UEFA Europa League Matchday 2 betting picks & odds | October 2

The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League returns on Thursday, October 2, with a full slate of 18 league-phase fixtures for Matchday 2 across Europe.

The evening’s action will feature a mix of marquee clashes and tricky road trips, headlined by Roma hosting Lille, Porto welcoming Crvena Zvezda, and Feyenoord clashing with Aston Villa.

Below you’ll find our free soccer betting predictions for every matchup, including best bets for each game on a stacked European night.

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Roma vs Lille

Thursday, October 2 – 6:45pm CEST – Stadio Olimpico, Roma, Italy

Roma’s front line is sharper under the lights in Europe, and the Olimpico crowd usually lifts them in tight fixtures. Lille are compact but can struggle defending crosses and set pieces. Expect Roma to control territory and chances.

Fenerbahçe vs Nice

Thursday, October 2 – 7:45pm EEST – Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

Fenerbahçe’s tempo in Istanbul is relentless, and recent home scoring trends are strong. Nice are organized under pressure but rarely dominate possession on the road. If the hosts create enough pressure and score early, chances will pile up.

Viktoria Plzeň vs Malmö

Thursday, October 2 – 6:45pm CEST – Doosan Arena, Pilsen, Czechia

Viktoria Plzeň are formidable at Doosan Arena, pressing early and relying on direct service into the box. Malmö travel well domestically, but their Europa League away record is streaky. One goal could decide an attritional game.

Celtic vs Braga

Thursday, October 2 – 5:45pm BST – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland

Celtic Park is a tough European venue for visitors, with Celtic’s vertical attacks and waves of pressure. Braga counter quickly but have shown defensive gaps against sustained width. Expect Celtic to pin them back and create set pieces.

Ludogorets vs Real Betis

Thursday, October 2 – 5:45pm CEST – Huvepharma Arena, Razgrad, Bulgaria

Ludogorets are disciplined at home and dangerous in transition. Real Betis carry more individual quality but can be vulnerable at the back. If both teams start strong and create chances, expect goals for both sides.

FCSB vs Young Boys

Thursday, October 2 – 7:45pm EEST – The National Arena, Bucharest, Romania

FCSB have started well in Europe, but Young Boys’ movement across the front three stretches most defenses. This sets up a game of momentum swings and big chances at both ends.

Bologna vs Freiburg

Thursday, October 2 – 6:45pm CEST – Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy

Bologna’s compact defense limits chances against them, and they’re efficient from dead balls. Freiburg press bravely yet concede space behind their fullbacks. If Bologna manage transitions, they should edge this one in a tight contest.

Panathinaikos vs Go Ahead Eagles

Thursday, October 2 – 7:45pm EEST – Athens Olympic Sports Center, Athens, Greece

Panathinaikos recycle possession well and squeeze territory at home. Go Ahead Eagles are spirited but light on continental experience, especially away. Expect a controlled win from the hosts.

Brann vs FC Utrecht

Thursday, October 2 – 6:45pm CEST – Brann Stadion, Bergen, Norway

Brann’s tempo and wide rotations cause problems in Bergen, but Utrecht’s physical midfield can slow the game. A cagey first half suits both, with margins thin after the break. Take the draw at +250 with top sportsbooks.

FC Porto vs Crvena Zvezda

Thursday, October 2 – 8pm CEST – Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal

Porto’s European know-how, structured pressing, and set-piece threat make Estádio do Dragão a fortress. Crvena Zvezda counter quickly but often fade when pinned deep for long stretches. Expect measured control and enough chances for the hosts to claim a win.

Feyenoord vs Aston Villa

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Feyenoord Stadium will be loud, and Feyenoord’s wing play is potent. Aston Villa, though, carry elite transition quality and finishing under pressure. Expect goals, with both sides creating plenty of big chances.

Lyon vs Salzburg

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – Groupama Stadium, Decines-Charpieu, France

Lyon’s rebuild remains inconsistent, but their talent can spark at home. Salzburg’s youth and pressing intensity travel well, often forcing turnovers. Expect chances from mistakes rather than a slow build-up and tactical play.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Dinamo Zagreb

Thursday, October 2 – 8pm BST – TSC Arena, Bačka Topola, Serbia

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s home European record is strong, built on fast starts and crowd energy. Dinamo Zagreb are savvy and cagey, comfortable dragging matches into late moments. Tight margins favor a disciplined visitor, but the hosts create more chances.

Basel vs Stuttgart

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland

Basel are rebuilding and can struggle tracking runners. Stuttgart arrive with a superior squad, especially in the midfield. If the Germans set the tempo early, control should follow.

Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland

Thursday, October 2 – 8pm BST – City Ground, Nottingham, England

Nottingham Forest’s physical front line and set-piece delivery suit European nights at the City Ground. Midtjylland are awkward opponents but concede territory against aggressive sides. Expect steady pressure and a decisive moment from the hosts.

Sturm Graz vs Rangers

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria

Sturm Graz are organized and patient at home, yet Rangers’ European experience and direct wing play travel well. Expect stretches of Rangers pressure and late set-piece opportunities either way.

Celta Vigo vs PAOK

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – Estadio de Balaídos, Vigo, Spain

Celta Vigo’s possession stats do not inspire confidence, but at Estadio de Balaídos they still manufacture quality looks. PAOK are tough, compact, and dangerous on counters. This feels like a chess match that will break late.

Genk vs Ferencváros

Thursday, October 2 – 9pm CEST – Cegeka Arena, Genk, Belgium

Genk’s fluid front trio creates steady chances at home, while Ferencváros counter with speed but concede space in behind. With volume on Genk’s side, the hosts should edge a lively contest.