The Europa League 2025-26 season is set to kick off this Tuesday evening, creating an air of anticipation and speculation around who might emerge victorious. As the tournament progresses, OneFootball has outlined ten clubs seen as frontrunners for the title. This article will examine their strengths, potential weaknesses, and the overall landscape of this year’s competition.
### Overview of Favorites
#### Aston Villa
Despite a rocky start in the Premier League, currently sitting in 18th place, Aston Villa remains a key contender for the Europa League trophy. Their manager, Unai Emery, is an experienced hand in this competition, boasting four Europa League titles to his name. His tactical expertise could provide the team with the edge they need to navigate both domestic and European challenges. The financial backing of the club allows them to strengthen the squad, making Villa a team to watch as they aim for a more straightforward pathway to the Champions League next season.
#### AS Roma
Another club considered a strong candidate is AS Roma. Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously led the club to victory in the Europa League just two seasons ago by defeating Bayer Leverkusen, Roma brings significant experience to the table. They will aim to leverage that experience, along with a refined gameplay strategy, to advance deep into the tournament.
### The Competitors
#### Real Betis
Real Betis comes into this season as a formidable competitor. After finishing as a finalist in the last Conference League, they look to harness that momentum. With key players, particularly Antony, expected to perform well on the big stage, Betis might find themselves posing serious challenges to more established teams.
#### FC Porto
Always a strong force in European competitions, FC Porto will likely rely on their seasoned players to carry them through the knockout stages. Although they may not be as strong as in previous years, their rich history and experience in the tournament make them dangerous adversaries.
#### Lille
Ranked fourth by Opta for winning the competition, Lille has been gaining valuable experience in Europe. This season, they aim to step up and show that they can compete at the highest level consistently. Though the challenge ahead is considerable, Lille is hungry to prove themselves as a growing force in European football.
### Dark Horses
#### Feyenoord
Feyenoord is another team to consider, especially given their strong performance in last year’s Champions League campaign, where they faced and defeated AC Milan. Their experience against top-tier teams could serve them well in this tournament.
#### Nottingham Forest
After a 30-year absence from European competition, Nottingham Forest aims to make a lasting impression. Newly appointed manager Ange Postecoglou, who has previously led Tottenham to victory in the Europa League, is expected to bring a fresh outlook and drive to the squad. Despite struggles in the league, their determination to make their mark on Europe is palpable.
### Additional Contenders
#### Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais has a storied history in the Europa League and could potentially have ranked higher based on experience alone. However, the squad’s current lack of depth may limit their ambitions, pushing them to focus primarily on domestic competition instead.
#### Stuttgart
Stuttgart is looking to bounce back after the departure of Nick Woltemade to Newcastle. The club’s ability to rally and focus on their Europa League journey will be crucial as they aim to secure a positive outcome.
#### Bologna
Bologna, entering their second season in Europe, comes off a steep learning curve after their experiences in the previous Champions League. Their motivation for revenge in the Europa League could drive them to achieve better results this time around.
### Conclusion
As we approach the commencement of the Europa League 2025-26 season, it’s clear that several clubs have the potential to rise to the occasion and vie for the prestigious trophy. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and Gian Piero Gasperini’s AS Roma stand out as favorites, while teams like Real Betis, FC Porto, and Lille are serious competitors deserving of attention. Additionally, with the intriguing stories of dark horses like Nottingham Forest and Feyenoord, this season promises to deliver excitement, unpredictability, and memorable moments.
Who are your favorites to win the Europa League this year? As the matches unfold, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see which club ultimately claims the title. With a blend of experienced coaches and hungry squads, the 2025-26 edition has all the makings of an unforgettable tournament. Whether it’s established giants or overlooked underdogs, one thing is certain: the journey to the final will be thrilling!
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