Europa League Predictions - 22 October, Matchday 3

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 52 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 52 minutes ago

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Jagiellonia to exploit Anderlecht’s two-match European losing streak.
Besiktas to edge a lively contest against struggling Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth to maintain their perfect Europa League start against Milan.
Salzburg backed to win to nil against goal-shy Celje.

Besiktas have scored 7 goals in their first 2 Europa League matches (Getty Images).

Europa League Predictions - Thursday, 22 October

Europa League Predictions - Thursday, 22 October
Jagiellonia Białystok vs Anderlecht
Besiktas vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs AC Milan
Celje vs Salzburg

Jagiellonia Białystok vs Anderlecht

Jagiellonia have given themselves fresh hope with a 3-1 Europa League victory over Ararat-Armenia, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Olympiacos. The Polish side have nevertheless been inconsistent domestically, making home advantage particularly important.

Anderlecht are under pressure after losing 2-1 to Lyon and 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb, leaving them without a point after two European games. The visitors remain narrow market favourites but have scored only once in the tournament this season. Jagiellonia's confidence should be higher after last week's win and the home crowd could help them spring an upset.

Besiktas vs Crystal Palace

Besiktas are one of the Europa League's early pace-setters after defeating Marseille 4-1 and winning 3-2 at Hoffenheim. Seven goals across those two victories underline their attacking ambition and the Istanbul atmosphere should be another advantage.

Crystal Palace began with an impressive 4-0 win against Lech Poznan, but were beaten 3-2 at Lyon and then lost 5-0 to Brighton in the Premier League. The London club have therefore conceded eight goals in their last two matches across all competitions and have lost three of their last four matches.

Palace have the quality to respond with a goal, although Besiktas look well positioned to edge an open encounter.

Bournemouth vs AC Milan

Bournemouth are thriving on their first Europa League adventure, following a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad with a 3-0 home success against Sturm Graz. Evanilson, Rayan and Alvaro Rodriguez scored in the latter victory to give the Cherries a timely lift. Their domestic campaign has been less convincing, although they beat Sunderland 2-0 on Sunday in the Premier League.

AC Milan answered a 2-0 defeat to Benfica by thrashing Salzburg 4-0 away from home, with teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse scoring a hat-trick. Both attacks have recent European goals behind them but the Vitality Stadium has already proved a formidable venue and Bournemouth get a narrow vote.

Celje vs Salzburg

Celje have endured a difficult start to the Europa League after losing 2-0 at Leverkusen and 3-0 at home to Omonia. They have yet to score in the league phase and to add insult to injury Sunday's domestic visit to Maribor ended 0-0. They have netted just once in their last five matches in all competitions.

Salzburg have also had their confidence tested with a 4-0 home defeat against AC Milan coming hot on the heels of a narrow 1-0 Europa League victory at Levski Sofia. Both clubs are in urgent need of a positive result but Salzburg's greater continental pedigree and Celje's inability to find a European goal favour the Austrians.

Backing the visitors to win without conceding provides a much more attractive price than the straight result and is a solid bet considering their four goalless performances in their last five matches.

Verdict

UEFA Europa League

I am backing Jagiellonia and Bournemouth to win, with Besiktas to win but without a clean sheet while Salzburg are back to take a win to nil.

Bournemouth Win

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Jagiellonia Win

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Salzburg Win

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Besiktas Win

Both Teams To Score

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.