Europa League Pre‑Match Analysis, Betting Predictions for Thursday’s Fixtures

Posted : 29 January 2026

The final round of the UEFA Europa League group stage takes place today, Thursday, 29 January 2026, with all Round 8 fixtures kicking off at 20:00 CET. Teams across Europe will battle for positioning ahead of the knockout play‑off draw, which is scheduled for Friday. The results today not only decide final standings, but also shape routes into the next phase of the competition.

Key Match Analysis & Predictions

Aston Villa vs RB Salzburg
At Villa Park, Aston Villa are set to host Salzburg in a fixture where the English side are expected to assert themselves. Villa are on strong form in the Europa League and already assured of a top‑24 position. Salzburg, needing a result to improve their chances of reaching the play‑offs, face a daunting away test. Betting trends suggest interest in goals and perhaps both teams scoring, but the hosts look well placed to claim victory.

Celtic vs FC Utrecht
Celtic must win to secure their Europa League progression. Playing at Celtic Park, where they have enjoyed solid form, they face a beleaguered Utrecht side that is already eliminated and struggling for results. Home advantage and motivational demand make Celtic strong favourites for victory.

Porto vs Rangers
FC Porto host Rangers in a game where Porto are competitive favorites. Although Rangers no longer face qualification pressure, they remain capable of scoring. Predictions lean toward both teams finding the net, but the home side’s tactical discipline points to them controlling the match.

Real Betis vs Feyenoord
In Seville, Real Betis face Feyenoord in a game that could be open and lively. With Betis keen to improve their standing and Feyenoord already assured of play‑off status and likely to rotate, the match may produce goals at both ends. Betting insight suggests a high‑scoring encounter with both teams on the scoresheet.

Lyon vs PAOK
Lyon are strong contenders to finish high in their group and will be pushing for a decisive result at home. PAOK, who remain in contention for a play‑off place, could make this a competitive clash. Statistical data points to Lyon as winners, with scope for both sides scoring given PAOK’s attacking tendencies.

Other Notable Fixtures
Several games involving mid‑table teams also feature today, with Genk, Malmö, Ludogorets, Nice, Basel, Plzeň, FCSB, Fenerbahçe, Midtjylland, Dinamo Zagreb and Nottingham Forest all in action as the group stage concludes. Home advantage and recent form suggest a number of these matches could produce entertaining encounters with competitive betting markets.

Betting Insights

Across the matchday, home wins are frequently tipped for clubs like Celtic and Aston Villa, while goal markets (such as both teams to score or over 2.5 goals) are attractive in fixtures like Betis vs Feyenoord and Aston Villa vs Salzburg. Predictions also lean toward Lyon and Porto securing positive results, though match dynamics and tactical rotations can influence outcomes.

Europa League Pre‑Match Analysis, Betting Predictions for Thursday’s Fixtures

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