Europa League matchday 3 previews, predictions and odds

Below are previews of all 16 Europa League matchday three fixtures.

Arsenal, Real Betis, Braga, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Real Sociedad, Freiburg and Ferencváros are are looking to continue their perfect starts.

Group A: Arsenal vs Bodø/Glimt

London, UK. 02nd May, 2019. A general view during the Europa League semi final leg one match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid at The Emirates Stadium on May 2, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. Credit: Mitchell Gunn/ESPA-Images Credit: Cal Sport Media/Al T6XAH0 London, UK. 02nd May, 2019. A general view during the Europa League semi final leg one match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid at The Emirates Stadium on May 2, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. Credit: Mitchell Gunn/ESPA-Images Credit: Cal Sport Media/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

After enjoying the sweet taste of derby day delight at the weekend, will the positivity at Arsenal continue?

On Saturday, Thomas Partey’s thunderbolt, Gabriel Jesus’ tap-in and then Granit Xhaka’s emphatic finish saw the Gunners beat Tottenham 3-1 at home.

This means Mikel Arteta’s team remain top of the Premier League table, having won seven of eight matches so far.

In this competition, the Gunners have only been in action once, beating Zürich 2-1 at Kybunpark; Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah on target.

So, will Arsenal leap to the top of the section with another victory?

Bodø/Glimt meantime made their debut in a UEFA group stage just last season, but got all the way to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

So far this season, the Norwegian champions have battled to a 1-1 draw in Eindhoven; Albert Grønbæk the scorer.

Then, Hugo Vetlesen scored, what turned out to be, the winner against Zürich at Aspmyra Stadion.

Kjetil Knutsen’s team, remarkably, have now won 14 consecutive European home games, scoring 43 goals.

However, on the road, the Yellow Horde have won just one of their last 13, this a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in February.

So, Arsenal are likely to prevail in North London.

Group A: FC Zürich vs PSV Eindhoven

Can either claim their first victory of this Europa League campaign?

With their trip to Arsenal not taking place until later this month, PSV Eindhoven have only been in action once in this competition so far.

Back on matchday one, they needed a second half equaliser from star man Cody Gakpo to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Bodø/Glimt.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team were hammered 3-0 at Cambuur on Saturday, leaving them third in the Eredivisie, so will be desperate for better here.

FC Zürich have been in action twice in this tournament but, unfortunately, have lost both matches.

Three weeks ago, Ole Selnæs’ own goal proved decisive as the Swiss champions were beaten in the Arctic Circle.

Despite being champions, Zürich are winless in the Swiss Super League and are bottom, with Franco Foda sacked after just 19 games in charge last month.

So, PSV will fancy their chances of victory at Letzigrund.

Group B: Stade Rennais vs Dynamo Kyiv

Can Dynamo Kyiv get off the mark?

So far, Mircea Lucescu’s team have lost both matches in Group B, beaten 2-1 in İstanbul, before a shock 1-0 loss at the hands of AEK Larnaca.

The Blue and Whites did show their quality during Champions League qualifying, knocking out Fenerbahçe and Sturm Graz, before falling to Benfica.

Now though, the Ukrainian giants need points if they’re to remain in the hunt for post-Christmas European football.

In stark contrast, Stade Rennais are top of this section and unbeaten.

Les Rouge et Noir began with a victory in Larnaca, Lorenz Assignon scoring in the 94th minute, but were then on the wrong end of a late goal a week later.

Rennes were 2-0 up at home to Fenerbahçe, but threw two points away, conceding a stoppage time penalty.

Nevertheless, if Bruno Génésio’s side win this one at Roazhon Park, they’ll be on the cusp of the knockout stages.

Group B: Fenerbahçe vs AEK Larnaca

Fenerbahce SK v Manchester United FC – UEFA Europa League

Can Fenerbahçe continue their excellent start to this Europa League campaign?

First, Michy Batshuayi’s stoppage time winner saw the Turkish side beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 in İstanbul.

A week later, they came from 2-0 down to draw with Rennes in France.

İrfan Can Kahveci halving the deficit, before Enner Valencia snatched a point in stoppage time from the penalty spot.

The Yellow Canaries haven’t topped a UEFA group since 2016 but, under Jorge Jesus, are an improved outfit.

AEK Larnaca meantime were pre-tournament favourites to finish bottom of this group, and this looked set to be the case when Rennes won in Cyprus on matchday one.

However, last time out, Ádám Gyurcsó was the only scorer as the Green-Yellows beat Dynamo Kyiv in Kraków.

So, the Cypriot side are believing that they could avoid finishing dead-last, thereby reaching the knockout stages of a UEFA competition for the first time.

Here, will Fenerbahçe make home advantage count at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium?

Group C: Roma vs Real Betis

Soccer Football – Serie A – AS Roma v Napoli – Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy – November 2, 2019 AS Roma fans wave flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Alberto Lingria 2EDF3F8 Soccer Football – Serie A – AS Roma v Napoli – Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy – November 2, 2019 AS Roma fans wave flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Alberto Lingria (Alamy Stock Photo)

Will Real Betis’ 100% start to this Europa League campaign continue?

Los Verdiblancos are on maximum points right now, having won 2-0 in Helsinki, before a 3-2 home victory over Ludogorets.

Luiz Henrique, Joaquín and Sergio Canales all on target in the latter at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

However, on Sunday, Manuel Pellegrini’s team were beaten for just the second time this season in La Liga, going down 1-0 at Balaídos against Celta Vigo.

So, Béticos will be looking to bounce back as they make the trip to the Eternal City.

Roma meantime made a catastrophic start to this campaign, beaten 2-1 in Razgrad.

Nevertheless, a week later, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Andrea Belotti all scored as I Giallorossi hammered HJK 3-0.

Then, on Saturday night, the positivity continued as José Mourinho’s team beat Inter 2-1 at San Siro.

Dybala equalising with Chris Smalling, or Smaldini as he’s known, bagging a late winner.

Having won last season’s inaugural Europa Conference League, Roma are certainly targeting an extended run in this competition too.

Will they join Betis on six points with victory at Stadio Olimpico?

Group C: HJK vs Ludogorets Razgrad

Ludogorets have certainly been competitive in this group so far, looking to claim maximum points in this double-header against HJK.

First, the Bulgarian champions beat Roma 2-1 in Razgrad; Nonato scoring the winner, mere seconds after they’d been pegged back.

A week later, the Eagles were beaten 3-2 by Real Betis; Kiril Despodov and Rick on target in vain in Spain.

Nevertheless, before this season, Ludogorets were winless in 18 European games (excluding qualifiers) finishing bottom of their group in each of the last two seasons.

Under Ante Šimundža, they’re clearly a better outfit, and will travel to Finland confident of leaving victorious.

HJK meantime look set to be the group’s whipping boys.

The Finnish champions are pointless and goalless to date, beaten 2-0 by Betis and 3-0 in Rome.

This is HJK’s fourth appearance in a UEFA group stage and, to date, they’ve won just four times, all of which have come at home.

So, can the crowd inside Töölön jalkapallostadion roar their team onto victory?

Group D: Braga vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

These two both have maximum points on the board in Group D, so something has got to give in Northern Portugal.

Braga are the experienced campaigns at this level and have looked it, beating Malmö 2-0 in Sweden and then Union Berlin 1-0 at home.

Bruno Rodrigues and Ricardo Horta on target in the former, while Vitinha was the only scorer a week later.

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s start to the campaign has been far more surprising given that, before this season, they hadn’t played a single game in UEFA competition since 1964.

First, Senne Lynen’s strike helped them secure a shock 1-0 victory in Berlin.

Then, Christian Burgess, Teddy Teuma and Victor Boniface were all on target as they came from 1-0 and 2-1 down to defeat Malmö at Den Dreef.

Union SG finished second in Belgium last season as a newly-promoted club, and are continuing to punch above their weight.

So now, can Karel Geraerts’ team spring another massive surprise, this time at Estádio Municipal de Braga?

Group D: Malmö vs Union Berlin

Given that these two clubs will kick off pointless in Group D, this is a massive night for both in Sweden.

Union Berlin are currently top of the Bundesliga for the first time in their history, but have lost both Europa League matches 1-0.

Die Eisernen made their debut in a UEFA group stage last season, finishing third in their Europa Conference League section, and are seemingly struggling with the step-up.

Malmö meantime were a Champions League club 12 months ago, but too are yet to get off the mark.

The Sky Blues led 1-0 and 2-1 in Leuven on matchday two, Joseph Ceesay and Isaac Kiese Thelin scoring, but still lost to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

With these two now meeting twice in a double-header, it’s an opportunity for both to kick-start their campaigns.

Will there be a winner at Eleda Stadion?

Group E: Omonia vs Manchester United

United Trinity Statue in front of Manchester United Football Club Stadium, Old Trafford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK M3987G United Trinity Statue in front of Manchester United Football Club Stadium, Old Trafford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK (Alamy Stock Photo)

Will Manchester United bounce back from Sunday’s Manchester derby mauling in this, their first-ever match against Cypriot opposition?

At the weekend, the Red Devils were demolished 6-3 at the Etihad, finding themselves 4-0 down by half time.

Before this, Erik ten Hag’s team had actually won four straight Premier League games, but remain sixth in the table.

In this competition too, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Man United so far.

First, Real Sociedad won 1-0 at Old Trafford but, a week later, goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo downed Sheriff in Chișinău.

If the Red Devils want to top the group, thereby reaching the round of 16 automatically, they need to keep winning to keep pace with La Real.

Omonia meanwhile are yet to get off the mark.

Neil Lennon’s team were hammered 3-0 by Sheriff in Nicosia, before a 2-1 defeat in San Sebastián.

Bruno Felipe had seemingly snatched a point in Spain, sparking wild celebrations, only for Real Sociedad to go straight up the other end and win it.

The Cypriot Cup winners beat Doxa Katokopias on Saturday, but are still down in fourth domestically.

Thus, an away win seems very likely at GSP Stadium.

Group E: FC Sheriff Tiraspol vs Real Sociedad

Will Real Sociedad’s 100% start to this Europa League campaign continue?

On matchday one, Brais Méndez’s penalty at Old Trafford was enough to see La Real win in England for the first time.

Then, Ander Guevara and Alexander Sørloth were on target in a 2-1 victory over Omonia at Anoeta.

This is the first time in 19 years los Txuri-Urdin have started a UEFA group stage with back-to-back wins, aiming to kick off with three straight victories for the first time.

FC Sheriff meantime showed they’ll be no pushovers in their opener, hammering Omonia 3-0 in Nicosia.

Rasheed Akanbi, Iyayi Atiemwen and Mouhamed Diop all scoring.

However, on matchday two, Manchester United proved simply too strong, beating the Divizia Națională champions 2-0.

Sheriff famously beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu last season, but that team bares little resemblance to their current outfit.

Yuriy Vernydub left to join the Ukrainian army, with over half the squad departing too, but Stjepan Tomas’ current team are capable of a shock.

Nevertheless, will Real Sociedad leave Chișinău with all three points?

Group F: Midtjylland vs Feyenoord

Feyenoord are the highest scorers in this season’s Europa League, so will the Rotterdam goal-rush continue?

First, the Dutch side were actually beaten 4-2 by Lazio in Rome; Santiago Giménez’s brace too little too late.

But then, Arne Slot’s side bounced back in style, demolishing Sturm Graz 6-0 at De Kuip.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Dávid Hancko, Danilo, Chaquito and Oussama Idrissi all on target as Feyenoord scored 6+ in a European game for the first time since 1995.

Having reached last season’s Europa Conference League Final, the Dutch giants are targeting an extended run in this competition.

Midtjylland meantime have also resembled Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in this group so far.

First, the Wolves were toothless and lifeless in defeat at Sturm Graz.

But, a week later, Paulinho, Sory Kaba, Evander, Gustav Isaksen and Erik Sviatchenko all scored as Lazio were put the sword in Herning.

At home once again, Albert Capellas will be hoping for more of that.

This one is tough to call, but should guarantee goals.

Group F: Sturm Graz vs Lazio

Roma, Italy. 02nd Apr, 2022. Lazio fans cheer on during the Serie A football match between SS Lazio and Sassuolo Calcio at Olimpico stadium in Rome (Italy), April 2nd, 2022. Photo Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto Credit: insidefoto srl/Alamy Live News 2J2M1JJ Roma, Italy. 02nd Apr, 2022. Lazio fans cheer on during the Serie A football match between SS Lazio and Sassuolo Calcio at Olimpico stadium in Rome (Italy), April 2nd, 2022. Photo Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto Credit: insidefoto srl/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

Given that all four teams in Group F have four points on the board, it’s very much all to play for.

Lazio demolished Feyenoord in their opener, but were then hammered 5-1 by Midtjylland in Herning.

This is just the second time I Biancocelesti have conceded 5+ in UEFA competition, the other a 6-0 drubbing by Lens, after extra time, in 1977.

Domestically, Maurizio Sarri’s side are third in Serie A, so will be confident of picking up enough points to get through this group.

Sturm Graz, similarly, won on matchday one at home; Emanuel Emegha’s early goal downing Midtjylland.

However, a week later, Christian Ilzer’s team were dismantled 6-0 by Feyenoord at De Kuip, their joint-biggest European defeat of all time.

Die Schwoazn have finished bottom of their last three UEFA groups, with this campaign set to go the same way.

Will Lazio leave Liebenauer Stadium with all the points?

Group G: Freiburg vs Nantes

Freiburg have never featured in the knockout stages of a UEFA competition, but another win here would ensure that statistic will change.

First, Christian Streich’s team beat Qarabağ at home, before an even more impressive 3-0 victory over Olympiacos a week later.

Nicolas Höfler opening the scoring, before Michael Gregoritsch bagged a brace in Piraeus.

Given that Freiburg are also second in the Bundesliga, their only defeat coming on 12 August, they are full of confidence right now.

The same cannot be said of Coupe de France winners Nantes, featuring in their first UEFA group stage since 2001.

They did make the perfect start, Evann Guessand’s stoppage time goal downing Olympiacos, but were then hammered 3-0 in Azerbaijan a week later.

Meanwhile, Antoine Kombouaré’s side are only above the Ligue 1 relegation zone on goal difference, hammered 4-1 by Monaco on Sunday.

Thus a home win seems like the most likely outcome at Europa-Park Stadion doesn’t it?

Group G: Olympiacos vs Qarabağ

Olympiacos FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers – UEFA Europa League Round of 16: First Leg

Will the crisis at Olympiacos continue?

This season, they’ve already had three managers; Pedro Martins was sacked after Champions League elimination to Maccabi Haifa in July.

His successor Carlos Corberán lasted just 11 matches, or 48 days, with the team pointless in this group and seven points behind Panathinaikos domestically.

So far, the Red-Whites have lost 2-1 in Nantes and been hammered 3-0 by Freiburg at home.

Now under Míchel, his brief is simple: save our season.

Given all of that, Qarabağ, who’ve only won six of 24 European away games (excluding qualifiers), will fancy their chances of improving this ratio.

As usual, the Horseman were beaten in Germany in their group opener, but roared back to hammer Nantes a week later.

Owusu, Abdellah Zoubir and Marko Janković all scoring in a 12-minute second half spree at Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.

So, this one at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is tough to call.

Group H: Monaco vs Trabzonspor

With these two level on points at kick off, this could be a crucial clash in the Principality.

On matchday two, Trabzonspor, finally, ended their 13-game winless streak in UEFA competition, claiming victory in a European group match for the first time since 2014.

Marek Hamšík and Trézéguet were the scorers against Crvena zvezda at Şenol Güneş Sports Complex.

So now, can the Süper Lig champions claim a victory on the road?

Monaco too have beaten Red Star Belgrade so far, Breel Embolo’s penalty the difference in Serbia, but have lost to surprise leaders Ferencváros.

Since reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2017, los Monégasques have only won three of 15 European home games.

Philippe Clement’s team will certainly need to improve that record if they’re to make any headway in this tournament.

So, this one at Stade Louis II is tough to call.

Group H: Crvena zvezda vs Ferencváros

Red Star Belgrade v SSC Napoli – UEFA Champions League Group C

Will Ferencváros’ remarkable start to this Europa League campaign continue?

First, the Hungarian champions beat Trabzonspor 3-2 at Groupama Aréna; Tokmac Nguen bagging a brace.

Then, even more surprisingly, Bálint Vécsei was the only scorer as the Green Eagles defeated Monaco 1-0 in the Principality.

This is Ferencváros’ sixth appearance in a UEFA group stage and, to date, they’ve never finished higher than third.

One more victory for Stanislav Cherchesov’s side would almost certainly change that fact.

The other big surprise in Group H comes at the bottom of the table where one will find Crvena zvezda.

Miloš Milojević’s side have lost both matches to date, beaten 1-0 by Monaco and then 2-1 in Trabzon.

Red Star Belgrade reached the round of 16 of this tournament just last season, but things have gone pear-shaped since defeat to Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League play-offs.

Stadion Rajko Mitić, not so long ago, was an impenetrable fortress, but Ferencváros might just fancy their chances of victory.