UEFA Europa League Predictions Today: UEL Best Bets for September 17

Bournemouth’s start of the season is one of the weirdest I’ve seen. The team is scoring lots of goals and was leading in all four Premier League games so far, ultimately failing to win any of them. The defense simply can’t hold on to a lead and allowed three late equalizers already.

On the bright side, Bournemouth are very dangerous on the other end. They scored at least twice against any team not named Man City so far, so they should be able to create some chances against Real Sociedad today.

The Spanish side has struggled big time, sitting 12th in the Spanish La Liga, with eleven goals conceded in six games. That’s not poor luck either, as Real Sociedad are 16th in the league in xG allowed.

Essentially, we have a team that scores for fun facing an opponent that allows a bunch of big chances. I don’t trust Bournemouth enough to back them for a win away from home, as their defense is questionable as well. However, going over 1.5 goals against such a poor defense at -103 is one of the best Europa League bets today.

Juventus are under huge pressure after losing 3-2 to Sassuolo this Sunday, so the clash versus NEC Nijmegen is an excellent opportunity to bounce back. The Dutch team sits 10th in the Eredivisie and has looked against any competent team faced so far.

NEC are allowing two goals per game on average in their domestic league, and it only gets worse when you look at their results in Europe. They shipped six goals against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League qualifiers, which is the reason they are in the Europa League.

Juventus have the firepower and quality to win this one comfortably. The bookies obviously know that, as the Italian team is -600 for an outright victory. There’s no value in that price, but I see an interesting angle here.

NEC Nijmegen have conceded at least once in the first half in five of their last six games. They are obviously vulnerable early on, while Juventus will be looking for a statement win after getting only one point from the last two Serie A rounds.

That’s why I’m happy to back Juve -1 in the first half at +110. If they deliver the fast start I expect, this game could be over before half time.