Europa League Picks & Predictions for October 3, 2024

On October 3rd, the Europa League returns with another round of exciting matchups. Several key games offer promising betting opportunities, whether you’re looking at strong home teams or potential surprises from underdogs. Here’s a look at the most interesting fixtures and the best betting value for the day.


Real Sociedad vs RSC Anderlecht

Buoyed by a 3-0 win over Valencia, Real Sociedad will look to continue their strong form in the Europa League against Anderlecht. While La Real started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Nice, they will be keen to secure their first win. Injuries to key players like Traore, Sadiq, and Zakharyan may impact their squad, but the return of Brais Mendez is a big boost. Anderlecht, on the other hand, beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in their opening match but has shown weakness on the road, especially after their 1-1 draw against Dender. Additionally, Ecuadorian midfielder Nilson Angulo is suspended.

Prediction: Real Sociedad Win
Odds: 1.67


FK Rigas Futbola Skola vs Galatasaray

RFS faces a tough task against Galatasaray, especially after their 4-1 defeat to Steaua. Their defense struggled, and injuries to key players like Diomande, Lemajic, and Jatta leave them weakened. Galatasaray, meanwhile, is in good attacking form with the addition of Victor Osimhen, despite missing Muslera and Ziyech. Galatasaray’s depth and superior quality should be enough to overpower RFS, who will struggle to keep a clean sheet.

Prediction: Galatasaray Win
Odds: 1.38


Ferencvarosi TC vs Tottenham Hotspur FC

Ferencvaros enters this match after a 3-0 domestic win, but they face a tough challenge in Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are coming off a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester United and remain strong contenders in Europe. Despite a few absences like Son and Richarlison, Tottenham’s depth should be enough to claim a win here, especially with Ferencvaros lacking the quality to compete at this level.

Prediction: Tottenham Win
Odds: 1.43


Qarabag FK vs Malmo FF

Qarabag’s home form has been a strong point, particularly with their ability to capitalize on the challenging conditions for visiting teams. They’ll be keen to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Tottenham. Malmo, on the other hand, struggled in a 2-0 defeat to Rangers and has several key players out injured. Qarabag, known for performing well at home, should be able to secure at least a draw.

Prediction: Qarabag FK or Draw
Odds: 1.28


Maccabi Tel Aviv FC vs FC Midtjylland

Maccabi Tel Aviv played well despite a 2-1 loss to Braga, but with key suspensions, their lineup is weakened. Midtjylland, on the other hand, comes off a 3-1 win over Viborg and should carry that confidence into this neutral-venue match. With both teams having attacking threats, the most likely outcome is both sides scoring.

Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.62


SK Slavia Prague vs Ajax Amsterdam

Slavia Prague has been in excellent form with six straight wins, and they are strong at home. Ajax has also improved, with dominant victories in the Europa League and Eredivisie. Both teams have attacking potential, and with neither side likely to sit back, a high-scoring game seems likely.

Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.71


SS Lazio vs OGC Nice

Lazio is riding high after a 3-2 win over Torino, while Nice has struggled with inconsistency on the road. Lazio won the last time they hosted Nice, and with their current form, a low-scoring game seems probable. Given both teams’ defensive strengths, a tight contest is expected.

Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals
Odds: 1.29


TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Dynamo Kiev

Hoffenheim has been involved in high-scoring games recently and will likely approach this game with an attacking mindset. Dynamo Kyiv, although struggling in their opener against Lazio, also prefers an aggressive style. With both teams likely to go for goals, betting on both teams scoring makes sense here.

Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.56


Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Midtjylland

Maccabi Tel Aviv will be missing several key players due to suspensions, while Midtjylland enters this match full of confidence after a 3-1 win over Viborg. Playing on neutral ground might level things out, but Maccabi’s weakened squad puts Midtjylland in a stronger position. However, with both teams missing key players, this match may remain close and low-scoring.

Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals
Odds: 1.35


Athletic Bilbao vs AZ Alkmaar

After a hard-fought draw with Roma, Athletic Bilbao will aim for their first win of the campaign. Despite injuries, their squad is deep enough to challenge Alkmaar, who have struggled recently in their domestic league. The Williams brothers are expected to lead the attack, and Bilbao should be able to find the back of the net multiple times.

Prediction: Bilbao to Score 1.5+ Goals
Odds: 1.77


Porto vs Manchester United

Porto will be eager to rebound after a disappointing loss in their Europa League opener. They are traditionally strong at home and come into this match off a confidence-boosting domestic win. Manchester United, meanwhile, has struggled in both Europe and the Premier League, with several key players out injured. Given Porto’s form and United’s issues, the home side is a solid pick.

Prediction: Porto Win
Odds: 2.80


PAOK Thessaloniki vs Fotbal Club FCSB

PAOK has shown resilience, even in defeat against Galatasaray, and will look to capitalize on their home advantage. FCSB is riding high after a 4-1 win, but they’ll be without key defender Ngezana, weakening their backline. PAOK is expected to bounce back and claim a win in front of their passionate fans.

Prediction: PAOK Win
Odds: 1.63


Besiktas JK vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Besiktas will aim to recover from a heavy 4-0 loss to Ajax in their opener. They are a dangerous team at home, but Eintracht Frankfurt’s attack is potent, as shown by their 4-2 Bundesliga win. Both sides have shown vulnerability in defense, making a high-scoring game likely.

Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 1.65


FC Viktoria Plzen vs PFC Ludogorets

Plzen will look to return to winning ways after some poor results. They proved their quality with a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt and are expected to field a strong side. Ludogorets has struggled recently and will be without key players. Plzen’s home advantage and stronger squad make them favorites.

Prediction: Viktoria Plzen Win
Odds: 1.73


Rangers vs Lyon

Rangers are on a strong run, but Lyon is also coming off a good win in their Europa League opener. Rangers will have home advantage, but Lyon’s strong defensive setup could keep the score low. Given both teams’ recent form, a close and cautious game is expected.

Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals
Odds: 1.43


FC Twente Enschede vs Fenerbahce

Twente managed to secure a draw against Manchester United and have shown resilience at home. Fenerbahce is a strong side but will miss key players due to injuries and suspensions. A close match is likely, with Fenerbahce holding the slight edge.

Prediction: Draw or Fenerbahce Win
Odds: 1.46


Elfsborg vs Roma

Elfsborg faces a difficult challenge against Roma, especially after struggling defensively in recent European games. Roma, despite some injuries, has the depth and experience to handle this match. Even with several key players rested, the Italian side is likely to win.

Prediction: Roma Win
Odds: 1.86


Union Saint-Gilloise vs Bodo/Glimt

Union SG impressed in their recent 3-0 domestic win, but Bodo/Glimt is known for their attacking style, fresh off a 3-2 victory over Porto. Both teams have offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses, making this matchup a likely candidate for goals from both sides.

Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Odds: 1.61


Remember, each prediction is provided individually and should be considered separately. While mixing some of these picks is possible, it’s not recommended to place all selections on a single bet slip. Focus on making calculated decisions and bet responsibly. Enjoy the Europa League action!