Europa League Preview August 21, 2025

Choose language:

Tipy na fotbal, hokej a basket pro kurzové sázky

Free betting tips and predictions

Europa League Preview August 21, 2025 – 21.8.2025

FC Midtjylland vs KuPS (18:30)

Tip: Midtjylland to win

Midtjylland enters the first play-off match against the Finnish champions from Kuopio as the favorite, even though the visitors are riding the wave of euphoria after their historic qualification for European competitions. The Danish side led by Thomas Thomasberg boasts a 14-match unbeaten streak and goes into the tie boosted by two clear victories over Fredrikstad. An interesting reinforcement is the arrival of Croatian center-back Martin Erlić from Bologna, who should strengthen the defense, while Gustav Isaksen brings creativity in midfield. KuPS, on the other hand, can rely on young striker Mohamed Touré, who was decisive with key goals in the previous rounds. Coach Jarkko Wiss will, however, miss the Ghanaian duo Clinton Antwi and Derrick Agyei, which could seriously weaken the wings. Midtjylland may not have started the domestic competition well, but thanks to their European experience – including last year’s qualification for the Europa League knockout stage – they look confident. KuPS will travel with a clear goal to keep the tie alive for the second leg, and their form cannot be underestimated. Still, the MCH Arena is traditionally a very tough fortress for visitors. The match is expected to see Midtjylland take the initiative while KuPS relies on quick counterattacks.

SK Brann vs AEK Larnaca (19:00)

Tip: double chance Brann or draw

Brann will want to build an advantage in front of their home fans, but their results on the European stage in Bergen have not inspired much confidence so far. Coach Freyr Alexandersson’s team did manage to turn the domestic league match against Tromsø around, boosting morale, but in Europe they have lost twice in a row at home. A key figure in midfield is Joachim Soltvedt, while defender Denzel De Roeve, who scored the winning goal in the league, could once again get a place in the starting lineup. Larnaca has a more experienced squad on the European stage, although they have yet to win away in qualification this year. A crucial player is forward Djordje Ivanović, though his fitness is uncertain after the last match against Legia. Coach José Luis Oltra has several experienced Europeans at his disposal and his team plays an active style even away from Cyprus – they have scored in all their away ties. Brann needs to find the right balance between attacking intent and defensive caution, since conceding an away goal could be costly. This clash promises a balanced battle between two clubs with very different European traditions – Brann could make history, while AEK is used to playing in the group stage.

Malmö FF vs Sigma Olomouc (19:00)

Tip: double chance Malmö or draw

The Swedish champions Malmö will try to bounce back from their derby humiliation against Copenhagen and show that they still belong among the regulars on the European stage. Coach Henrik Rydström will rely on experienced goalkeeper Robin Olsen and on the pace of the wingers, reinforced by the return of Gabriel Busanello. Still, Malmö has endured tough weeks – the domestic title is slipping away and the heavy 0–5 defeat to their rivals may affect the players’ confidence. Sigma Olomouc is certainly not without a chance, despite this being their first European campaign since 2018. Coach Tomáš Janotka’s team has shown stable league form, and in the last round young talent Daniel Vašulin secured the win over Zlín, proving that the Hanáci can decide matches late on. Defender Jan Král returns, while striker Muhamed Tijani, on loan from Slavia, could debut. Sigma also benefits from knowing that even if they lose, they are guaranteed a place in the Conference League, allowing them to play with more freedom. While Malmö will want to redeem themselves and show dominance, Sigma’s compact shape and quick transitions can trouble the favorite. This match promises an intriguing contrast between tradition and the ambitions of a newcomer.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Dynamo Kyiv (20:00)

Tip: double chance Maccabi or draw

Maccabi Tel Aviv, after their disappointment in the Champions League qualifiers, are now trying to at least secure a place in the Europa League group stage, facing Dynamo Kyiv, who are in a similar position. The Israeli champions failed to overcome Pafos and saw their ambitions of joining the elite disappear, but recent weeks have shown their strength – especially thanks to Ido Shahar, who scored twice in the last round. Another important figure on the wing is Osher Davida, whose pace can cause major problems for the Ukrainian defense. Dynamo Kyiv started the domestic season impressively, winning all three opening matches, with nine different players scoring – showing their wide attacking options. Coach Mircea Lucescu must deal with injuries, and left-back Vladyslav Dubinchak is doubtful, possibly being replaced by Konstantyn Vivcharenko. Dynamo will want to improve on last year’s poor Europa League campaign, where they were among the worst teams in the group stage. On the other hand, Maccabi traditionally play with great confidence at home, and the heated atmosphere of Bloomfield Stadium will be a real challenge for the visitors. The match promises a clash between two clubs at a crossroads – Maccabi seeking a return to the higher ranks, while Dynamo want to prove they can adapt after European failures.

Panathinaikos vs Samsunspor (20:00)

Tip: Panathinaikos to win

Panathinaikos earned their qualification by overcoming strong Shakhtar Donetsk on penalties, and now face Samsunspor for the first time on the European stage. The Greek side, coached by Rui Vitória, has a quality squad featuring experienced players such as Nemanja Maksimović and Polish striker Karol Świderski. The question remains whether the Athenians can break their poor run at home, where they have failed to win in three consecutive competitive matches. Samsunspor return to European competition after more than 27 years, and the excitement in the club is immense – they started the new domestic season with two wins and have shown they can be tricky opponents. German coach Thomas Reis has a disciplined team, relying on compact defense and quick transitions. A key figure is experienced striker Marius Mouandilmadji, who can capitalize on any opponent’s mistake. Panathinaikos undoubtedly has more European experience, but the pressure of home expectations could also be a burden. This tie promises to be more balanced than the odds suggest – the Greeks have the name, but the Turks currently have the form.

Shkendija vs Ludogorets Razgrad (20:00)

Tip: double chance Ludogorets or draw

North Macedonian side Shkendija has had a remarkable journey, eliminating The New Saints and FCSB before falling to strong Qarabağ. Against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets they face another very difficult challenge, but the home side believes they can succeed this time. Coach Artim Šakiri’s team relies on collective play and the home atmosphere in Skopje, always tough for visitors. Key players such as Liridon Latifi and Agon Elezi can decide big matches, although their defense has shown weaknesses against stronger opponents. Ludogorets, on the other hand, are experienced European campaigners and enter the tie in good league form – four wins and one draw show Ivaylo Petev’s team is well-tuned. The big name is striker Kiril Despodov, but Ivaylo Chochev, who has started the season strongly, also deserves attention. In goal should be experienced Sergio Padt, with European pedigree from the Eredivisie. Shkendija will try to surprise the favorite with an aggressive start and support from the stands, while Ludogorets rely on their deeper squad and greater routine in such matches. This clash offers an attractive confrontation between an overperforming underdog and a favorite who knows they cannot afford to stumble.

Zrinjski Mostar vs FC Utrecht (20:00)

Tip: Utrecht to win

Zrinjski Mostar will enter the first Europa League play-off match at their Bijeli Brijeg stadium knowing that qualification would be a historic success. Igor Štimac’s team got here by defeating Icelandic side Breidablik, managing the second leg tactically very well and limiting their opponent’s chances. The central figure is striker Nemanja Bilbija, whose goal instinct can play a decisive role, while midfielder Tomislav Kiš should provide creativity. The home side also recently kept a clean sheet against Široki Brijeg, encouraging given their earlier defensive issues. Utrecht arrives with a reputation as an attacking team, having beaten Servette 5–2 on aggregate in the previous round. Coach Ron Jans has young talents such as Noah Ohio, but must deal with the absence of Rafik El Arguioui in midfield. A key battle will be between experienced defender Slobodan Jakovljević and the pace of Utrecht’s wingers, particularly Miguel Rodriguez. Given that Utrecht has scored at least three goals in four of their last six matches, an open game can be expected, with Mostar relying on home fans and solid defense.

Slovan Bratislava vs Young Boys (20:15)

Tip: double chance Young Boys or draw

Slovan Bratislava will want to extend their great home run when they host Swiss side Young Boys at Tehelné pole. The home team were unlucky to be knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Kairat Almaty on penalties, yet in the earlier rounds they showed they can be dangerous even against more experienced European opponents. Coach Vladimír Weiss relies on the creativity of Robert Mak and the pace of David Strelec, while Tigran Barseghyan should be one of the most active attackers. Slovan can rely on an excellent home record – they have won all four home matches this season, often with a clear goal margin. Young Boys, by contrast, look unconvincing, starting their season with two draws and a defeat, and must cope without key forwards Christian Fassnacht and Facinet Conte. The responsibility therefore falls on experienced striker Chris Bedia and young Ebrima Colley. An interesting midfield battle awaits as home players Kenan Bajrić and Marko Tolić face physically strong Edimilson Fernandes. Statistics favor the Swiss, who have never lost to Slovan in four previous encounters.

Lech Poznań vs Genk (20:30)

Tip: draw

At the Poznań stadium, two teams with uncertain domestic form will face off. Lech Poznań, the fresh Polish champions, are trying to save their European season after failing in the Champions League qualifiers against Crvena zvezda. Coach Niels Frederiksen can count on prolific captain Mikael Ishak, who has already scored three goals and added an assist, as well as attacking-minded full-back Joel Pereira. On the other side stands Belgian side Genk, led by Thorsten Fink, who struggle especially defensively – they have yet to keep a clean sheet this season. Nevertheless, they boast interesting individuals such as attacking full-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, already with two goals, and Jarne Steuckers, providing assists from the right wing. A big question is whether Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, linked with a summer move to Napoli, will play. For Lech it will be crucial whether they can exploit the home atmosphere and break their three-game winless run. The match promises a balanced contest that may be decided by the individual brilliance of both sides’ offensive stars.

Aberdeen vs FCSB (20:45)

Tip: draw

At Pittodrie Stadium, an interesting clash of two traditional clubs eager to return to the European elite will take place. Aberdeen enter European competition after winning the Scottish Cup, surprisingly defeating Celtic on penalties, though their league start has been poor. Coach Jimmy Thelin relies on battling captain Graeme Shinnie and striker Kusini Yengi, who finally found his scoring touch. For Dons supporters, an important factor will be whether creative midfielder Leighton Clarkson can link the play and support the attack. FCSB arrive with a reputation as experienced European campaigners, already showing their strength by scoring six goals against Drita in the qualifiers. Key players include last season’s top scorer Daniel Birligea and versatile attacker Florin Tănase, who is in great form. However, the Romanian champions struggle with consistency – they have not won in four domestic league games and lost a 2–0 lead in the derby against Rapid. This clash therefore promises an open contest, with Aberdeen relying on Scottish grit and the home atmosphere, while FCSB will try to impose their technical quality.

HNK Rijeka vs PAOK (20:45)

Tip: double chance PAOK or draw

After failing in the Champions League qualifiers, Rijeka will seek consolation in the Europa League, hosting Greek side PAOK. The Croatian champions reached this stage after a dramatic comeback against Irish side Shelbourne, overturning a home defeat with goals from Fruk, Dantas and Oreč. However, the last-named hero will miss out due to suspension, a major blow for coach Dalović. Rijeka still has interesting individuals, especially creative midfielder Toni Fruk, who provided ten assists last season. PAOK, under coach Răzvan Lucescu, arrive after a narrow win over Wolfsberger, secured only by Mady Camara’s extra-time goal. The Greeks have looked cautious so far, but their European experience could prove decisive. A question mark remains over the fitness of winger Kiril Despodov, one of last season’s most productive players. The match promises a tight battle, with the hosts relying on home support and fighting spirit, while the visitors aim to stay compact and decide the tie back in Thessaloniki.

Lincoln Red Imps vs Braga (21:00)

Tip: Braga to win

Gibraltar’s underdogs Lincoln Red Imps face one of the biggest matches in their history. Reaching this stage is already an achievement, especially after eliminating Armenian side Noah on penalties and then being relegated from the Champions League by Crvena zvezda. Their biggest star is striker Tjay De Barr, a long-time symbol of the club, and fans hope he can trouble the much stronger opponents. Braga, however, arrive as clear favorites, having beaten CFR Cluj in the previous round and showing improving form in the domestic league. Coach Carlos Vicens has a deep squad, with Pau Víctor scoring several key goals. Another key figure is midfielder Al Musrati, who links defense and attack and controls the tempo of play. The Portuguese side are used to European competition and their ambition is to reach the knockout stage, not just the group phase. Lincoln will try to stay organized and capitalize on any chance, but if Braga maintain focus, they should come away with a favorable result.

Latest Match Previews and Analyses

		Contact : admin @ vitisport.cz			GambleAware.org