Europa League Predictions - 17 September 2025, Matchday 1

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 40 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 40 minutes ago

Share this article

In-form Celtic to beat Ferencvaros with both teams to score.
Real Sociedad and Bournemouth to battle out a draw.
Royale Union’s strong form to continue with a strong away win.
Lillestrom’s dodgy home form to open the door for Torreense to share the points.

Celtic have won all six of their matches in the Scottish Premier League this season (Getty Images).

Celtic vs Ferencvaros

Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership after six wins from six, with 14 goals scored to three, so they shouldn’t hold much fear for their Hungarian visitors. They lost 3-0 in the League Cup away to fellow Scottish powerhouse Rangers but that’s no reflection on their ability to see off Ferencvaros.

Ferencvaros actually have a decent record against Celtic, beating them in their first meeting in 2020 before a pair of close defeats in 2021. They have scored 18 goals in their last five matches so I’m backing a home win with both teams to score.

Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth

Real pulled off a 2-1 win over Bournemouth when they first met in 2022, with the teams sharing the points in their next two matches in 2025. Bournemouth were unlucky to lose to Man City in their opener but have only managed draws in their last three matches in the League. They don’t have a win in their last four matches on the road.

Real have won just one of their last five home matches and have been goalless in three of those matches. Their two La Liga losses have been against two of the strongest sides in the league, losing 4-1 to Real Madrid and 3-0 to Atlético Madrid. They have seven points from their other three matches, but this looks set for a stifling, low-scoring draw.

Plzen vs Royale Union SG

Royale Union are top of the Belgium league with five wins from six and 19 goals to three, while Czech side Plzen have won just eight of their league matches.

Plzen are low on form, with just one win in four matches while Royale Union have four wins from five on the road and have won their last four matches with a goal spread of 14-2, with three clean sheets. Plzen have scored 20 goals in their last 10 matches with just two goalless matches, so this is stacking up as an away with with both sides to score.

Lillestrom vs Torreense

Lillestrom have won four of their last five matches and have just one defeat in seven. In their last three matches they’ve scored seven goals to one and have 17 goals in their last 10 home matches.

Torreense have just one win in their last seven matches on the road, failing to score in three of those matches. They’ve only picked up one win in their last nine matches but have toughed out five draws. With Lillestrom’s home form reading W5 L5 I’m backing this one to end all square.

Verdict

UEFA Europa League

I’m backing Celtic to beat Ferencvaros and Plzen to go down to Royale Union, while Real Sociedad and Bournemouth look likely to share the points, as do Lillestrom and Torreense.

Celtic Win

Both Teams To Score

@2,95 - 2 Units

up to R15,000 + 100 Spins

use referral code BETS

Join ReadySetBet with promo code BETS and unlock their deposit bonus up to R15000 across the first three deposits + 100 no deposit spins. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Ready Set Bet

Real Sociedad

Draw Result

@3,60 - 1 Unit

Get up to R1500 (for 1st 6 bets)

use promo code BETS

18+. T&Cs apply. The Pantherbet promo code is BETS.

Bet at Pantherbet

Royale Union Win

Both Teams To Score

@4,40 - 1 Unit

Get 100% up to R5 000

for your first deposit

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet

Lillestrom Draw

Result

@4,50 - 1 Unit

Get up to R15,000 + 50 spins

100% First Deposit Bonus

Earn up to R15,000 in bonus funds PLUS 50 Free Spins when you first deposit. To get started, register and make your First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R15,000 paid out as cash in 10 equal parts as you meet the wagering requirements. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet