With domestic leagues across Europe now in full swing, it’s time to turn attention to the cup competitions.
The Champions League kicked off last week; this week the UEFA Europa League takes center stage.
Below are our top Matchday 1 games with quick predictions.
Note: most fixtures are on Thursday, but some are on Wednesday this week.
Nice vs Roma — Wednesday
The opening round often brings cagey affairs as clubs try not to fall behind early.
Nice have been inconsistent out of the gate at 2–3, while Roma have won four of their last five (one loss, one draw).
Roma’s last four have all finished 1–0, suggesting goals could be at a premium.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals.
Prediction: Nice 1–1 Roma
^UEFA Europa League Odds provided by MyBookie
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Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest — Wednesday
Arguably the pick of Wednesday’s slate.
Betis ride momentum after a 3–1 LaLiga win and are typically tough at home.
Forest, coming off a managerial shake-up and struggling for form, could be vulnerable on the road.
Expect chances for the hosts and an open game flow.
Prediction: Real Betis 3–1 Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa vs Bologna — Thursday
Villa’s start has been rocky (three points from five in the league) relative to top-four expectations, but a positive European result can reset the narrative.
Bologna are coming off a win, yet away fixtures have been an Achilles’ heel.
Tight margins, slight edge to the home side.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1–0 Bologna
Stuttgart vs Celta Vigo — Thursday
Bundesliga vs LaLiga ties rarely disappoint.
Stuttgart have won two of their last three, including a 2–0 at the weekend.
Celta’s last five have all finished 1–1, making the draw tempting—but the lean is to the hosts in a close contest.
Prediction: Stuttgart 2–1 Celta Vigo
^| Fixture | Day | Pick / Angle | Score Pred. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice vs Roma | Wed | Under 2.5 | 1–1 |
| Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest | Wed | Betis win / Over lean | 3–1 |
| Aston Villa vs Bologna | Thu | Villa win (low-scoring) | 1–0 |
| Stuttgart vs Celta Vigo | Thu | Stuttgart win (close) | 2–1 |
Lines and schedules may change; check your sportsbook for the latest markets.
^ TopWE ARE BACK THIS WEEK #UEL pic.twitter.com/ETTRWN67EL
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 22, 2025
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About the Author
Henry Watkins is a Sports Writer at MyBookie. Originally from Scotland and currently residing in Metro Atlanta with his wife Penny, Henry covers a range of topics, including competitive and professional sports as well as sports business. In addition to his sports writing, he is also an author of horror fiction, with works such as Karaoke Night, Crueller, and Off The Grid.
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