This article provides daily Europa League predictions and analysis for matches played on 22 January 2026, marking the opening fixtures of the 2025–26 league phase. As teams begin their European campaigns, tactical approaches, squad rotation, and motivation levels often vary significantly.
The analysis below focuses on recent form, team news, and match context to highlight the most relevant betting insights for each fixture scheduled on this date.
Table of Contents
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Bologna vs Celtic
Bologna is currently in 13th place with 11 points earned in the group stage and still has a real chance to make it into the top 8. After playing 6 matches, they have three wins, two draws, and one loss, with a goal difference of 9:5, showing a solid balance and good organization. Their form is inconsistent, with varying results in the domestic league, but their performances in Europe are more stable.
Offensively, Bologna plays patiently and in a structured way, creating chances through positional attacks, while their defense is compact and disciplined. Bernardeschi is a key offensive player, with Dallinga and Odgaard providing important support in the finishing stages. At home in this competition, they have one win and two draws in three matches, with a goal difference of 5:2, indicating stability. Their style is controlled, tactically mature, and focused on results.
Celtic is currently in 24th place with 7 points and is under pressure to achieve a positive result to advance to the next stage of this competition. After playing 6 matches, they have two wins, one draw, and three losses, with a goal difference of 7:11, which shows issues with defensive stability. Their form in the domestic league is good, but European matches bring more challenges.
Offensively, Celtic plays directly and aggressively, with quick attacks and a high tempo, but often leaves space behind the last line. Hatate and Nygren are key in the midfield, with Iheanacho as an option in attack. Away from home, they have one win and two losses in three European matches, with a goal difference of 5:8, indicating vulnerability outside their home ground. The style is offensive, intense, but risky.
Bologna will try to control the game through possession and tactical discipline, while Celtic will respond with high intensity and direct attacks. The home stability and better organization give a slight advantage to the host.
1 (Bologna to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Brann vs Midtjylland
Brann is currently in 22nd place with 8 points earned in the group stage and has real, but limited chances to continue. After playing 6 matches, they have two wins, two draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 6:7, showing that their matches are close and tactical. Their form is inconsistent, with mixed results and challenges in maintaining a steady rhythm against stronger opponents.
Offensively, Brann plays in an organized and patient manner, creating chances through positional attacks and set pieces, while their defense is generally compact but can struggle under continuous pressure. Kornvig and Magnusson are the most effective in finishing, with Holm providing support from the background. At home in Europe, they have two wins and one loss, with a goal difference of 4:4, indicating solid but not dominant security. Their style is disciplined, physical, and focused on results.
Midtjylland is in 2nd place with 15 points and is already one of the most consistent teams at this stage. After playing 6 matches, they have five wins and one loss, with a goal difference of 13:5, which clearly shows a strong balance and high intensity. Their form is really good, with a series of positive results and stable performances both at home and away.
Offensively, Midtjylland plays directly and vertically, with quick transitions and a strong physical approach, while their defense is well-organized and aggressive in duels. Diao and Giuda are key offensive players, with Eric being an important factor in the midfield. On the road in Europe, they have two wins and one loss, with a goal difference of 7:4, showing that the team is competitive even outside of Denmark. Their style is intense, physical, and tactically clear.
Brann will try to maintain their compactness and play patiently, while Midtjylland will impose their physical game and tempo. The quality and form are on the side of the visitors.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Fenerbahce vs Aston Villa
Fenerbahce is currently in 12th place with 11 points and is still in the running for further advancement. After playing 6 matches, they have three wins, two draws, and one loss, with a goal difference of 9:5, showing a solid balance and good match control. Their form is positive, with a series of good results and growing confidence.
Offensively, Fenerbahce plays in a technical and patient manner, with good ball movement and a threat from set pieces, while their defense is compact and well-organized. Talisca and Akturkoglu are the main offensive weapons, with Szymanski as a key creator between the lines. At home in Europe, they have two wins and one draw in three matches, with a goal difference of 4:2, indicating clear home stability. Their style is controlled, technical, and tactically disciplined.
Aston Villa is currently in 3rd place with 15 points and has already secured a strong position in the group. After playing 6 matches, they have 5 wins and 1 loss, with a goal difference of 10:4, showing high quality and efficiency. Their form is good, although there are occasional ups and downs in the domestic league.
Offensively, Villa plays directly and vertically, with quick transitions and strong finishing, while their defense is disciplined and rarely allows clear chances. Malen and McGinn are key players in the attack, with Guendouzi acting as a stabilizer in the midfield. In away games in Europe, they have two wins and one loss in three matches, with a goal difference of 5:3, indicating solid competitiveness. Their style is intense, tactically clear, and results-oriented.
Fenerbahce will try to take advantage of their home support and control the game through possession, while Aston Villa will look for space with quick transitions and direct play. A tactical match with a small margin is expected.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Plzen vs FC Porto
Plzen is currently in 14th place with 10 points, and every point is really important for them. After playing 6 matches, they have 2 wins and 4 draws, with a goal difference of 6:2, which shows they have a very strong defense but a limited offense. Their form is stable, as they haven’t lost in a while and they show good tactical discipline.
Offensively, Plzen plays patiently and smartly, usually through controlled attacks and set pieces, while their defense is compact and well-organized. Durosinmi and Vydra are the most effective in attack, but the team relies more on teamwork than on individual talent. At home in Europe, they have one win and two draws, with a goal difference of 3:0, which indicates a high level of confidence. Their style is defensive, organized, and focused on getting results.
FC Porto is currently in 8th place with 13 points earned and has a solid campaign aiming for direct qualification. After 6 matches played, they have 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, with a goal difference of 9:5, showing a good balance between offense and defense. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories and a high level of confidence.
Offensively, Porto plays directly and with high intensity, using quick transitions and talented individuals, while their defense is strong and experienced. Samu is the main attacking threat, with Veiga and William Gomes providing important support from the midfield. On the road in Europe, they have one win, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 2:3, indicating they know how to play pragmatically away from home. Their style is intense, tactically clear, and results-oriented.
Plzen will try to maintain compactness and slow down the pace, while Porto will impose their initiative and pressure. The quality is on the side of the visitors, but the home discipline could bring uncertainty.
2 (FC Porto to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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AS Roma vs Stuttgart
AS Roma is currently in 10th place with 12 points and is still in the running for the next stage. After playing 6 matches, they have 4 wins and 2 losses, with a goal difference of 10:5, which shows they are doing pretty well, but there are some ups and downs. Their form is inconsistent, featuring important victories but also a few setbacks against stronger opponents.
Offensively, Roma plays in an organized and patient manner, focusing on controlling the midfield, while their defense is solid but can struggle against quick counterattacks. Ferguson and Soule are the most effective players up front, with Pellegrini acting as the key playmaker. At home in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 3:4, indicating they are not fully taking advantage of their home ground. Their style is tactically disciplined and results-oriented.
Stuttgart is in 9th place with 12 points and has the same record in the group. After 6 matches, they have 4 wins and 2 losses, with a goal difference of 12:5, showing strong offensive efficiency. Their form is really good, with several convincing victories and a clear attacking rhythm.
Offensively, Stuttgart plays fast and direct, applying strong pressure and making vertical attacks, while their defense is organized but sometimes leaves space behind the last line. El Khannouss and Leweling are the main threats in attack, with Bouanani providing creative support. Away in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 4:3, indicating competitiveness even when not at home. Their style is intense, offensive, and dynamic.
Roma will try to control the game and slow down the pace, while Stuttgart will impose a high tempo and direct attacks. A balanced and tactical match is expected.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Celta Vigo vs Lille
Celta Vigo is currently in 19th place with 9 points and is under pressure to secure a positive result for a possible advancement. After playing 6 matches, they have three wins and three losses, with a goal difference of 12:9, indicating offensive potential but also inconsistency. Recently, their form has improved, with several victories boosting their confidence.
Offensively, Celta plays directly and aggressively, utilizing quick attacks down the wings and maintaining good flow in the final third, while their defense can be vulnerable under pressure. Duran and Aspas are the most effective players up front, with Iglesias providing additional support. At home in Europe, they have two wins and one loss, with a goal difference of 6:4, showing solid use of their home advantage. Their style is offensive, dynamic, and focused on outplaying the opponent.
Lille is currently in 21st place with 9 points and has the same points as the host team. After playing 6 matches, they have three wins and three losses, with a goal difference of 10:7, showing a balance but also an inconsistent form. Recently, their performance has been unstable, with several losses in a row, especially during tough away games.
Offensively, Lille plays in a structured and patient manner, focusing on positional attacks and quick combinations, while their defense is generally organized but can falter against intense opponents. Igamane is the main threat in attack, with Andre and Haraldsson providing creative options from the midfield. On the road in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 1:2, indicating limited effectiveness away from home. Their style is tactical, balanced, but less risky.
Celta will try to take advantage of their home intensity and offensive rhythm, while Lille will look for control and a patient attack. We expect the host team to secure three points in this match.
1 (Celta Vigo to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Din. Zagreb vs FCSB
Dinamo Zagreb is currently in 25th place with 7 points earned and has very slim chances of moving up, making this match a must-win. After playing 6 matches, they have two wins, one draw, and three losses, with a goal difference of 8:13, indicating issues with defensive stability and inconsistent form. In the last few rounds, their performance has been variable, showing strong home games but also struggles against tougher opponents.
Offensively, Dinamo plays directly and aims to reach the final third quickly. Bjelica and Ljubicic are the most effective players up front, with Bakrar as an additional option. At home in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 4:7, showing a limited but existing home advantage. Their style is offensively oriented, but tactically unstable.
FCSB is currently in 27th place with 6 points and is in a similar situation, with no room for calculations. After playing 6 matches, they have two wins and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 7:11, indicating vulnerability, especially in defense. Their form is unstable, struggling to maintain consistency on the European stage.
Offensively, FCSB plays directly and relies on individual solutions, while the defensive line often reacts late. Birigea, Miculescu, and Ngezana are among the most notable players, but they lack enough consistency. Away from home, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 2:4, showing that they find it hard to get results outside their home ground. Their style is reactive and physical.
Dinamo will try to take advantage of the home atmosphere and initiative, while FCSB will look for opportunities through direct attacks and mistakes from the opponent. The match carries risks, but the home team has a slight edge for victory.
1 (Dinamo Zagreb to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Rangers vs Ludogorets
Rangers is currently in 33rd place with just 1 point, and they are practically out of the running for advancement. However, they are playing for pride and to end their losing streak. After 6 matches, they have not won any, with one draw and five losses, resulting in a goal difference of 3:11, which clearly shows serious issues on both ends. Their form in Europe is weak, even though they have had convincing wins in their domestic league that give them some confidence.
Offensively, Rangers struggle to create clear chances against organized opponents, while their defense is often under pressure and makes mistakes. Gassama and Miovski are among the few bright spots in their attack. At home, they have a goal difference of 1:4, indicating that even playing at home hasn’t helped them get results. Their style is direct and physical, but lacks tactical stability.
Ludogorets is currently in 23rd place with 7 points and still has a theoretical chance for a better ranking. After playing 6 matches, they have two wins, one draw, and three losses, with a goal difference of 11:14. This shows that their matches are open and they have an offensive intent, but also some defensive weaknesses. Their form is solid, with a few positive results and better efficiency than the home team.
Offensively, Ludogorets plays directly and aggressively, with quick attacks and strong individual players, while their defense can be vulnerable at a high pace. Stanic is the main attacking threat, with Verdon providing important support. Away in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 5:7, indicating they can score goals even when not at home. Their style is offensive, dynamic, and risky.
Rangers will try to play more offensively and take advantage of the home atmosphere, while Ludogorets will look for space through quick transitions and direct play. The form is on the guests’ side, but we expect Rangers to achieve their first win in this competition.
1 (Rangers to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Salzburg vs Basel
Salzburg is currently in 31st place with three points and has little chance of advancing, but they will play to make a better impression. After 6 matches, they have one win and five losses, with a goal difference of 5:11, which shows serious issues in their European performances. Their form is weak, with several losses against strong opponents and a lack of consistency.
Offensively, Salzburg tries to play fast and vertically, but their finishing is limited, while their defense often leaves space behind the high line. Vertessen is the most effective in attack, with Baidoo as an additional option. At home in Europe, they have one win and two losses, with a goal difference of 4:4, indicating that they can still be competitive at home. Their style is young and energetic, but tactically vulnerable.
Basel is currently in 26th place with 6 points and doesn’t have much chance of moving up. After playing 6 matches, they have 2 wins and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 8:9, showing that their performance is unstable. Their form varies, with better results in the home league, but they struggle in European away games.
Offensively, Basel plays directly and relies on individual talent, while their defense can crack under intense pressure. Shaqiri is a key player in the attack, with Otele providing support on the wings. They are still winless in Europe away from home, with three losses and a goal difference of 2:6, highlighting their weakness outside their home ground. Their style is reactive and focused on results.
Salzburg will try to impose their pace and aggression at home, while Basel will wait for their chances through counterattacks and individual skill. The match is open, with a slight advantage for the home team.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
This article is part of Europa League Matchday 7.
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