Europa League Playoff Predictions: Which Teams Can Get the Advantage In the First Games?

10 teams can still advance to this year’s Europa League group stage through the playoffs. With the first legs being held this week between 17-19 August. We can find some top teams like Galatasaray, Celtic, or Slavia Prague in the ties along with some less-known teams. The Europa League playoff predictions favor the bigger clubs in most ties, but we can expect some tight games as well. 

With the introduction of the new UEFA Europa Conference League, the 2021-22 Europa League has transformed as well. In this season only two qualifying rounds are held ahead of the group stage where 32 teams will participate. The winners of the first qualifying round which is actually called the third round will meet some teams joining the competition only now, in the playoff (fourth round). Plus six teams got here from the Champions League after losing their qualifying games there. Might sound a bit complicated, but the main thing is that all 20 teams will play in the first legs this week, followed by the second games next week. Let’s see the favorites for all 10 matches.

Europa League Playoff Predictions Favor Belgrade Against Cluj

One of the most balanced ties of the 2021 Europa League playoffs is the Red Star Belgrade and CFR Cluj pair. The Serbian champions were surprisingly knocked out by Moldavian Sheriff Tiraspol from the Champions League. They could only draw at home and lost 1-0 in the second game. It can be a warning sign ahead of their next match against the Romanian champions. Cluj had a similar path to this playoff after the team lost against Young Boys 4-2 on aggregate in the Champions League. Now both teams can get better results in this competition. With online sportsbooks in Serbia predicting a home victory on the first game with the odds of 1.79.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv8YFmm598A

Another great tie is the Celtic vs AZ Alkmaar one. Where the Scottish team has already got through the third round after beating the Czech team, Jablonec confidently. Now the Bhoys will face a tougher opponent in the Dutch team which will start the competition at this phase. The Europa League playoff predictions offer high odds, 2.13 for even a home win, but fans are hoping for their team’s victory at Celtic Park on Wednesday night. David Turnbull scored a double last week while Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi was also brilliant. If they can repeat their performance, Ange Postecoglou’s team can get the win. Their arch-rival, Rangers are likely to face a much easier task against Armenian Alashkert on Thursday night at the Ibrox Stadium. With the odds of 1.15 for a win.

Turkish Top Teams and Eastern European Derby

Last season’s Turkish league runner-up, Galatasaray started the competition in the previous round where they knocked out another Scottish team, St Johnstone. Now Fatih Terim’s team will meet the Danish side, Randers in a probably more difficult match. Randers won the Danish Cup last season to earn their place in the playoff. But to beat the Turkish star club could be a tall order from the team. The other Turkish team, Fenerbahce will start at home against Finish HJK Helsinki as a huge favorite. The Greek champions, Olympiacos, should get the win against Slovakian Slovan Bratislava at home. While the Belgian team, Royal Antwerp will play against the Cyprian champions, Omonia is a possible difficult game. Shown by the odds of 2.80 for their victory.

Two similar-strength teams, Slavia Prague and Legia Warsaw will meet first in the Czech capital this Thursday. Online gambling sites in Serbia favor the home team with the odds of 1.54. Both teams were knocked out from the Champions League and will try to improve in the Europa League. The Polish team got to the group stage five years ago.  Now they can get there again with a good performance. Just like Rapid Wien which hosts Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk. Their odds to win at home are 1.72 on 22Bet. The other Austrian team, Sturm Graz, will start the playoff at the home of Slovenian Mura who plays in the tournament for the third time. Graz is favored to get the win with the odds of 1.91. And to get closer to qualifying for the first time since 2012.

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