The battle for supremacy in the Europa League continues to heat up as we prepare for matchday six in the prestigious competition.
Lyon are in command on the log with 12 points, level with Midtjylland and Aston Villa, but the French side boast a better goal difference. Nice are the only side without a point after five games and remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
Here we have a look at the top games with the best betting options.
Also: Celtic vs Roma – UEFA Europa League value pick
Midtjylland vs Genk – 8:45pm
The high-flying Danish side can reclaim top spot with victory against ninth-place Genk. Midtjylland suffered their first Europa defeat a fortnight ago, a 2-1 loss to Roma, but can go back to the top of they can topple their opponents.
This will be a first competitive clash between the two sides and the hosts hold a slim advantage heading into the match. Midtjylland have scored in 18 straight games and are expected to find the back of the net here as well.
Prediction – Midtjylland to win @ 1.83 odds
Nice vs Braga – 8:45pm
The French outfit come into the game on a seven-game losing streak, already putting them on the back foot. They host a seventh-place Braga side who can claim top spot depending on other results, making it difficult for Nice to get their first point.
Braga were 2-0 winners in 2023, the only time these two sides have met in the past. The Portuguese outfit are unbeaten in their last five games, winning four of them, giving them the edge in this match.
Prediction – Braga to win or draw @ 1.35 odds
More: Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Midweek moneymakers
Young Boys vs Lille – 8:45pm
While 11th place Lille are steady rising on the table looking to break into the top eight, Young Boys are in the bottom 10. Lille destroyed Dinamo Zagreb 4-0 in the previous round, while Young Boys fell 2-1 to Aston Villa.
It’s been three games without a win for the hosts and they go up against a Lille side who have won four games on the bounce. On paper, Lille boast a superior side and despite playing away from home, a loss is not on the cards for the visitors.
Prediction – Both teams to score @ 1.61 odds
Basel vs Aston Villa – 11pm
Basel have been impressive at home in the Europa League, winning both matches played so far. However, they lost 2-1 to Genk in matchday five, leaving them in 24th place with six points.
Villa on the other hand are flying high in third place after their 2-1 win against Young Boys at Villa Park. These sides have not faced each other since 2001 and Villa were 5-2 winners on aggregate over two legs.
Despite playing away from home, Villa have better squad depth and with a place at the top at stake, they are favorites here.
Prediction – Aston Villa to win or draw @ 1.22 odds
Celta Vigo vs Bologna – 11pm
Only one point separates these two sides on the Europa League table but Celta Vigo are tenth, while Bologna are in 18th place. Celta lost 3-2 to Ludogorets in matchday five as Bologna cruised to an impressive 4-1 win against Salzburg.
The Spanish side will be brimming with confidence after coming off a statement 2-0 victory against giants Real Madrid on Sunday. Bologna are looking to make it three games without defeat and their impressive away record this season is a morale booster ahead of the clash.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals @ 1.33 odds
FC Porto vs Malmo – 11pm
This is expected to be a walk in the park for the Portuguese champions against a side who have one point from their opening five games. Porto were 3-0 winners against Nice in the last round, while Malmo lost 1-0 to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.
The result left Malmo with one point deep in the pits at the bottom of the table, going up against a Porto side who have 10 points in eighth place. These teams have never played against each other in a competitive fixture and the hosts are tipped as favorites to win their first encounter.
Prediction – Porto to win @ 1.20 odds
Freiburg vs Salzburg – 11pm
Fourth place Freiburg were held to a barren draw by Viktoria Plzen last time out but have an impressive 11 points. Salzburg on the other hand have only managed three points from five games.
The visitors have only won one game in their last five but are coming off a 2-0 league win over the weekend. Freiburg are desperate to bounce back to wining ways after a shock 2-1 defeat to Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Prediction – Freiburg to win @ 1.44 odds
The Playbook: What is a value bet – The secret to long-term wins
Lyon vs Go Ahead Eagles – 11pm
Though at the top of the Europa League standings, Lyon need to maintain their winning form if they are to retain top spot after the matchday. They face an Eagles side who have only won once in their last five games, sitting in a lowly 27th place.
Lyon were humbled over the weekend, losing 1-0 to struggling Lorient and will have a point to prove when they host Eagles. The French giants were 6-0 winners against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the previous round, while the Eagles were handed a 4-0 thrashing by Stuttgart.
Prediction – Lyon to win @ 1.20 odds
Total accumulator odds – 13.38 odds
Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
