The Europa League returns this week for its final round of fixtures in the calendar year, with Matchday 6 promising exciting encounters. As the league phase edges toward its conclusion, some top European clubs will be vying for crucial points in their bids to advance to the knockout rounds.
Among the British teams in action, Manchester United will aim to bounce back from two consecutive Premier League defeats when they visit Czech side Viktoria Plzen. Meanwhile, Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur will meet at Ibrox in a highly anticipated clash between two sides looking to secure their places in the next stage of the competition.
In addition to these British sides, other major teams like Roma, Ajax, Lyon, and Porto will also be in action, each with varying levels of urgency to secure qualification. Below are the predictions for the Thursday fixtures, based on current form and team strength.
Thursday 12 December: Europa League Fixtures and Predictions
17:45 GMT Kick-offs
Eight matches will take place at 17:45 GMT, with several key sides looking to secure their places in the next phase. Here are the fixtures and our predictions for each game.
| Fixture | Kick-off time (GMT) | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Hoffenheim vs FCSB | 17:45 | 1-1 |
| Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar | 17:45 | 0-1 |
| Malmo vs Galatasaray | 17:45 | 1-3 |
| Olympiacos vs Twente | 17:45 | 2-0 |
| PAOK vs Ferencvaros | 17:45 | 1-2 |
| Roma vs Braga | 17:45 | 2-1 |
| Union Saint-Gilloise vs Nice | 17:45 | 2-0 |
| Viktoria Plzen vs Man Utd | 17:45 | 1-2 |
Key Matches in Focus
Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United
Manchester United, fresh from back-to-back Premier League defeats, travel to Czechia to face Viktoria Plzen. The Red Devils will be keen to bounce back and secure a top-eight finish in the league phase to ensure automatic qualification to the knockout stages. Despite their recent struggles, United has the quality to overcome Plzen, and with players returning from injury, they are expected to come away with a 2-1 victory.
Malmo vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray have been in excellent form in the Europa League, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition so far. The Turkish side will be aiming to extend their strong run as they face Malmo in Sweden. With players like Victor Osimhen and Dries Mertens leading the charge, Galatasaray will likely prove too strong for Malmo, who will struggle to contain their attacking threat. Prediction: Galatasaray 3-1.
Roma vs Braga
Roma, under the management of Claudio Ranieri, are looking to continue their positive momentum following a win in Serie A. They host Portuguese side Braga, who have had an underwhelming start to their European campaign. While Braga may prove tricky, Roma’s experience in European competitions should be enough to see them through to a 2-1 win.
PAOK vs Ferencvaros
This clash sees PAOK take on Ferencvaros in what is expected to be a competitive match. However, Ferencvaros, with their strong attacking options, could edge past the Greek side, making it 2-1 in favor of the visitors.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Nice
Union Saint-Gilloise have been solid in their Europa League campaign so far, and they will host a Nice side that has struggled in Europe. With home advantage, Union Saint-Gilloise is favored to secure a 2-0 win in this matchup.
20:00 GMT Kick-offs
The evening will also see several key fixtures at 20:00 GMT, with some of Europe’s top clubs in action.
| Fixture | Kick-off time (GMT) | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax vs Lazio | 20:00 | 2-2 |
| Bodo/Glimt vs Besiktas | 20:00 | 2-1 |
| Elfsborg vs Qarabag | 20:00 | 3-2 |
| Lyon vs Eintracht Frankfurt | 20:00 | 2-2 |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv vs RFS | 20:00 | 3-0 |
| Porto vs Midtjylland | 20:00 | 2-0 |
| Rangers vs Tottenham | 20:00 | 2-2 |
| Real Sociedad vs Dynamo Kyiv | 20:00 | 3-0 |
| Slavia Prague vs Anderlecht | 20:00 | 0-1 |
Key Matches in Focus
Rangers vs Tottenham Hotspur
One of the most exciting matches of the day, Rangers will face Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox. Both teams are hoping to secure their passage to the knockout rounds, and this British showdown promises to deliver a high-stakes affair. Spurs have been in poor form lately, and Rangers will be eager to take advantage of that, especially with the support of their passionate home crowd. However, Tottenham’s quality may prevent them from losing, and a 2-2 draw seems likely.
Ajax vs Lazio
Ajax, currently in strong form, face a tough challenge in Lazio. With both teams having a chance to top the group, this match will be crucial. Ajax’s home advantage should give them the edge, but Lazio are a strong side in their own right. Expect an entertaining, high-scoring draw, with both teams likely to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Porto vs Midtjylland
Porto are in desperate need of a victory to keep their hopes of advancing alive. They face Midtjylland, a team that has struggled in the competition. Porto’s experience and strength in European competitions should see them secure a comfortable 2-0 victory at home.
Real Sociedad vs Dynamo Kyiv
Real Sociedad will take on Dynamo Kyiv in what should be a straightforward win for the Spanish side. With Dynamo Kyiv yet to pick up a point in the group, Real Sociedad is heavily favored to win this encounter 3-0.
Conclusion
Matchday 6 of the Europa League promises to be an exciting conclusion to the year, with several top clubs battling it out to secure their places in the knockout rounds. From Manchester United’s attempt to bounce back to Rangers and Tottenham’s all-British clash, the action is set to be fast-paced and unpredictable. With several teams still fighting for top spots in their respective groups, every match will be crucial in determining the teams that will progress to the next stage of the competition.
