Europa League Predictions 2023/24: Gameweek 2 Picks

As well as covering this week's second round of Champions League fixtures, we've examined five British teams in action across the Europa League and Europa Conference League, providing you with our predictions for each of their Gameweek 2 matches.

Limassol vs Rangers

• Thursday 5th October, 5:45pm, TNT Sports 3

In the wake of Michael Beale's sacking at Ibrox, Rangers have a far from simple visit to Cyprus to grapple with. As we already know, 5:45pm European kick-offs can provide some shocking results, and that's exactly what we're expecting the Scots to be on the receiving end of on Thursday.

Limassol ran Sparta Prague close away from home in GW1, narrowly losing 3-2 despite taking the lead and converting a late penalty. With three losses from seven in the league already for Rangers, tensions are high which make this the perfect storm for the Cypriots to cause an upset on their home turf.

Luke Hamilton's Prediction: Limassol 1-0 Rangers

Freiburg vs West Ham

• Thursday 5th October, 5:45pm, TNT Sports 2

David Moyes's job was the subject of much scrutiny last season as the Hammers flailed domestically and were almost involved in the relegation dogfight. European Conference League football proved a welcome respite for the veteran Scot and his side and in the end their late win in the final is a moment no Iron will ever forget.

This European fairytale run has proven to be a catalyst for a rapid start to the 2023/24 season, with West Ham sitting pretty in the upper echelons of the Premier League despite losing talisman Declan Rice to London rivals Arsenal. Their prize for the 2023 Europa Conference League win was of course a spot in the Europa League and they are in a belting group of strong teams, but after the start to the season they have enjoyed they'll fancy their chances away in Germany.

Freiburg sit mid-table in the Bundesliga and although they should be a stern test and can get on the scoresheet, I fancy the Hammers to take a big three points on their road to knockout qualification.

Billy Grimshaw's Prediction: Freiburg 1-3 West Ham

Marseille vs Brighton

• Thursday 5th October, 5:45pm, TNT Sports 1

Punters had their fingers burnt on Matchday 1 as Brighton were turned over on home soil by AEK Athens when priced at just 2/9 in the match result market. After their 6-1 defeat to Villa it doesn’t look wise to get behind Brighton here as they look to get to grips with playing twice a week. Despite Marseille being winless in their last five matches, the French side managed a 3-3 draw away at Ajax two weeks ago to get their Europa League campaign underway and siding with goals in this fixture looks the wise move here.

Brighton have conceded in every Premier League fixture so far this season and across their last seven in all competitions there has been an average of 4.74 goals scored. Marseille have also featured in some high-scoring affairs in recent weeks, with 15 goals featuring in their last three.

Anthony Eadson's Prediction: Marseille 2-2 Brighton

Liverpool vs Union Saint-Gilloise

• Thursday 5th October, 8pm, TNT Sports 1/Ultimate

Liverpool have been involved in their fair share of entertaining and - cough - controversial matches this season. Goals have been a key theme to date, highlighted through both teams to score coming to fruition in nine of their 10 fixtures in all competitions, including their come-from-behind 3-1 away to LASK last month.

Goals have also been a common occurrence in Union SG games, nine of which have been witnessed in their last two encounters. The Reds should be too strong on home soil with a sixth 3-1 win of the season - yes, sixth - standing out at 10/1 with William Hill.

Jack Kitson's Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Union Saint-Gilloise

Aston Villa vs Zrinjski

• Thursday 5th October, 8pm, TNT Sports 2

Aston Villa are red-hot favourites to beat Zrinjski on Thursday night, but Unai Emery's men will be under pressure having lost their first Europa League Conference match. However, with home advantage the Premier League outfit can steamroll their Bosnian rivals as they are fresh from a stunning 6-1 win over Brighton and the West Midlands side can storm to a 4-1 win.

Steve Chambers' Prediction: Aston Villa 4-1 Zrinjski