The Europa League knockout playoff round continues on Thursday with several exciting first-leg clashes, including Porto vs. Roma, Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht, and Ajax vs. Union SG. As teams battle for a spot in the last 16, the first legs will be crucial in setting the tone before next week’s return fixtures.
Below is a detailed analysis of the key matchups, predictions, and what fans can expect, including Jambobet predictions on winners, both teams to score (GG), and Over 2.5 goals (OV 25).
Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen (Thursday, 8:45 PM EAT)
Hungarian side Ferencvaros host Viktoria Plzen in Budapest, looking to take an early lead in their knockout playoff tie. Both teams have been inconsistent, making this a difficult game to call.
Prediction: Ferencvaros 1-1 Viktoria Plzen
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – No | Winner – Draw
The first legs of knockout rounds are often cagey, and given Ferencvaros’ unpredictable form, a draw looks likely with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad (Thursday, 8:45 PM EAT)
Danish club Midtjylland take on Real Sociedad in what promises to be a close contest. Midtjylland struggled at home during the league phase, while Sociedad performed better but still lacked consistency.
Prediction: Midtjylland 1-1 Real Sociedad
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – No | Winner – Draw
Midtjylland will hope to make the most of home advantage, but Real Sociedad are tough to break down. A tight game with few goals is expected.
Union SG vs. Ajax (Thursday, 8:45 PM EAT)
Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise welcome Ajax in a match that could be evenly contested. Ajax have struggled defensively this season, while Union SG have been solid at home.
Prediction: Union SG 1-1 Ajax
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – No | Winner – Draw
Neither team has been prolific, making a draw the most likely outcome. Expect both teams to score but not many goals overall.
Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht (Thursday, 8:45 PM EAT)
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce face Anderlecht in what should be an exciting clash. Fenerbahce barely made it to this stage but will be motivated to advance further.
Prediction: Fenerbahce 2-0 Anderlecht
Jambobet Picks: GG – No | OV 25 – Yes | Winner – Fenerbahce
With new signings and home advantage, Fenerbahce are expected to win comfortably. Anderlecht’s recent struggles could see them struggle to create chances.
Porto vs. Roma (Thursday, 11:00 PM EAT)
Portuguese giants Porto take on Roma in what is arguably the biggest match of the night. Roma have never beaten Porto in European competitions, losing their last three meetings.
Prediction: Porto 1-1 Roma
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – No | Winner – Draw
Roma have been in good domestic form but struggle away from home. Porto are also going through a tough period, making a draw a realistic outcome.
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AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray (Thursday, 11:00 PM EAT)
Dutch side AZ Alkmaar meet Turkish giants Galatasaray, with the winner set to face either Manchester United or Tottenham in the next round.
Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Galatasaray
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – Yes | Winner – Draw
Both teams have attacking strengths and have been involved in high-scoring games this season. Expect both sides to find the net.
PAOK vs. FCSB (Thursday, 11:00 PM EAT)
Greek club PAOK take on FCSB in a rematch of their league-phase meeting, where FCSB secured a narrow 1-0 win.
Prediction: PAOK 1-1 FCSB
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – No | Winner – Draw
PAOK have been strong at home, but FCSB have already beaten them once this season. A draw with limited goals is expected.
FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt (Thursday, 11:00 PM EAT)
Dutch side FC Twente host Bodo/Glimt, looking to continue their impressive home form in Europe.
Prediction: FC Twente 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
Jambobet Picks: GG – Yes | OV 25 – Yes | Winner – FC Twente
Twente’s strong home record gives them an advantage, but Bodo/Glimt have been competitive in Europe. Expect a high-scoring affair with Twente edging it.
Summary of Jambobet Picks
| Match | Winner | GG | OV 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferencvaros vs. Plzen | Draw | Yes | No |
| Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad | Draw | Yes | No |
| Union SG vs. Ajax | Draw | Yes | No |
| Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht | Fenerbahce | No | Yes |
| Porto vs. Roma | Draw | Yes | No |
| AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray | Draw | Yes | Yes |
| PAOK vs. FCSB | Draw | Yes | No |
| FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt | FC Twente | Yes | Yes |
