Last updated: 30 September 2024 by Leon Marshall

The image shows a football player standing in a stadium, looking out at the pitch with the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League logos displayed on either side. The scene emphasises the significance of both European football tournaments, with a dramatic stadium atmosphere in the background, highlighted by bright floodlights.

Champions League & Europa League Matchday 2 Previews, Predictions & Odds

This week’s European football action features a thrilling mix of Champions League and Europa League fixtures. British teams will aim to continue their strong starts, while powerhouses like PSG and Bayern Munich will seek to assert dominance. Below are previews and betting tips for the critical from both competitions.

Matchday 1 Overview – British Clubs in Europe

The opening week of European action provided memorable performances and a few surprises involving British clubs across the Champions League and Europa League. Here’s how they fared:

Champions League

  • Aston Villa marked their Champions League return in style with a 3-0 away win against Young Boys. Villa looked sharp in their first appearance in the competition in over four decades, with their clinical attack ensuring a confident start to the campaign.
  • Liverpool continued their strong European form with an impressive 3-1 victory at AC Milan. The Reds controlled much of the game, with their high press and attacking prowess causing problems for Milan. This result strengthens their case as one of the tournament’s key contenders.
  • Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Atalanta in a cagey encounter in Italy. While the Gunners displayed solid defensive organisation, they struggled to create clear-cut chances in what ended up as a frustrating opening fixture for Mikel Arteta’s side.
  • Manchester City had to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Inter Milan in a tightly contested match. Despite dominating possession, City were unable to find the breakthrough, but a point keeps them well-placed in their group.

Europa League

  • Manchester United endured a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, drawing 1-1 with Twente at Old Trafford. Despite a bright start, United failed to capitalise on their chances and were pegged back by the Dutch side. Erik ten Hag will hope to see a more clinical performance in the next fixture.
  • Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 3-0 victory over Qarabag in North London, showcasing their attacking firepower. Spurs controlled the match throughout and look poised to be a strong contender in the Europa League this season.
  • Rangers suffered a setback in their opener, losing 2-0 to Malmö FF. The Scottish side struggled to create chances in a tough away fixture, leaving them with an uphill task to progress from their group.

British clubs had a mix of results in Matchday 1, with some teams hitting the ground running, while others will be looking to improve in the coming fixtures.

Leon assesses this week’s European fixtures and shares his previews and the latest betting odds for punters who are planning to bet at football betting sites this week.

Champions League Betting – Arsenal vs PSG

Arsenal will welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates for a crucial Champions League clash. The Gunners come into the match on the back of a commanding 4-2 victory against Leicester in the Premier League, giving them momentum ahead of this fixture. In recent weeks, Arsenal has been solid at home, with players like Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard playing pivotal roles.

On the other side, PSG also secured a comfortable 3-1 win against Rennes in Ligue 1 to maintain their unbeaten run. However, PSG faces injury concerns with key players like Marco Asensio, Gonçalo Ramos, and Presnel Kimpembe out, and doubts surrounding Gianluigi Donnarumma. The French side will rely on Randal Kolo Muani and Bradley Barcola to make an impact in attack.

This match promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two elite clubs. Arsenal’s home advantage and recent form make them slight favourites, but PSG’s attacking talent means the Gunners will need to be defensively resolute to take all three points.

Prediction: Arsenal win (Odds: 8/11)

Reasoning: Arsenal’s form at home has been strong, and with PSG missing several key players, the Gunners are favoured to win.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/6

Reasoning: Both teams possess potent attacks. Arsenal and PSG have shown they can find the back of the net regularly in their respective leagues, making BTTS a solid option.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/11 Reasoning: With Arsenal’s recent matches seeing over 2.5 goals and PSG’s attacking approach, this game is likely to feature multiple goals.

Champions League Betting – Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City

Slovan Bratislava will host Manchester City in what will be a difficult fixture for the Slovakian side. Bratislava’s Champions League campaign started poorly with a heavy 5-1 loss to Celtic, and while they’ve secured two domestic wins since then, they face an even bigger challenge against City. Juraj Kucka and David Strelec will be key players for Bratislava, but the gulf in class between the two teams makes this a daunting task.

Manchester City come into this game having drawn three of their last four matches, including a 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in their Champions League opener. Despite this recent dip, City remain favourites to top their group, with players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden expected to lead the attack. City will be without Rodri, who is out for the season, and Kevin De Bruyne, who is unlikely to be risked, but they should have enough firepower to see off Slovan Bratislava comfortably.

Prediction: Manchester City win (Odds: 1/22)

Reasoning: Manchester City are overwhelming favourites and should comfortably secure all three points, despite being away from home. Slovan Bratislava struggled defensively in their last Champions League match, and City’s attacking quality will likely be too much for them to handle.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – No Odds: 8/15 Reasoning: Slovan Bratislava will likely struggle to break down Manchester City’s well-organised defence, especially with City controlling the game.

Over 3.5 Goals Odds: 5/6

Reasoning: Given the attacking prowess of Manchester City and the defensive vulnerabilities of Slovan Bratislava, a high-scoring game is expected, with City likely to dominate.

Champions League Betting – Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic

Borussia Dortmund will host Celtic in what promises to be a compelling Champions League encounter. Dortmund are coming off the back of a thrilling 4-2 win against Bochum in the Bundesliga, and they will be looking to maintain their strong home form. With players like Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi in good form, Dortmund will be confident of securing another three points.

Meanwhile, Celtic are enjoying a fantastic start to the season. The Scottish champions have won all their games this season, including a dominant 6-0 win over St. Johnstone. Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have been key for Celtic, but a trip to Dortmund represents their toughest test yet in this campaign. Brendan Rodgers’ side will need to be at their best defensively to withstand Dortmund’s attacking threats.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund win (Odds: 12/25)

Reasoning: Dortmund’s attacking prowess and strong home form make them clear favourites. Although Celtic have been excellent so far this season, the step up in quality for this match will likely prove too much for them.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 13/8

Reasoning: Both teams have been prolific in front of goal. While Dortmund is expected to dominate, Celtic’s attack has shown that it can score against stronger opposition.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/13

Reasoning: Given both teams’ attacking intent and recent high-scoring games, this match has the potential for goals on both sides.

Champions League Betting – Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich

Aston Villa will face their toughest challenge yet as they host Bayern Munich in a high-stakes Champions League clash. Villa are in strong form, having won four of their last six matches, including a dominant 3-0 win over Young Boys in their group opener. With players like Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán contributing key goals, Villa will be hoping to cause an upset against the German giants.

Bayern Munich have been in scintillating form, thrashing Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in their last Champions League match. However, Harry Kane is an injury doubt after suffering an ankle injury in their 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern are hopeful of his recovery. Even without Kane, Bayern’s attacking depth, with Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané, makes them favourites.

Prediction: Bayern Munich win (Odds: 7/10)

Reasoning: Bayern Munich’s firepower, led by Harry Kane (if fit) and Jamal Musiala, makes them favourites. Aston Villa have been in good form, but Bayern’s quality and European pedigree should see them secure all three points.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 5/6 Reasoning: Aston Villa’s attack has been in fine form, while Bayern have consistently scored goals. Both teams are likely to find the back of the net in what could be a high-scoring encounter.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/11 Reasoning: With Bayern’s attacking dominance and Villa’s ability to score, this game has the potential to see multiple goals.

Champions League Betting – Liverpool vs Bologna

Liverpool are heavy favourites as they host Bologna in this Champions League group-stage match. The Reds have been in fine form, winning five of their last six games, including a solid 3-1 win over AC Milan in their group opener. Players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz will be key as they look to continue their strong run of results.

Meanwhile, Bologna have struggled to find form, with just one win in their last six matches. They come into this game after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Atalanta and are clear underdogs against the might of Liverpool.

Prediction: Liverpool win (Odds: 1/5)

Reasoning: Liverpool’s superior form and home advantage make them overwhelming favourites. Bologna’s inconsistency and lack of firepower will likely result in a comfortable win for the Reds.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – No Odds: 8/11 Reasoning: Liverpool’s defence has been solid, while Bologna have struggled to score consistently, making it likely that only one team will find the net.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/13 Reasoning: With Liverpool’s attacking strength, this game has the potential for multiple goals, especially from the home side.

Europa League Betting – Ferencváros vs Tottenham Hotspur

Ferencváros face a difficult task as they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League. Ferencváros come into the match after a 3-0 win against Puskás FC, but they lost their last Europa League fixture against Anderlecht.

Tottenham Hotspur, fresh from a resounding 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, are in fine form. Even without Son Heung-min, Spurs dominated, with key performances from Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs are full of confidence heading into this fixture.

Prediction: Tottenham win (Odds: 4/11)

Reasoning: Tottenham’s quality and recent dominant displays make them strong favourites to win in Hungary.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/5 Reasoning: Ferencváros have been able to score, but Tottenham’s attack will likely overpower them.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/15 Reasoning: With Tottenham’s recent attacking performances, this match could see several goals.

Europa League Betting – Porto vs Manchester United

Porto will host Manchester United in what could be a pivotal Europa League fixture for the Red Devils. Porto come into the match in strong form, and will be looking to take advantage of United’s current struggles. After a hard-fought start in their group, Porto’s ability to control possession and create chances through the wings, with players like Mehdi Taremi and Otávio, will be key as they face a vulnerable Manchester United defence.

On the other hand, Manchester United are reeling from a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled this season, sitting 12th in the Premier League, with pressure mounting on the manager. United’s defence has been leaky, but their attack, led by Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, will need to step up. Ten Hag faces a defining week as United look for a response in Portugal.

Prediction: Manchester United win (Odds: 7/5)

Reasoning: Despite United’s recent struggles, they will be desperate to bounce back and have the attacking quality to secure a result against Porto, who are tough but may not be able to cope with the pressure of United’s response.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/6 Reasoning: Both teams are capable of scoring, and with United’s defensive vulnerabilities, Porto could take advantage, while United’s attack remains potent.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 6/5 Reasoning: Given Manchester United’s leaky defence and Porto’s attacking threat, this game has the potential to be high-scoring.

Europa League Betting – Rangers vs Olympique Lyonnais

Rangers come into this match after a solid string of results, including a narrow 1-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership and a comfortable 2-0 victory against Malmö FF in their last Europa League outing. With players like Tom Lawrence and Cyriel Dessers finding the net, Rangers have the firepower to trouble Lyon.

Olympique Lyonnais will travel to Ibrox on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 win against Toulouse in Ligue 1. Lyon’s form has been inconsistent, but with key players like Alexandre Lacazette and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, they pose a significant threat.

Prediction: Draw (Odds: 5/2)

Reasoning: Both teams are relatively evenly matched. Rangers’ strong home form and Lyon’s inconsistency away from home suggest this could be a closely fought contest.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 8/13 Reasoning: Both teams have been scoring consistently, and with attacking talent on both sides, it’s likely both will find the net.

Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 8/11 Reasoning: Given the attacking prowess of both teams, this match could see multiple goals.

This week’s European football action features some thrilling matchups. Among the fixtures, Arsenal welcomes PSG for a Champions League clash, while Manchester United looks to bounce back against Porto in the Europa League. Tottenham Hotspur faces Ferencváros, and Liverpool takes on Bologna. Elsewhere, Rangers meet Lyon in a tightly contested Europa League tie.

Visitors to the best betting sites have plenty of betting opportunities, with close contests, goal markets, and potential upsets offering value across all competitions.