Much like its older brother, the Champions League, the Europa League has also seen its format restructured into a 36-team group phase that precedes the usual knockout format.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will represent England in Europe’s secondary competition, hoping to win not only a trophy but also a place in next season’s Champions League.
We have got some tips for some of the opening fixtures that will add to the viewing excitement of a fiercely competitive tournament. NetBet is great for football betting and betting on all sports, with offers like our Acca Boost available.
*Odds are subject to change
Nice to beat Real Sociedad @ 2.44
Sociedad have had a disappointingly tame start to the domestic season, with just one win from their first six La Liga games, two draws and already amassing four defeats. This form has left them in 16th place in the table and ambitions to return to the Champions League next season in jeopardy.
Nice have also had a mixed start to their season, obtaining seven points from their opening five games, but come into this match off the back of an amazing 8-0 win over Saint-Etienne. That, home advantage and a Sociedad team lacking in confidence should be all the ingredients they need to secure a win here.
Dynamo Kyiv to draw with Lazio @ 3.52
Dynamo Kyiv have won five of their first six league fixtures, but come into this one after a 0-0 with Rukh Lviv (nope, us either), perhaps with an eye on prioritising their Europa League campaign.
Meanwhile, Lazio have started their season in a mixed fashion, winning two, losing two and drawing the other of their first five league games. They come into this following a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina, so both teams might just settle for a draw in one of their tougher fixtures of the league phase.
Galatasaray to beat PAOK @ 1.56
It is Turkey vs Greece as Galatasaray host Greek champions PAOK. This is certain to be a feisty affair, but one with good quality on show, as both teams top their respective leagues at this early stage.
Galatasaray boast a 100% record in the Turkish Super Lig, as well as the unexpected late signing of Victor Oshimen, which has heightened their overall threat. Couple that with home advantage and they are heavy favourites here, which is reflected in the odds.
Athletic Club to beat Roma @ 3.79
Roma fans will be hoping a change of manager will conjure a change of fortunes, as last week club favourite Daniele De Rossi was sacked and replaced by Ivan Juric. Roma secured their first win of the season (3-0 vs Udinese) to kick-start Juric’s reign, so come into this game with a new perspective.
They are going to need all the ‘new manager bounce’ they can get as they face a Athletic Bilbao team in great form, with the Basque Country club third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. They have won three in a row, so confidence is high and they will look to continue that streak with a win in Rome.
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