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EL and ECL Predictions – Matchday 2

Outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Matchday 2 of the Thursday night competitions brings important games for the Scottish sides, both Rangers and Celtic losing their opening Europa League fixtures.

The English teams fared slightly better, Leicester and Tottenham drawing in the Europa League and Europa Conference League respectively, and West Ham picking up a great win in Croatia.

Europa League

Sparta Prague vs Rangers (Group A)

Not quite the same dominant force as last season, it is a credit to Rangers that they still sit top of the Scottish Premiership, winning four of their last five games.

Steven Gerrard’s side endured a tough opening game in this year’s competition, however, losing 2-0 at home to 2020 Champions League semi-finalists Lyon.

As such, they will be looking to get their campaign kickstarted in Prague.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

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Legia Warsaw vs Leicester (Group C)

Leicester need a result in Poland, both for their confidence after a slow start to the season and to ensure they keep pace with Napoli in Group C.

Legia, who won their opening fixture at Spartak Moscow, will prove tricky opponents.

Leicester should still have more than enough quality to beat them, a result that would ensure the Foxes but the disappointment of losing a two-goal lead on Matchday 1 behind them.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

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Napoli vs Spartak Moscow (Group C)

Napoli have started this season superbly, winning all six of their games to sit top of Serie A.

They were also good value for their 2-2 draw at Leicester on Matchday 1, creating several great chances but being wasteful in their finishing.

As such, they should put Spartak Moscow to the sword in Naples.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0

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Celtic vs Bayer Leverkusen (Group G)

After defeat to Real Betis on Matchday 1, Celtic need to avoid defeat if they want to have any chance of progressing through to the knockout stages.

New manager Ange Postecoglou also needs a result to quash rumours about his own future, more and more Celtic fans questioning him after seeing their side drop points in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend.

It will be a tough game against Leverkusen, however, the German side second only to Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

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West Ham vs Rapid Vienna (Group H)

What a result West Ham had in Zagreb on Matchday 1.

A tricky place to go, the Hammers dominated their opponents as if they were seasoned European competitors.

Back at the London Stadium for Matchday 2, David Moyes’ side will fancy their chances of an even better result against Rapid Vienna.

SCORE PREDICTION: 4-1

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Europa Conference League

Tottenham vs NS Mura (Group G)

With some Tottenham fans already questioning new boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment, Tottenham need both a result and a performance against Slovenian side NS Mura.

Dreadful in the North London derby at the weekend, they can ill-afford another poor showing.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0

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