Europa League Playoffs
27 August 2026

Europa League Round Preview

The second-leg fixtures of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League play-off round on 27 August decide which 12 clubs advance to the league phase. With several ties practically decided after emphatic first-leg victories and others delicately poised, tactical setups and squad rotation play pivotal roles in this final qualifying hurdle.

Europa League Key Match Analysis

FC Red Bull Salzburg vs Mjällby AIF
Salzburg earned a pragmatic 1–0 away win in Sweden during the first leg. Returning to Red Bull Arena, the Austrian side’s continental experience, high-pressing setup, and depth present too steep a challenge for Mjällby, pointing toward a comfortable home victory.

RSC Anderlecht vs FC Kairat
Anderlecht dismantled Kairat 3–0 in Kazakhstan to essentially seal qualification. Back at Lotto Park, the Belgian squad holds a vast advantage in technical quality and match rhythm, making another dominant performance highly likely.

Lillestrøm SK vs KF Egnatia
After holding firm for a 0–0 draw in Albania, Lillestrøm bring the tie home to Åråsen Stadion. Lillestrøm’s physical style and strong domestic record in European home ties give them the upper hand over an Egnatia side that struggles on the road in Europe.

FK Kauno Žalgiris vs Beşiktaş J.K.
Beşiktaş cruised to a 3–0 win in Istanbul, leaving little doubt about the eventual tie winner. Even if the Turkish club rotates key players to manage fixture density, their individual quality remains vastly superior to Kauno Žalgiris.

Aarhus Gymnastikforening vs S.L. Benfica
Benfica established a firm 3–1 aggregate cushion in Lisbon. Aarhus will be forced to commit numbers forward in Denmark to chase the tie, creating ideal transition scenarios for Benfica’s frontline to punish gaps and secure an away win.

Ferencvárosi TC vs Trabzonspor
Ferencváros scored a crucial 1–0 away victory in Türkiye in what stands as the most high-profile pairing of the play-off round. Returning to Groupama Arena in Budapest, Ferencváros can afford to remain compact and counter-attack. While Trabzonspor hold plenty of attacking firepower and must push for goals, a competitive score draw appears the most probable outcome, sending the Hungarian hosts through on aggregate.

Where to bet on Europa League games?

The best Europa League betting site is bet365:

For new customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.

Europa League predictions & correct score tips

See predictions for all Europa League games this week in the table above.

Tip = a generated prediction based on football statistical data, injury news and betting/analyst consensus:

Home – Home Team to Win

Away – Away Team to Win

Draw – Draw in the game

Forecast Confidence Explained:

Confidence 7–10: Strong statistical and form indicators; widely backed by analysts/odds.

Confidence 4–6: Reasonably supported by form and news, but plausible upsets exist.

Confidence 1–3: More unpredictable or evenly matched games; the lowest conviction.

CS = Correct Score prediction (the most probable).

Learn more:
Statistical Football Predictions

Europa League Odds: Best Betting Sites

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See all Football Predictions