English
Matchday 1 of the Europa League will start on Wednesday of this week and carry on over into Thursday.
This is somewhat uncommon, as this tournament has traditionally been played on Thursdays.
If you are not quite sure what this tournament is all about, it is one that is reserved for teams that finished in the top 3 or 4 in their respective European domestic leagues.
The champions of those leagues, of course, make their way into the Champions League.
While this may make you look at the Europa League as a secondary competition, be aware that the winner goes into the Champions League, with all the riches it delivers, next season, so this is a much sought-after prize.
Yesterday, we predicted the outcomes of some Matchday 1 games, so now let’s get into who might win it.
A Brief History of the Europa League
This tournament began in 1959 and was formerly known as the UEFA Cup, changing to the Europa League in the 2009/10 season.
Under the current setup, Sevilla has proven to be the most successful team, winning it 5 times, but it is teams from the English premier League who tend to make a big mark, either winning it all or losing in the final.
Last year, we had an all EPL Final, with Tottenham beating Manchester United.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the favorites to win it this season.
^UEFA Europa League Odds provided by MyBookie
Current Odds to Win the Europa League
Given the history of this tournament, it is perhaps no real surprise that we have an English team as the favorite, but let’s take a quick look at the top 4 on the bookies board:
Aston Villa +600
After watching Villa last season, you would have been excused for immediately placing a wager on them to win this tournament this year.
That does not look like such a safe bet at the moment, though, as Villa are off to a dreadful start in the EPL, sitting in the bottom 3 after 5 games.
I have every confidence in them moving out of that spot and up the table, but it still makes them a very risky bet.
I would adopt a wait and see attitude with them.
Roma +800
Roma last made it to the Europa League Final in 2023, losing to Sevilla in that one, but they are once again seen as a threat to make a deep run this time around.
They went to the semis in 2024, and the Round of 16 last season, so they do have a solid history in this tournament.
Looking at the lineup of teams this season, Roma looks like a very good bet to me.
Real Betis +900
If you are going to focus on watching any team in this tournament, I might suggest that you keep an eye on real Betis.
They always seem to be involved in games with a lot of scoring, and while they are great on the attack, they can be inept at the back.
Those defensive issues might hurt them in the long run, but they are good value at these odds.
Nottingham Forest +900
The biggest question mark with Forest, who have some real European pedigree, is that they look like a team in turmoil at the moment.
They have already changed managers this season and have an owner who is more than a little controversial.
Off field drama seldom goes hand in hand with on field success.
^The Europa League kicks off today alongside the continuation of the EFL and LaLiga! ⚽⁰Here’s your full roundup of today’s fixtures.
— The Shinguards (@shinguardss) September 24, 2025
Who are you backing to grab the win? pic.twitter.com/pWMnfsp5iL
Bet On UEFA Europa League Today!
Xbet UEFA Europa League this Week Betting Odds for the 2025 Season
Favorites in the UEFA Europa League Today
Get Rewarded for your Loyalty with Exclusive Bonuses and Weekly Cash Rakeback with Xbet Sportsbook
Love betting sports? | Xbet.ag offers up to date Sports Betting Odds and Lines
