Europa League Tips: Can Arsenal and United get off to winning starts?

The Europa League group stage begins this week, with Manchester United and Arsenal among the big guns in action. Expert Greg Lea previews the five most enticing matchday one games.

Zurich v Arsenal

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

There were plenty of positives for Arsenal to take from their performance at Old Trafford on Sunday, even if the result brought them back down to earth following five consecutive wins. However, with their European campaign now set to begin, Arsenal’s relatively small squad will be stretched thin in the next couple of months.

A trip to Zurich should pose few on-field problems, though. Arsenal were undone on the counter attack by Manchester United, but a clean sheet should be well within their grasp in Switzerland.

Selection: Arsenal to win to nil @ 2.36

Ludogorets Razgrad v Roma

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

Jose Mourinho became the first manager to win all three active European competitions last term, as he guided Roma to Europa Conference League glory. That success automatically qualified the Giallorossi for this tournament – and Mourinho will fancy his team’s chances of going all the way again.

Roma were thumped 4-0 by Udinese at the weekend, a shock result after a hitherto unbeaten start. The nature of that defeat could prompt Mourinho to go back to basics in Ludogorets, so a low-scoring away win is our pick.

Selection: Roma and under 3.5 goals @ 2.32

PSV v Bodo/Glimt

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

Bodo/Glimt reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League last term. They memorably demolished Roma 6-1 in the group phase, and breezed past Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in the knockout round play-offs. Their exploits in 2021/22 should mean the Norwegian side will be in serious contention to progress from their group.

This is a step up, though, and a trip to PSV represents a difficult start to their latest continental campaign. The Dutch outfit will want to make an impression on matchday one with a statement win in front of their own fans.

Selection: PSV to win both halves @ 2.96

Manchester United v Real Sociedad

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Manchester United are starting to build some momentum under Erik ten Hag. Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal was their fourth in a row in the Premier League, and the Red Devils will now look to transfer their domestic form to the European stage.

We should see Ten Hag make a few changes to his side for the visit of Real Sociedad, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all in line to start. That could disrupt United’s rhythm a little, while Real Sociedad will look to keep things tight away from home. Three of the Spanish side’s four games this season have featured fewer than 2.5 goals, so that could be a smart selection here.

Selection: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.04

Lazio v Feyenoord

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Lazio have not had the smoothest start to the 2022/23 campaign in Italy, winning only two of their first five matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 2-1 home defeat by Napoli, while Maurizio Sarri’s side have conceded in 80 per cent of their games up to now.

Feyenoord, then, will arrive at the Stadio Olimpico believing they can pick up a positive result. The Dutch outfit have collected 13 points from a possible 15 in the Eredivisie and look to be in good shape going into matchday one of the Europa League. Back Feyenoord to avoid defeat in Rome.

Selection: Feyenoord or draw @ 1.81

Recommended trades

Zurich vs Arsenal: Arsenal to win to nil @ 2.36
Ludogorets Razgrad vs Roma: Roma and under 3.5 goals @ 2.32
PSV vs Bodo/Glimt: PSV to win both halves @ 2.96
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.04
Lazio vs Feyenoord: Feyenoord or draw @ 1.81