The Europa League enters Matchday 6 of 8, and with the competition’s new single-table format, every fixture now carries major implications. The Top 8 advance directly to the Last 16, while teams placed 9–24 will fight it out in a playoff round.
Thursday’s action features three matches involving clubs with plenty still to play for, Nottingham Forest aiming to strengthen their playoff position, Aston Villa pushing to stay in the Top 8, and Celtic hosting Roma in a clash between two sides sitting inside the qualification zone but far from secure.
Below are the match-by-match previews with betting angles.
FC Utrecht v Nottingham Forest – Click here to bet
Odds: Utrecht 4.50, Draw 3.75, Nottingham Forest 1.80
Head-to-Head
No previous meetings.
Current Competition Picture
- Nottingham Forest are 16th on 8 points, comfortably inside the playoff zone and with an outside chance of climbing toward the Top 8.
- Utrecht lie 32nd with 1 point, already eliminated from playoff contention.
Form in the Group
Utrecht: One point from five matches. Their struggles in front of goal (2 scored) and inability to turn close games into results have defined their campaign.
Forest: Much stronger. They beat Malmö 3–0 last time, drew away at Sturm Graz, and had a home win over Porto. Their only defeat came in the 3–2 clash with Midtjylland.
Verdict
Forest are motivated, more consistent, and have plenty to play for and I think that will give them an edge against opponents who have thrown in the towel.
Bet: Nottingham Forest to Win at 1.80
FC Basel v Aston Villa – Click here to bet
Odds: Basel 4.00, Draw 4.25, Aston Villa 1.78
Head-to-Head
- Basel 1–1 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 4–1 Basel
(Intertoto Cup, 2001)
Current Competition Picture
- Aston Villa sit 3rd with 12 points, currently positioned for a Top 8 finish and automatic qualification to the Last 16.
- Basel are 24th with 6 points, sitting on the final playoff qualification line, defeat will most likely push them out of the Top 24.
Form in the Group
Basel: Up and down. They lost to Genk last time, beat FCSB at home, but were well beaten by Lyon and Freiburg.
Aston Villa: One of the form teams. Four wins from five, including victories over Young Boys, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Feyenoord. Their only stumble was away at G.A. Eagles.
Verdict
Villa have been reliable and controlled throughout the group, while Basel remain inconsistent. Much like the Nottingham game I expect the English club to me the more motivated.
Bet: Aston Villa to Win at 1.78
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Celtic v AS Roma – Click here to bet
Odds: Celtic 3.15, Draw 3.40, Roma 2.25
Head-to-Head
No previous meetings.
Current Competition Picture
- AS Roma are 15th with 9 points, well inside the playoff bracket but still needing results to secure their position.
- Celtic sit 21st with 7 points, inside the Top 24 but vulnerable, a defeat could significantly tighten the standings and put them under pressure.
Form in the Group
Celtic: Very mixed. They produced an excellent 3–1 away win at Feyenoord but were outplayed by Midtjylland. Home form is equally inconsistent, one win, one loss.
Roma: Strong on the road, with wins at Rangers and Nice. They also beat Midtjylland last time out. Earlier home defeats have slowed their progress but their overall trend is improving.
Verdict
Roma’s away form and defensive structure make them the more trustworthy option and I am looking for them to win without conceding.
Bet: Roma to Win to Nil at 3.75
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
