Europa League: will the balance shift on matchday 2?

Matchday 2 of the Europa League will test the new competition format even more than the first one did. Who needs what, and who will they need to beat to get it? It’s all to play for in Europe’s second club football league. Allow us to share our predictions with you!

Real Sociedad vs Anderlecht

03/10 6.45 p.m.

Most likely to win: Real Sociedad

Despite a valiant effort by our Belgians from Anderlecht, Real Sociedad will prove that La Liga’s another level of football: win for the Spanish side.

Olympiacos vs Braga

03/10 6.45 p.m.

Most likely to win: Olympiacos

This encounter pits 2 teams with a fair shot at the next round against each other. They’ll have to fight for it though. The Greeks are our favorites to win, if only slightly.

SS Lazio vs OGC Nice

03/10 6.45 p.m.

Most likely to win: SS Lazio

An exciting spectacle between high-flying teams from the Serie A and Ligue 1! Lazio should have a grip on its opponent from southern France.

Porto vs Manchester United

03/10 9 p.m.

Most likely to win: Manchester United

ManU is most likely to win, sure. Don’t forget though: this is an away game for the English. Still, a narrow victory at Porto’s expense looks like a fair scenario.

Glasgow Rangers vs Olympique Lyonnais

03/10 9 p.m.

Most likely to win: Olympique Lyonnais

Rangers and Lyon are expected to make this a worthwhile battle. Despite Scottish home advantage, the French will return home with the 3 points.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Bodø/Glimt

03/10 9 p.m.

Most likely to win: Union Saint-Gilloise

USG isn’t doing too great domestically, but Bodø/Glimt is more of an also-ran in European club footbal. We predict a revitalizing win for the Belgian side!

Beşiktaş vs Eintracht Frankfurt

03/10 9 p.m.

Most likely to win: Eintracht Frankfurt

It’s hard to tell how this matchup between teams of similar strength will go. We’ll give it to Frankfurt, with a deal-clincher goal towards the end, maybe.

Athletic Bilbao vs AZ Alkmaar

03/10 9 p.m.

Most likely to win: Athletic Bilbao

The Basque boys from Bilbao meet Dutch Eredivisie team AZ Alkmaar in a heated battle. Trust home advantage here: Athletic Bilbao for the win.