This Wednesday, our focus shifts to Europe as we preview two intriguing clashes in the opening round of the UEFA Europa League and suggest potential bets on the outcomes of each match.
Before delving into each game, let’s first take a look at the outright markets. English teams dominate the field, with Tottenham Hotspur leading at 4/1, closely followed by Manchester United at 11/2 as the next best option. Italian giants AS Roma occupy third place at 8/1, while Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad share fourth spot at 10/1. The rest of the field is priced at 12/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Europa League outright markets
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ANDERLECHT v FERENCVAROSI – Click here to bet
Belgium’s Anderlecht will host Hungary’s Ferencvárosi this Wednesday evening at Lotto Park, aiming to overcome their recent struggles. While they successfully progressed through the preliminary rounds to secure their place in Europe, their domestic performances have been underwhelming. This poor form led the club to part ways with head coach Brian Riemer. Currently 6th in the Belgian league, Anderlecht has gone winless in their last four league matches. In addition, the Violet and Whites are set to face Ludogorets, FC Porto, and Germany’s Hoffenheim at home. They head into match day 1 of the Europa League following a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Charleroi.
Ferencvárosi will begin their European campaign with an away fixture against Anderlecht this Wednesday. With a flawless domestic record, Ferencvárosi will feel confident heading into this opening round, especially after securing their fifth consecutive league win with a 3-1 victory away at MTK Budapest over the weekend. Given Anderlecht’s recent struggles, including managerial changes, this could be an ideal opportunity for the Bricklayers to build a strong foundation in their quest to progress further in Europe. However, they will face tough challenges along the way, particularly in away matches against teams like Dynamo Kyiv, PAOK, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Head-to-Head
This will be the third meeting between the two teams, with their last encounter taking place in 1995 during the Champions League, where Ferencvárosi won 1-0. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.
Betting
Anderlecht 21/20
Draw 26/10
Ferencvárosi 27/10
Verdict
We are likely to see a low-scoring game between these two teams. Anderlecht have yet to fire on all cylinders this season and as a result, their confidence heading into Europe may be questionable. A point away from home for Ferencvárosi would not be the worst result, and they should put up a good defensive fight against a team that has struggled for goals this season
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Totals, Draw/ Ferencvárosi And Under 4.5 at 9/10
MANCHESTER UNITED v FC TWENTE – Click here to bet
Manchester United’s pursuit of European silverware kicks off this Wednesday at Old Trafford, where they will host FC Twente in their opening match of the UEFA Europa League. After failing to advance beyond the group stage in last season’s Champions League, the Red Devils will be eager for a more successful run in Europe’s secondary competition. United enter match day 1 following a goalless draw away to Crystal Palace over the weekend, a result that leaves them in 11th place in the Premier League standings. Despite their inconsistent domestic form, the Red Devils are expected to launch their European campaign with a win and could make a significant impact this season, with teams like PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, and Rangers set to visit Old Trafford.
FC Twente travel to Manchester this Wednesday, aiming to extend their impressive domestic form into the UEFA Europa League. Currently unbeaten in their last three matches, the Tukkers sit 4th in the Eredivisie, fresh off a commanding 5-0 victory against Almere City last Sunday, marking their second consecutive league win. However, they will face a significantly different challenge in Manchester United, whose rich European pedigree presents a serious test for Twente’s momentum. Additionally, the Dutch side must navigate a demanding schedule ahead, with tough away fixtures against Nice, Olympiacos and Malmö looming on the horizon.
Head-to-Head
This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides when they face off on Wednesday evening.
Betting
Manchester United 1/3
Draw 5/1
FC Twente 8/1
Verdict
Manchester United head into Europe with three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions and given their strong record against Dutch opposition, Erik ten Hag should have no excuses in this opening round. A United victory by two goals or more looks like the way to go here
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Manchester United -1.5 at 17/20
Click here for all of this week’s European football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
