Midtjylland vs Royale Union SG prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-23 16:45.
[p]Midtjylland endured a miserable weekend domestically, falling to a 3-2 defeat on the road to Sønderjyske and as a consequence, they failed to snatch away top spot from Copenhagen. Even despite that loss, the home side’s early season form has highlighted them as a title challenger once again in their league (W7, D3, L2), a competition they won in 2023/24 which saw them qualify for European football this term.[/p]
[p]They did fall during Champions League qualification to begin this campaign, but their time in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase has proved to be much more enjoyable. After a draw with Hoffenheim on matchday one, the Wolves got the better of Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 for their first away win in the competition since November 2021, which now gives the Danish outfit the chance to win successive matches in the UEL proper for just the third time ever! [/p]
[p]As for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, they were held 0-0 by Gent in league action at the weekend, a result which compounded their mediocre start to the campaign. The Belgian side sit in mid-table back home with their lack of firepower causing their issues – they’ve netted just 11 times in as many league matches this term.[/p]
[p]This latest European outing will likely come as a welcome distraction, especially as Royale Union look to improve upon their measly one-point haul from their opening two UEL matches (D1, L1). Finding a positive reaction here could be easier said than done however, as the Belgian side are winless across their last six on the road in the main draw of this competition (D3, L3) after emerging victorious in each of their first three such matches back in 2022/23. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Midtjylland’s Franculino has enjoyed playing in Europe so far this season, scoring four goals across eight such matches, including one in his last UEL outing. Mohammed Fuseini has netted three goals for Royale Union SG this term, the last two of which have served as match openers. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Belgian clubs have won 11 of their last 16 trips to face Danish opposition in major European competition (D2, L3).[/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]