Europa League Tips: Back United and Arsenal to grab crucial wins

Matchday three of the Europa League is almost upon us and the Premier League’s two representatives face important matches. Read on for Greg Lea’s Europa League tips.

Malmo v Union Berlin

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

Union Berlin, not Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich, lead the way in the Bundesliga after eight matches, but they have not yet been able to transfer their domestic form to the international stage. Beaten in both of their Europa League matches to date, Union cannot afford another defeat here.

Malmo also remain pointless so far, although they pushed Union Saint-Gilloise all the way in a 3-2 loss on matchday two. Even so, Union should prove too strong for the Swedish side and finally get off the mark.

Prediction: Union Berlin to win @ 1.98

Sheriff Tiraspol v Real Sociedad

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

A win at Old Trafford last month has put Real Sociedad in control of Group E, with only the team that finishes top guaranteed a place in the round of 16. La Real have made an inconsistent start to the LaLiga season, but a 5-3 victory over Girona at the weekend means they will head into this contest full of confidence.

Sheriff Tiraspol lost 2-0 at home to Manchester United on matchday two and will probably fall to another defeat here. But with Sociedad unable to keep a clean sheet in any of their last four outings, Sheriff should have opportunities to find the net.

Prediction: Real Sociedad to win and both teams to score @ 3.3

Omonia Nicosia v Manchester United

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday

The defeat by Real Sociedad means Manchester United cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to advance to the knockout phase as group winners. They were professional in beating Sheriff Tiraspol last time out and should prove too strong for Omonia Nicosia, even if Erik ten Hag fields a second-string XI following the 6-3 loss to Manchester City on Sunday.

Omonia are the minnows of Group E and, while facing a European giant means this will be a memorable evening for the Cypriot outfit, things are unlikely to go too well on the pitch.

Prediction: Manchester United to win both halves @ 2.42

Arsenal v Bodo/Glimt

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Arsenal’s fantastic start to the 2022/23 season continued at the weekend, as Mikel Arteta’s men registered a deserved 3-1 win in the North London derby. The Premier League leaders saw their scheduled meeting with PSV postponed on matchday two, leaving them a point behind Bodo/Glimt at the top of Group A.

The Norwegian side are not to be underestimated, but Arsenal have the bit between their teeth and it is hard to see them slipping up in this one. Bodo/Glimt will have their work cut out for them against an ever-improving defence.

Prediction: Arsenal to win to nil @ 2.04

Roma v Real Betis

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

This meeting between two of the outright favourites at the Stadio Olimpico is perhaps the highlight of this week’s Europa League schedule. Real Betis have a perfect record up to now, following victories over HJK and Ludogorets Razgrad, whereas Roma only have three points to their name after stumbling against Ludogorets on matchday one.

Jose Mourinho’s side lost 1-0 at home to Atalanta last month, ending a 20-match unbeaten run in front of their own fans. Real Betis will not be fazed by that sort of record, though, and I envisage an entertaining encounter between two teams who will both be going for the win.

Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.06

Europa League matchday three predictions 

Malmo v Union Berlin: Union Berlin to win @ 1.98
Sheriff Tiraspol v Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad to win and both teams to score @ 3.3
Omonia Nicosia v Manchester United: Manchester United to win both halves @ 2.42
Arsenal v Bodo/Glimt: Arsenal to win to nil at 2.04
Roma v Real Betis: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.06