With the second round of Champions League Group Stage action over, its time for Europa League to take centre stage.
Matchday One saw Arsenal, Celtic, Chelsea and Rangers all make unbeaten starts so can they continue that run here?
Group B (5:55pm)
Rosenborg vs RB Leipzig
Red Bull Salzburg vs Celtic
In the Rosenborg game, I can really see just one result because Leipzig have found a stronger gear this season than they had last year. Rosenborg meanwhile are clearly difficult defensively as seen at Celtic last time out but won’t be strong enough for this German side.
Celtic meanwhile have a tough trip because Salzburg are unbeaten at home since November 2016.
After a sluggish start to the Scottish Premiership, I am wondering if the Aberdeen test came along at the right time and they will use confidence from that win to eek out another 1-0 victory here.
Realistically, I however can see a draw coming given Salzburg’s home form.
Predictions:
Rosenborg 0-2 RB Leipzig
Red Bull Salzburg 1-1 Celtic
Group E (5:55pm)
Vorskla Poltava vs Sporting CP
Qarabag vs Arsenal
Vorskla Poltava didn’t disgrace themselves last time out against Arsenal but Sporting will be another tough test. In fact, if they can tighten up their defence and produce a strong attacking performance then I can see them winning here.
Qarabag away meanwhile will be a challenge for Arsenal given distance but the Azerbaijan side are yet to beat an English team at home.
Naturally, I would predict a good thrashing here but the Gunners have played in each of past two midweeks so I can see a comfortable but quiet win here.
Predictions:
Vorskla Poltava 2-1 Sporting CP
Qarabag 0-2 Arsenal
Group G (8:00pm)
Spartak Moscow vs Villareal
Rangers vs Rapid Wien
Embed from Getty ImagesSpartak Moscow vs Villareal should be fun after both suffered surprise results last time out. Given Spain’s pedigree in this competition, I have to fancy Villareal but Spartak Moscow are a tough side with plenty of experience so a draw here would be decent.
Rangers meanwhile will be relishing this side after Rapid Wien changed their manager this week. After showing fantastic unity to come away from Villareal with a point, there is no better time to turn that into winning momentum by beating a side who are playing their first match under a new manager.
Predictions:
Spartak Moscow 1-1 Villareal
Rangers 2-0 Rapid Wien
Group L (8:00pm)
BATE Borisov vs PAOK
Chelsea vs MOL Vidi
BATE Borisov should easily dispatch PAOK if play like they did against MOL Vidi in the opening round of this stage.
Chelsea meanwhile are going to make changes for their clash with the Hungarian side, which should be interesting seeing as they are yet to face any Hungarian team in any competition.
PAOK gave the Blues a real test for majority of their opening clash but this time, I can see Chelsea being more comfortable because Vidi shouldn’t pose any sort of threat here for my liking.
Predictions:
BATE Borisov 2-0 PAOK
Chelsea 3-0 MOL Vidi
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