Europa League Predictions: Can Arsenal and United seal top-two spots?

Matchday five of the Europa League is here, with several spots in the knockout stage still on offer. Greg Lea previews Thursday’s biggest matches and provides his Europa League predictions.

Union Berlin v Braga

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

Union Berlin remain top of the Bundesliga despite suffering their second domestic defeat of the campaign on Sunday. They are under pressure in the Europa League, though: Third in Group D with two rounds of fixtures remaining, they realistically need to beat Braga to stand a chance of extending their participation in the competition into 2023.

A draw would be good enough for the Portuguese outfit, who hold a one-point advantage over their upcoming opponents. But Braga could be caught in two minds, whereas Union have the clarity of knowing that only a win will do.

Europa League prediction: Union Berlin to win @ 1.83

Ludogorets v Real Betis

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

The likes of Barcelona and Juventus could drop into the Europa League after Christmas, but Real Betis would still be serious contenders to win the tournament. A draw in Bulgaria would be enough for them to secure top spot in Group C, but do not expect Manuel Pellegrini’s side to do anything other than go all-out for victory.

Betis lost narrowly to Atletico Madrid at the weekend, but Pellegrini was not too displeased with his team’s performance. The LaLiga side can bounce back in Europe on Thursday.

Europa League prediction: Real Betis to win @ 2.28

PSV v Arsenal

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

Arsenal took control of Group A in a rearranged fixture last week, as Granit Xhaka’s strike earned them a 1-0 victory over PSV at the Emirates Stadium. A draw in the return fixture would see the Gunners safely through to the knockout phase.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men looked leggy in a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday, and the Arsenal boss must be tempted to rest several key players in Eindhoven. If he does, PSV will be quietly confident of at least avoiding another defeat by the North Londoners.

Europa League prediction: Draw no bet - PSV to win @ 2.04

Helsinki v Roma

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Roma will be hoping for a favour from Real Betis on Thursday, as they seek to cancel out a three-point deficit to Ludogorets - their opponents in a potentially winner-takes-all encounter next week.

In the meantime Jose Mourinho’s men must ensure they get the job done against Helsinki, who have taken just one point from a possible 12 so far. This is an opportunity for Roma to make a statement of intent – and boost their goal difference – ahead of that pivotal clash with Ludogorets.

Europa League prediction: Roma to score in both halves @ 2.02

Manchester United v Sheriff Tiraspol

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Manchester United made hard work of their recent games against Omonia Nicosia, but a pair of victories over the Cypriot side mean they will wrap up a top-two finish if they avoid defeat by Sheriff Tiraspol.

Erik ten Hag’s team have impressed in recent days, picking up four points from matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League. The United boss may ring the changes for this one, but United will nevertheless prove too strong for the Yellow-Blacks from the Moldovan league.

Europa League prediction: Manchester United -2.5 Asian handicap @ 1.98

Europa League predictions

Union Berlin v Braga: Union to win @ 1.83
Ludogorets Razgrad v Betis: Betis to win @ 2.28
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal: Draw no bet - PSV to win @ 2.04
HJK Helsinki v Roma: Roma to score in both halves @ 2.02
Man United v Sheriff: United -2.5 Asian handicap @ 1.98