The Europa League kicks off this Wednesday, with prestigious clubs entering the competition – including Belgian side Racing Genk, representing the Jupiler Pro League.
Discover our predictions for some of the most exciting fixtures of the opening round, along with the best bet on football odds to guide your sports bet. You can also watch your favourite sporting events live with betFIRST TV!
Europa League 2025/26: Matchday 1 Predictions
*All odds are subject to change
Real Betis to beat Nottingham Forest @ 2.20
Real Betis, last season’s Europa Conference League finalists, now step up a level in European competition. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have had a mixed start to the season, but still sit 6th in La Liga with 9 points. They come into this match on the back of an encouraging 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, led by Isco’s creativity.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, return to European football for the first time in thirty years, since their last UEFA Cup campaign. Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled to replicate last season’s performances, collecting only 5 points in the Premier League so far.
Betis’ European experience and home advantage should give them the upper hand in this clash.
AS Roma to win away at Nice @ 2.30
OGC Nice have a point to prove after finishing a disappointing 35th in last season’s European standings, far from pre-season expectations. Franck Haise’s team are also under pressure after a heavy 4-1 defeat at Brest in Ligue 1. The squad looks weakened after a turbulent summer transfer window, and has struggled with consistency.
AS Roma, on the other hand, head into this tie in great form, fresh from a 1-0 derby win over Lazio. With 3 victories in their last 4 games, the Giallorossi are full of confidence and travel to the French Riviera with high ambitions. Given their current form and quality, Roma look poised to take all three points.
Draw between Rangers and Racing Genk @ 3.60
Rangers face Belgian opposition once again, having been knocked out of the Champions League playoffs by Club Brugge earlier this season. James Tavernier and his teammates have yet to find their rhythm in the Scottish Premiership, with 4 draws and 1 defeat from 5 matches.
Racing Genk, meanwhile, need a strong response after their recent loss to Union Saint-Gilloise. However, playing at Ibrox is never an easy task, and this evenly balanced matchup could well end in a stalemate. At odds of 3.60, the draw is an attractive betting option here.
FC Porto to beat Salzburg @ 2.10
FC Porto are enjoying a perfect start to their domestic season with 6 wins from 6 matches. Sérgio Conceição’s side are considered among the frontrunners in this Europa League campaign, and will look to extend their flawless run in Austria.
By contrast, RB Salzburg are far from their usual standards. Sitting 5th in the Austrian Bundesliga, Thomas Letsch’s men are struggling to find their rhythm. While the Europa League could provide them with a fresh start, Porto look the stronger side on paper and should have the edge in this encounter.
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