Europa League Week 1 Match Previews, Predictions & Odds

Last updated: 24 September 2024 by Leon Marshall

This week’s Europa League action features three exciting matchups involving British clubs. With the new league format debuting, these games will set the tone for a thrilling group stage campaign. In this article, I’ll preview Manchester United vs Twente, Malmo FF vs Rangers, and Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabağ, with predictions and betting odds to guide fans and bettors alike at the best betting sites.

Europa League – New League Format

The 2024/25 Europa League introduces a fresh structure, replacing the familiar group stage with a 36-team league phase.

Key Details:

  • 36 teams, each playing eight matches (four home, four away) against different opponents, will compete in a single league phase.
  • Top 8 teams automatically secure a spot in the Round of 16.
  • 9th–24th: Teams enter a two-legged knockout playoff to battle for a place in the Round of 16.
  • 25th–36th: Teams are eliminated from European competition.
  • The knockout rounds retain the traditional two-legged format.

This revamped structure means bettors can expect more variety in matchups, increasing the potential for surprising outcomes and upsets. Keep an eye on unfamiliar clashes in the early stages—there may be opportunities to back unexpected winners.

Europa League Betting – Manchester United vs Twente

Match Details:

Date: Wednesday, 25th September 2024

Kick-off Time: 20:00

Venue: Old Trafford

Head-to-Head Record

This game will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Manchester United and FC Twente.

Key Players to Watch Manchester United:

  • Bruno Fernandes – Position: Attacking Midfielder – Key Stat: Fernandes averages 3.4 key passes per game in the Premier League this season. – Rationale: As United’s creative engine, Fernandes’ ability to unlock defences with his passing will be crucial against a Twente side likely to sit deep.
  • Marcus Rashford – Position: Forward – Key Stat: Rashford has five goals in all competitions this season. – Rationale: His pace and clinical finishing make him United’s most dangerous open-play player. Twente’s backline will struggle to cope with his speed on the break.
  • André Onana – Position: Goalkeeper – Key Stat: Onana has kept three clean sheets in his last five matches. – Rationale: United’s defence has been solid, and Onana’s shot-stopping abilities will be key to maintaining that record, especially with Twente’s high shot volume.

Twente:

  • Sem Steijn – Position: Attacking Midfielder – Key Stat: Steijn has scored six goals and provided one assist in his last six Eredivisie games. – Rationale: Steijn is Twente’s talisman, with excellent finishing skills. He’ll be their primary threat in front of goal.
  • Lars Unnerstall – Position: Goalkeeper – Key Stat: Unnerstall has kept two clean sheets in his last three games. – Rationale: Twente’s defence relies heavily on their goalkeeper, and Unnerstall’s ability to make critical saves will be crucial if Twente are to keep United at bay.
  • Mees Hilgers – Position: Defender – Key Stat: Hilgers averages 1.6 aerials won per game and is one of Twente’s most reliable defenders. – Rationale: Hilgers must be at his best to handle Rashford and Højlund’s aerial and physical threats.

Prediction Predicted Score: Manchester United 3-0 Twente (14/1)

10bet United to Win 3-0 at 14/1 VISIT SITE!

Odds:

  • Manchester United to win: 3/10
  • Draw: 5/1
  • Twente to win: 15/2

Reasoning: Manchester United’s strong defensive record (three clean sheets in their last five matches) and Twente’s inconsistent form against top opposition point towards a comfortable United win. Additionally, with players like Rashford and Fernandes in fine form, United should dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities.

Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – No Odds: 4/7

    Reasoning: United’s solid defence and Twente’s struggle against stronger opposition suggest Twente will find it difficult to score.

  • Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 1/2 Reasoning: United’s attacking form, including their 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley, coupled with Twente’s tendency to concede, makes this a likely high-scoring match.
  • Asian Handicap: Manchester United -1.5 Odds: 2/1 Reasoning: United’s dominance in recent home fixtures and Twente’s vulnerability to stronger opposition make this a strong option.

Europa League Betting – Malmö FF vs Rangers

Match Details:

Date: Thursday, 26th September 2024

Kick-off Time: 17:45

Venue: Eleda Stadion, Malmö

Head-to-Head Record

Malmö FF and Rangers have met four times in European competition. Malmö FF holds the advantage with three wins and one draw, including a 2-1 victory in their last two meetings during the 2021 Champions League qualifiers.

Key Players to Watch Malmö FF:

  • Isaac Kiese Thelin – Position: Forward – Key Stat: Thelin has scored 12 goals in 24 Allsvenskan matches this season. – Rationale: As Malmö’s leading scorer, Thelin will be pivotal in their attack, especially with his ability to find the net in crucial moments.
  • Anders Christiansen – Position: Midfielder – Key Stat: Christiansen has been involved in 10 goals this season, contributing to both goals and assists. – Rationale: His playmaking ability and vision will be key to unlocking the Ranger’s defence, especially from set pieces.
  • Pontus Jansson – Position: Defender – Key Stat: Jansson’s leadership and aerial ability, winning two aerial duels per game, will be crucial against Rangers’ aerial threats. – Rationale: Jansson’s experience and defensive organisation will be vital to keep Malmö’s defence solid.

Rangers:

  • James Tavernier – Position: Right-Back – Key Stat: Tavernier has contributed 2 assists in 5 Premiership matches this season. – Rationale: Tavernier’s offensive capabilities from right-back, especially his crossing and set-pieces, make him a key figure in Rangers’ attack.
  • Cyriel Dessers – Position: Forward – Key Stat: Dessers has scored 3 goals in 5 matches this season. – Rationale: As Rangers’ top scorer, Dessers will be the focal point of their attack, and Malmö’s defence will need to focus on limiting his space.
  • John Souttar – Position: Defender – Key Stat: Souttar leads Rangers in aerial duels, winning 4.4 per game. – Rationale: Souttar’s physicality and aerial presence will be essential in dealing with Malmö’s direct play and set-piece threats.

Prediction Predicted Score: Malmö FF 2-1 Rangers (17/2)

10bet Malmö to Win 2-1 at 17/2 VISIT SITE!

Odds:

  • Malmö FF to win: 11/8
  • Draw: 23/10
  • Rangers to win: 2/1

Reasoning: Malmö’s strong home form, combined with their dominant record against Rangers, gives them the edge. However, Rangers will pose a threat through set-pieces and their forward line, making it a competitive game.

Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 4/6 Reasoning: Both teams have strong attacking threats, with Malmö averaging over two goals per game, while Rangers have the firepower to score against Malmö.
  • Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 4/6 Reasoning: Given both sides’ attacking form and recent goal-heavy encounters, this match is likely to see over 2.5 goals.
  • Draw No Bet: Malmö FF Odds: 4/6 Reasoning: Malmö’s unbeaten record at home and Rangers’ struggles away from Ibrox make this a safer option.

Europa League Betting – Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabağ FK

Match Details:

Date: Thursday, 26th September 2024

Kick-off Time: 20:00

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Head-to-Head Record

Previous Meetings
DateCompetitionFixtureScore
26-11-2015UELQarabağ FK vs Tottenham0 : 1
17-09-2015UELTottenham vs Qarabağ FK3 : 1

Tottenham Hotspur and Qarabağ FK have met twice in European competition, both during the UEFA Europa League group stage in the 2015/2016 season. Tottenham emerged victorious in both encounters, winning 3-1 at home on September 17, 2015, and securing a 1-0 win away on November 26, 2015. These results highlight Tottenham’s dominance in the head-to-head record, having won all previous meetings against Qarabağ FK.

Key Players to Watch Tottenham Hotspur:

  • James Maddison – Position: Attacking Midfielder – Key Stat: Maddison has provided two goals and two assists in five Premier League matches this season. – Rationale: As Tottenham’s primary playmaker, Maddison will be the creative hub in the attack, and his set-piece delivery is crucial.
  • Son Heung-Min – Position: Forward – Key Stat: Son has scored two goals in five Premier League appearances. – Rationale: Son’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat, especially against a defense that struggles with quick transitions.
  • Yves Bissouma – Position: Midfielder – Key Stat: Bissouma has completed an impressive 91.7% pass accuracy across 5 Premier League games. – Rationale: His control in the midfield will be vital for dictating the tempo and maintaining possession, allowing Tottenham to dominate.

Qarabağ FK:

  • Juninho – Position: Midfielder – Key Stat: Juninho has been instrumental in Qarabağ’s midfield, and with his ability to create chances, he will be key to their counter-attacks. – Rationale: Juninho’s creativity and ball progression will be crucial as Qarabağ looks to hit Tottenham on the counter.
  • Abdellah Zoubir – Position: Forward – Key Stat: Zoubir has been Qarabağ’s primary offensive outlet, especially in their recent 4-0 win over FK Neftchi. – Rationale: Zoubir’s pace and trickery on the wings will be pivotal for Qarabağ’s attempts to exploit any spaces left by Tottenham’s full-backs.
  • Kevin Medina – Position: Defender – Key Stat: Medina’s defensive ability has seen him help Qarabağ keep three clean sheets in their last five games. – Rationale: Medina will be essential in organising the defence and keeping Tottenham’s attacking threats at bay, especially during set-pieces.

Prediction Predicted Score: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Qarabağ FK (10/1)

10bet Tottenham to Win 3-1 at 10/1 VISIT SITE!

Odds:

  • Tottenham to win: 1/7
  • Draw: 15/2
  • Qarabağ FK to win: 16/1

Reasoning: Tottenham’s strong form at home and Qarabağ’s struggles against stronger opposition suggest a comfortable win for the hosts. However, Qarabağ has been in good attacking form recently, making a consolation goal likely.

Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes Odds: 1/1 Reasoning: Qarabağ has scored in each of their last five matches, while Tottenham has shown occasional defensive vulnerabilities.
  • Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 4/11 Reasoning: With Tottenham’s potent attack and Qarabağ’s recent goalscoring form, this match is likely to see plenty of goals.
  • Asian Handicap: Tottenham -1.5 Odds: 1.88 Reasoning: Tottenham’s dominance at home and superior quality across the pitch make this a strong option.

This week’s Europa League action involving British clubs offers a variety of intriguing matchups. Manchester United are expected to dominate against Twente, with their strong home form and key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford poised to make a significant impact. Twente will struggle to match United’s intensity, but they may still pose a threat on the break.

Malmö FF vs Rangers looks set to be a closely contested match. Malmö’s impressive home form and their strong record against Rangers give them the edge, but Rangers have the attacking power to make it a competitive game, with Tavernier and Dessers leading the charge.

Lastly, Tottenham Hotspur faces Qarabağ FK, where they are clear favourites to secure a win at home. Key players like James Maddison and Son Heung-Min will be vital for Spurs, while Qarabağ will rely on counter-attacks led by Juninho and Zoubir. Expect plenty of goals in this one, with Tottenham likely to control the tempo.

These fixtures provide plenty of betting opportunities for those following the action. As this is a new format, it wouldn’t be a total surprise to see some shocking results, which could be profitable for those betting on the underdog at the best football betting sites.