Europa League Preview July 31, 2025

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Europa League Preview July 31, 2025 – 31. 7. 2025

AEK Larnaca vs Celje (18:30)

Tip: AEK Larnaca to win

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Slovenia, AEK Larnaca are in an ideal position to decide the tie on home soil. The Cypriot side is accustomed to playing tactically mature football in European competitions, which they demonstrated in the first match by neutralising Celje's offensive strengths. Larnaca are very strong at home, having gone unbeaten in their last seven matches while conceding only three goals. On the other hand, Celje prefer a more attacking style, but their open play carries risks, especially against compact and experienced teams like AEK. Moreover, the visitors have picked up 19 yellow cards in their last five games, indicating a degree of nervousness and lack of discipline. The home team has a stable starting eleven, led by defender Miličević and experienced goalkeeper Alomerović, and their well-functioning 4-3-3 system relies on accurate transitions into attack. We expect a cautious match with few clear chances, but the hosts' organisation and composure in key moments should tip the scales in favour of AEK.

Hacken vs Anderlecht Brussels (19:00)

Tip: Anderlecht to win

Anderlecht narrowly won the first leg 1-0, and while the scoreline was tight, the Belgian team's control and efficiency were evident. Hacken do play at home and adopt a highly offensive approach, but their inconsistency and defensive mistakes (such as the 1-6 home defeat to Djurgarden) point to problems with organisation and stability. Anderlecht are in good form, unbeaten in seven competitive matches and have scored 13 goals in their last four games. Their 4-2-3-1 system, with Dolberg up front and experienced midfielders like Rits and Hazard, offers a good balance between creativity and tactical maturity. Moreover, the Belgian side is much more disciplined – just eight yellow cards in their last five games compared to Hacken’s 17 and 30 fouls in total. While the home atmosphere might help the Swedes temporarily, Anderlecht have more experience, better composure in key moments and are in better form. We expect a narrow away win, possibly with a clean sheet.

CFR Cluj vs Lugano (19:30)

Tip: CFR Cluj to win

The first leg in Switzerland ended in a goalless draw, but the match was clearly tilted in Cluj’s favour. The Romanian side had more than twice as many shots as their opponents and generally showed offensive intent and a desire to create. Lugano were disciplined at the back, but toothless in attack – they’ve scored just once in their last five matches. In contrast, Cluj have greater squad depth and more players capable of making a difference, whether it’s striker Postolachi or their creative midfield core. Coach Petrescu's team can also rely on home support and a familiar environment. Statistically, Cluj dominate in shots, corners and attempts, and if they keep their aggression under control, they should be able to break down the Swiss defence. It will likely be a cautious affair, but Cluj’s greater activity and variety should make the difference – we expect a narrow win and progression to the next round.

Utrecht vs Sheriff Tiraspol (20:00)

Tip: Utrecht to win

Utrecht secured a valuable 3-1 away win in the first leg, giving them a strong starting position in front of their home crowd. Under Ron Jans, they play attractive yet efficient football – with a consistent starting eleven, a technically skilled midfield and dangerous wing play. Sheriff Tiraspol show resilience and pose a threat from set pieces (19 corners in their last five games), but their defensive inconsistency, evident in both the first leg and against Zimbru, is a major concern. The Moldovan side frequently resorts to fouling and struggles to keep up with technically superior opposition. Utrecht, on the other hand, enjoy strong possession, accurate passing and are capable of controlling the match tempo at home. If they repeat their first-leg performance, another win – perhaps by two goals – should see them through.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas (20:00)

Tip: Shakhtar Donetsk to win

Shakhtar Donetsk earned a vital 4-2 away win in Istanbul and are now in an excellent position to confirm qualification. Although listed as the home team, the match will be played on neutral ground – at the Stadion Miejski im. Henryka Reymana in Krakow, Poland, due to security concerns. Nevertheless, Shakhtar’s attacking form is among the best – scoring 14 goals in their last five matches and relying heavily on Kevin Santos, who has five goals in his last four. Besiktas look vulnerable at the back, having conceded ten times in their last five games and often losing midfield cohesion. Despite João Mário’s offensive contributions, Solskjær’s side commits numerous tactical and individual errors. Shakhtar play a fast-paced 4-2-3-1 system focused on ball possession and quick transitions, whereas Besiktas are prone to collapse during their own pressing. Given the Ukrainian side’s superior efficiency, organisation and psychological advantage from the first leg, we expect them to win again – even on neutral soil.

Sporting Braga vs Levski Sofia (21:00)

Tip: Braga to win

After a goalless first leg, Braga return home with a clear mission – to confirm their status as favourites and secure progression. The Portuguese team have a high-quality and cohesive squad, including experienced leaders like Ricardo Horta, and are unbeaten in their last six matches (five wins and one draw), keeping clean sheets in the last three. Levski Sofia are in decent form and defensively resilient, but away from home, they often rely on deep defending and set pieces – which may not suffice against a technically gifted team like Braga. Additionally, Levski picked up 11 yellow cards in their last five matches, highlighting a defensive roughness that could backfire against a team that plays with tempo and combination. Braga are likely to dominate possession and the match rhythm, and if they take their chances, we expect them to win by at least two goals.

Legia Warsaw vs Baník Ostrava (21:00)

Tip: Legia to win

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Legia return for the second leg with a clear statistical superiority – the Polish side attempted 21 shots compared to just seven by Ostrava, and looked more attacking and tactically advanced. Legia rely on key individuals like Nsame, who has scored in three consecutive games, and the creative input of Kapustka and Elitim in midfield. Their 3-4-2-1 formation enables high pressing and wide attacking play, whereas Ostrava focus mainly on defending and set pieces, with centre-back Frydrych being their main threat. While he is dangerous on corners, the Czech team lack offensive depth – having scored only four goals in their last five games. We expect the Warsaw team to confirm their superiority and win – possibly by more than one goal if Ostrava are forced to open up.

Hibernian vs Midtjylland (21:00)

Tip: Midtjylland to win

The first leg ended 1-1, but the performance gap was clear – Danish side Midtjylland had more shots, more corners, and better passing accuracy. Their attack is spearheaded by Franculino Gludy Dju, who has scored five times in four games, and together with creative partner Simsir, they form a dangerous offensive duo. Hibernian did well to stay in the tie, but overall they’re in poor form – just one win in their last six and only two goals scored. The Scottish side rely on a deep block and quick counters, but struggle with midfield creativity and discipline (10 yellow cards in 5 games). Midtjylland, by contrast, employ a well-structured 3-4-2-1 formation with aggressive pressing, more depth in rotation and physical superiority. If the match unfolds as expected, Hibernian will be defending for most of it, and the Danes’ quality and efficiency should make the difference. We expect a Midtjylland win and qualification after 90 minutes.

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