (0:0), demonstrating organised defending and discipline without the ball. That tie was a clear example of how Viktoria can endure and wait for their moment.
The arrival of Rafael Benítez has not yet brought the expected breakthrough for the Greens. The team sits fifth in the Greek Super League and shows inconsistent results in Europe – three wins, three draws and two defeats in the previous stage. Additionally, Panathinaikos played their last match a day later than their opponents, which may affect recovery. The situation is complicated by the squad – the team’s injury list remains full, and the absence of several key players impacts game variability.
Viktoria Plzeň approach the meeting in excellent form – seven matches unbeaten across all competitions, five of which ended in wins. In the new year the team has not lost yet. The mid-season managerial change did not knock the Czechs out of rhythm – on the contrary, under Martin Hašek the team looks even more structured and pragmatic. Particularly noteworthy is their ability to play as the second side and make life maximally difficult for favourites.
Despite the hosts’ status and home advantage, Panathinaikos is unlikely to have a significant edge in this match. Viktoria has already proven they can withstand pressure in Athens. Given the visitors’ organisation and their League Phase results, the safest option looks to be one with cover for the Czech side.
Match bet: Viktoria Plzeň Double Chance (X2) + Total Under 3.5 (odds 2.01)
Celtic vs Stuttgart
The Celts have already secured their place in the Premiership championship group. With three points behind Hearts and a game in hand, the Parkhead boys retain high chances of a fifth consecutive title defence. The team is in excellent form: a ten-match unbeaten run, eight of which ended in wins, speaks for itself. The last round against Kilmarnock was extremely tough: Celtic came back from 0:2 and snatched victory only in the 90+7 minute. However, not everything is cloudless – unconvincing performances in the Europa League group led to a very serious opponent in the round of 32 draw.
Stuttgart are undoubtedly also unhappy with such a draw. Collecting 15 points in eight rounds, the Swabians finished just one step short of direct progression to the top 8. In the last Bundesliga round, Sebastian Hoeneß’s side confidently dismantled Köln (3:1), redeeming themselves for the unexpected loss to outsiders St. Pauli (1:2). In the German elite, the club feels confident, closing the Champions League zone, while the thrashing of Holstein Kiel (3:0) secured a place in the national cup semi-finals.
I expect the German side to avoid defeat in Glasgow. Stuttgart’s play looks more balanced, and their performances on the international stage this season have been more convincing. An additional bonus for the visitors is an extra day of rest compared to the hosts.
Match bet: Stuttgart Double Chance (X2) + Total Under 3.5 (odds 1.95)
Lille vs Crvena Zvezda
At Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille – who are experiencing a serious slump in 2026 – will host Crvena Zvezda, who are in contrast in excellent form and unbeaten in their last nine official matches. The contrast in the teams’ current states adds intrigue to this tie.
For Lille, the new year is going extremely poorly: six defeats in nine matches across all competitions – clearly not the numbers expected from a team that fought for a Champions League spot last season. The situation can partly be explained by squad losses – the injury list remains full, and the absence of key players, including Thomas Meunier and Ethan Mbappé, negatively impacts game balance. However, not all failures can be blamed solely on injuries. In the League Phase of the second-tier European cup, the Mastiffs won four and lost four, which also indicates inconsistency.
Crvena Zvezda approach the match in a completely different mood. In 2026 the Belgrade side have won all four official matches, extending their unbeaten run. In the Serbian championship, the Red-Whites are fighting for the lead with Partizan, one point ahead of their principal rivals. In the Europa League, the team showed a pragmatic approach: four narrow wins (including over Lille), two draws and two defeats. The Belgrade side knows how to play to the score, defends intelligently and rarely allows opponents many chances.
Frankly speaking, Lille’s current form does not allow unconditional trust in their favourite status. The Dogs’ only win in the new year came against Freiburg after a red card to the opponent, which also raises questions about the quality of play. Given Crvena Zvezda’s pragmatism and confidence in their own strength, the hosts will find it difficult to build a comfortable lead. Even if Lille win, it is unlikely the margin will be more than one goal.
Match bet: Lille to win by exactly 1 goal or draw (odds 1.93)