Europa League Thursday: Villa, Rangers and Porto Take the Stage

Europa League action returns Thursday with four stand-out battles that could shape the group stage. We’ve picked out the biggest games, analysed the key players and form, and offered bold predictions. Scrolling through the rest of the schedule? We’ve got those brief forecasts too.

 Aston Villa vs Bologna

Villa go into this one after a 1-1 draw with Sunderland where they held 71% possession. Matty Cash scored for Villa. Recent matches suggest they often end with at least one side failing to score. Villa’s creative burden will fall on the likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía — they need to deliver.

Bologna just beat Genoa 2-1, with Santiago Castro and Riccardo Orsolini on target. But the problem has been defence: they’ve conceded in five of their last six matches. Villa’s strength at home and ability to control games mean they are favourites.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Bologna

 Stuttgart vs Celta Vigo

Stuttgart come in full of confidence after a convincing 2-0 win over St. Pauli. Players like Ermedin Demirović and Bilal El Khannouss are making noise in the attacking third. Their recent games have been goals-filled, and expectation is high for more.

Celta Vigo are in a rough patch. They drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano, struggled for attacking output, and the forwards haven’t hit their stride. Iago Aspas remains a threat, but alone not enough. Stuttgart’s rhythm and home power should see them through.
Prediction: Stuttgart 3-1 Celta Vigo

 Salzburg vs Porto

Salzburg’s form has dipped — back-to-back losses and defensive fragility. Injuries to key defenders hurt their stability.

Porto, however, are flying in the Portuguese league and look sharp. Their attack, with players like Mehdi Taremi, has been efficient. They’ll view this as a must-win. On their day, they can control tempo and exploit Salzburg’s weaknesses.
Prediction: Salzburg 1-2 Porto

Rangers vs Genk

Rangers come off a win in the League Cup, but goal production has been patchy. Nicolas Raskin and Bojan Miovski bring promise, yet the attack needs consistency.

Genk have been involved in high-scoring games lately. Junya Ito remains dangerous, and if they find rhythm, a draw is possible. Given home advantage, Rangers may push hard — but Genk won’t lie down.
Prediction: Rangers 2-2 Genk

 Short Predictions – Other Matches

• Lille vs Brann: Lille edge a clean 2-0 win.
  
• Go Ahead Eagles vs FCSB: Eagles to grab a close home win 1-0.
  
• Utrecht vs Lyon: Experience counts — Lyon win 2-1.
  
• Young Boys vs Panathinaikos: Tight match, Young Boys to win 2-1.
  
• Ferencváros vs Viktoria Plzeň: Draw likely, 1-1.