UEFA Europa League 2025-26 Season – Matchday 8: Preview and Predictions

The UEFA Europa League is nearing its end, with the final matchday of Matchday 8 approaching. This has to be one of the best moments in this season so far. It is the last chance for several teams to redeem themselves. For some other teams, it’s a take-it-or-leave-it situation. More than that, some teams cannot change their fate, such as those at the bottom of the table. With a mix of excitement, hope, pessimism, and disappointment, matchday 8 presents a thrilling day of football. In the final matchday of the league phase, every team is poised to win. Hence, Matchday 8 will be unpredictable throughout. So, prepare for Matchday 8 of the UEFA Europa League. We have also given the experts’ analysis and predictions for the games ahead. Read the experts’ UEFA Europa League predictions anywhere and anytime only on Bettingpremier.

UEFA Europa League Previous Matchday Highlights

Fenerbahce vs Aston Villa

Despite being a good team in the Premier League, Aston Villa couldn’t beat Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce dominated in possession and passes. Their game was too strong that Aston Villa’s win was by chance. The English club scored in the 25th minute, the only goal that gave them a decisive advantage. After that, every shot from Fenerbahce was nullified by Aston Villa. More football insights here.

PAOK vs Real Betis

PAOK stumbled Rea Beis in Matchday 7. Their Real Betis attempted more shots than PAOK, but most were without much potential. PAOK easily cracked Real Betis’s defense and scored twice in the second half. Every major sports insight is here.

Roma vs VfB Stuttgart

The Italian side, Roma, clashed with VfB Stuttgart in a serious game that they ultimately dominated. Niccolò Pisilli scored twice in the game, and his final goal was iconic. At the end, the Serie A team won by 2-0, earning a clean sheet.

Upcoming UEFA Europa League Games – Important Fixtures and Predictions

Lyon vs PAOK

Lyon will face PAOK on 29 January 2026, at Lyon’s home venue, Groupama Stadium. This Europa League game starts at 03:00 p.m. ET.

Standings

Lyon leads the table in the 1st position.

PAOK is in the 12th position in the current Europa League season.

Prediction

Lyon’s performance this season was absolutely dominant. The Ligue 1 side is leading the table with a 6-0-1 record and has an above-average record. Emerging player Endrick has significantly boosted the team’s offensive presence. His presence is a single-handed strength to the team. He effectively scores on chances and has a strong defense. Overall, Lyon’s form is formidable enough to block shots. Their defense cannot be breached that easily. This allows them to score relentlessly while still keeping an eye on the defense. PAOK is in 12th place and has no real quality. Their underwhelming performance is a big concern. Facing Lyon on the road might be a challenge for them, as they have a relatively poor offense. PAOK might fail to convert chances, and they may even lose possession. Hence, Lyon is the favorite in the UEFA Champions League game.

Midtjylland vs Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb will visit Midtjylland on 29 January 2026 at MCH Arena. This UEFA Europa League game will start at 03:00 p.m. ET.

Standings

Midtjylland is 4th in the UEFA Europa League standings.

Dinamo Zagreb is ranked 20th in the current standings.

Prediction

Midtjylland is performing well in the current UEFA Europa League season. Their position in the top 5 highlights their solid capabilities. They have one of the potent offenses in the league. In their domestic league, they have scored 48 goals in 18 games. Regarding offense, their creative shot-making skills are a major strength. Their quick, direct passing keeps their ball movement constant and under control. Moreover, the team’s strategic approach is well-rounded. If we look at Dinamo Zagreb, we can see their underwhelming performance in the table. Their scoring front is not efficient. Meanwhile, Midtjylland’s offense is constant and is more reliable. Their consistent offense might easily find ways to penetrate Dinamo Zagreb’s weak defense. Therefore, Midtjylland is expected to win in this clash.

Real Betis vs Feyenoord

Real Betis will welcome Feyenoord on 29 January 2026. This Europa League game will start at 03:00 p.m. ET at Estadio La Cartuja, the home venue for Real Betis.

Standings

Real Betis is 8th in the UEFA Europa League standings.

Feyenoord is 26th in the current Europa League season.

Prediction

Real Betis is riding on the wave of success. They are better at both in La Liga and the Europa League. Their attacking fluidity and tempo will overwhelm their opponents. Tactically, their flexible formation between 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 makes them unpredictable. Players like Marc Roca, Pablo Fornals, and Sofyan Amrabat make up a strong midfield. As a result, they have good ball movement, enabling them to score more effectively. Feyenoord is at the lower end of the table, with a poor performance. Their quality is inferior, and they have conceded more goals than they have scored. Feyenoord’s 2-0-5 record shows they are in an ineffective run, but Real Betis appears solid. The Spanish side’s strategy focuses on pressing early and aggregating goals in a shorter span. This contrasts with Feyenoord’s weak defense. Hence, Rael Betis will easily dominate Feyenoord and will win in this UEFA Europa League game.

LOSC vs SC Freiburg

SC Freiburg will visit LOSC at Stade Pierre Mauroy on 29 January 2026. This UEFA Europa League contest will begin at 03:00 p.m. ET.

Standings

LOSC ranks 21st in the current Europa League standings.

SC Freiburg is 3rd in the 2025-26 season Europa League standings.

Prediction

LOSC is one of the leading teams in the current Ligue 1 season. However, their UEFA Europa League performance is on the lower spectrum. They are significantly lagging behind SC Freiburg. They have won only 3 of 7 matchdays. Although this is average, their squad has a solid technical strength. Their quick-paced ball movement will enable them to keep possession for a long time. As a result, they can score a goal or two in the window. But SC Freiburg, in contrast, shows a solid team capability. Their dominant 5-2-0 record reflects their consistency across games. They remain active in both halves of the game and prefer to play aggressively and defend simultaneously. Strategically, they win possession in the midfield and use their wide players to score. They also focus on nullifying their opponents early in the game. Compared to SC Freiburg, the other team has a better chance of winning.

Aston Villa vs RB Salzburg

Aston Villa enters the clash with RB Salzburg on 29 January 2026 at Villa Park, Birmingham. This UEFA Europa League game will begin at 03:00 p.m. ET.

Standings

Aston Villa is in 2nd place in the current standings.

RB Salzburg is currently ranked 28th in the league.

Prediction

Aston Villa is on a positive momentum with back-to-back wins in both the Europa League and the Premier League. Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s form looks solid. Their recent wins against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle confirm the team’s elite quality. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure is their biggest strength. This allows them to give late comebacks even in hopeless moments. In particular, their home form is a major factor in their chances of winning. In the game, they are known for their increased performance in the second half. On the other hand, RB Salzburg is showing great resilience. RB Salzburg is not even close to Aston Villa’s quality. Their domestic performance was average, and their UEFA Europa League performance is similarly unconvincing. Although they have a younger squad and reliable coordination, their European inconsistency is a deal-breaker. Hence, Aston Villa will beat RB Salzburg.