Thursday's Europa League card is dominated by fixtures where recent defensive vulnerabilities and goal-heavy form lines suggest we're in for an open night across the continent—our football predictions today span five ties where momentum, not pedigree, is the primary signal.
1. Beşiktaş v Marseille
Beşiktaş v 
Marseille Beşiktaş arrive at Besiktas Park in considerably stronger shape than their visitors. The hosts have won three of their last five, conceding just 1.0 goal per game over that span while averaging 2.2 at the other end. Marseille, by contrast, are in freefall: one win in five, with a concerning defensive record of 1.6 conceded per game and only 1.4 scored. The form disparity is stark.
The absence of head-to-head history means we're reading this purely on current trajectory and the underlying numbers. Beşiktaş's attacking rhythm—2.2 per game—meets a Marseille backline that has been consistently breached. The hosts' recent defensive solidity, meanwhile, should frustrate a Marseille side that has struggled to generate chances (1.4 scored per game).
Conditions in Istanbul on Thursday will be clear at 19°C, ideal for fluid football and neither team carrying weather excuses. This is a straightforward matchup where one side is in ascent and the other in descent. The underlying metrics point to a tie where goals are likely to flow, particularly from the Beşiktaş end.
See our full breakdown on the board.
2. Celtic v Ferencvarosi TC
Celtic v 
Ferencvarosi TC - 2021-11-04: Ferencvarosi TC 2-3 Celtic
- 2021-10-19: Celtic 2-0 Ferencvarosi TC
- 2020-08-26: Celtic 1-2 Ferencvarosi TC
This is the standout narrative of the evening: Ferencvarosi arrive at Celtic Park having won four of their last five matches and shipping just 0.6 goals per game—a defensive record that ranks among the best on Thursday's slate. They've also scored 3.6 per game over that run, suggesting a side in complete control of their performances.
Celtic's form is respectable (three wins in five) but the head-to-head record provides the sharpest lens. These sides have met three times recently and averaged 3.3 goals per game across those fixtures. The 2021 meetings produced a 2–3 and a 2–0, while 2020 saw a 1–2 defeat for Celtic at home. The pattern is tight, competitive football with multiple goals; none of the three encounters was a blowout.
Ferencvarosi's defensive discipline this season—0.6 conceded per game—represents a marked upgrade on recent history and suggests they've learned from those earlier encounters. At Celtic Park in overcast conditions (13°C), the visitors' solidity will be tested, but their attacking potency (3.6 scored per game) gives them genuine threat on the counter. Celtic have won on home soil against this opponent, but Ferencvarosi's current form and defensive shape make them a serious proposition.
Our detailed read is waiting for you.
3. Juventus v NEC Nijmegen
Juventus v 
NEC Nijmegen Juventus face a NEC Nijmegen side in considerable distress. The visitors have won just one of their last five matches and conceded 2.4 goals per game—a leaky record that will concern even a Juventus side showing mixed form themselves (one loss, one draw among five recent games). Juventus have won three of five and maintained a disciplined 0.8 goals-conceded average.
What stands out is the gulf in defensive vulnerability. Nijmegen have shipped 2.4 per game; Juventus have conceded 0.8. Juventus have scored 1.6 per game, which may not sound prolific, but it's nearly double Nijmegen's 1.2. The numerical imbalance is significant. With no head-to-head history to guide us, we're reading a tie shaped entirely by current performance levels: a home side on solid ground facing visitors whose defensive fragility is a glaring weakness.
At the Allianz Stadium in Turin under overcast skies (22°C), Juventus will control possession and expect to exploit Nijmegen's exposed backline. Nijmegen's attacking average of 1.2 per game suggests they'll struggle to trouble Juventus defensively. However, Juventus themselves have shown they're capable of conceding (0.8 per game is respectable, not airtight), which means Nijmegen may find moments in transition.
The full picture is available on our site.
4. Levski Sofia v Red Bull Salzburg
Levski Sofia v 
Red Bull Salzburg Red Bull Salzburg are running hot: four wins in five recent games, averaging 3.2 goals scored per game with an impressive 0.6 conceded. This is a side in rhythm, and their attacking potency is the highest on Thursday's slate. Levski Sofia, meanwhile, offer a more modest profile—three wins in five with 1.6 scored and 1.2 conceded per game.
The key tension is whether Levski can leverage home advantage and defensive solidity (1.2 conceded) to frustrate Salzburg's free-flowing attack. No head-to-head history exists, so we assess only current form and the conditions. At the National Stadium Vasil Levski in Sofia under mainly clear skies (24°C), a tight pitch may theoretically suit the hosts, but Salzburg's recent form suggests they're capable of breaking down most defences through intensity and pace.
Salzburg's 0.6 goals-conceded record is exceptional and implies they've been dominant in recent weeks. Levski have conceded 1.2 per game, which is respectable but not exceptional—they're vulnerable to the kind of attacking rugby Salzburg excel at. The visitors' 3.2 per game is a significant attacking advantage. Levski will need to be compact and ruthless on the counter, and their recent wins suggest they have the mentality for it, but Salzburg's current trajectory is steep.
Read our full analysis in detail.
5. OFI v 1899 Hoffenheim
OFI v 
1899 Hoffenheim OFI arrive at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion as the in-form side on paper. Three wins and a draw in their last five games, with just 0.4 goals conceded per game—an exceptional defensive record that ranks among the best performances across Thursday's card. They've scored 1.4 per game, which is modest but efficient given their water-tight defence.
Hoffenheim present a more volatile profile: one win, two losses, and a draw in five recent outings. They've conceded 1.8 per game and scored 2.4, suggesting a side prone to open, attacking football but also capable of defensive lapses. OFI's 0.4 conceded per game is a stark contrast to Hoffenheim's 1.8. No head-to-head record exists, so we're reading pure current form.
At the Pankritio in partly cloudy conditions (22°C), OFI's defensive solidity will be their principal asset. Hoffenheim arrive as the more dangerous attacking unit (2.4 per game versus OFI's 1.4), but they'll face a side that has been remarkably difficult to break down. OFI's recent form—especially their goal-conceding average—suggests they're organized and disciplined. The question is whether their modest 1.4 scored per game is enough to punish a Hoffenheim side that creates chances but also gives them up. This shapes as a test of OFI's defensive discipline against Hoffenheim's attacking variability.
Our complete assessment is on the board.