Europa League Wednesday Tips: Back 2/1 Sunderland on big night & 9/2 Milan against Benfica

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Back Sunderland to beat AZ Alkmaar in Wednesday's Europa League tips

Paul Higham has Wednesday's Europa League tips including a [2/1] bet on Sunderland in their long-awaited return to Europe and a [9/2] shout for Benfica's trip to Milan.


Ararat v Sparta Tip - Back a 6/42.50 Sparta success

Click here for Ararat-Aermenia v Sparta Prague odds
17:45 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 3 & HBO Max

We kick-off with the first Armenian side to make the main Europa League draw, as Aararat hosts Sparta Prague as 4/15.00 home underdogs - they're playing their European games at a neautral venue which will negate some of the home advantage.

Sparta have been dodgy domestically this season especially away from home, but they're a Champions League qualifier team this year, and beat Ararat 2-1 here last year in Conference League qualifying so I'd expect something similar.

There's not been too many goals in games for either side recently with six of Ararat's last eight going under 2.5, but we'll take 3.5 as the mark in a Sparta win to cover a repeat of last year.


Omonia v Celta Tip - Spaniards too good in Cyprus

Click here for Omonia v Celta Vigo odds
17:45 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 4 & HBO Max

Celta Vigo head to Cyprus as they look to better last season's quarter-final in the Europa League, but they've started the season poorly and are winless in six in Spain. This looks a good chance to break that duck though as Omonia typically struggle in the main draw - losing all six in their last appearance four years ago.

Celta have a tough draw so need to start with three points and the trends bodes well - they've scored in 14 of their past 15 Europa League games while Omonia have conceded 2+ goals five times in six home games in the main draw. At only just odds-against we'll back the Spaniards.


Sunderland v AZ Tip - Back Black Cats for 2/13.00 victory

Click here for Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar odds
20:00 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 1 & HBO Max

Sunderland's big night should be a cracker at the Stadium of Light, where they're 4/61.67 to win their first European game in 53 years. AZ are in their eighth straight European season so hold the experience advantage and have won five of six in an unbeaten start to the season. At 18/54.60 they're no mugs.

AZ lost four away games in Europe last season though and seven of the last eight against English sides, and given the way Sunderland play with a defensive mindset and what will be a thunderous atmosphere I don't think the Dutch side will cope. A hard-fought home win looks the bet.


Milan v Benfica Tip - Ramos to haunt former club in 9/25.50 Bet Builder

Click here for AC Milan v Benfica odds
20:00 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 2 & HBO Max

Two European big guns clash in Milan with 23/103.30 Benfica riding a seven-game win streak in an already busy season with 12 games played thanks to an early start in qualifying. Home side Milan, 11/102.11 to win, are unbeaten in four, drawing the last two, with Ruben Amorim knowing all about Benfica from his Sporting days.

Both teams have scored in seven of the last 10 for Milan's European games and Benfica in all competitions, while the visitors have scored 3+ goals eight times in 11 so expect goals. And expect one of them for Milan's Goncalo Ramos against his former side.


Anderlecht v Lyon Tip - French side to prosper

Click here for Anderlecht v Lyon odds
20:00 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 4 & HBO Max

Anderlecht blew through qualifying with five wins in six, scoring 3+ goals in their three home wins - but while their home record is generally good they struggle on the step up to main draw games, winning just two of nine.

Lyon lost out to Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying but they're unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and they've been handy away from home in these group stages games, winning eight of 11 so expect them to add to that run and take out their Champions League frustrations on the Belgians.


Leverkusen v Celje Tip - Schick too slick for Slovenians

Click here for Bayer Leverkusen v NK Celje odds
20:00 kick-off
Live on TNT Sports 3 & HBO Max

Bayer are big 1/91.11 favourites here against Slovenian champions Celje as they've recently been too good for the Europa League - playing in the Champions League the last two seasons since making the Europa League final in 2024.

They won all three home group games that season scoring 4+ goals in each, and they should really make smooth progress this time too. In last season's UCL their home games averaged 4.5 goals per match. Celje have zero clean sheets in seven with 2+ goals conceded in four so it really doesn't bode well for them.

Patrik Schick has scored in every game for Leverkusen so far so he can benefit the most, and with his team so short in the betting backing him for a brace looks the best value.


Now read all the rest of our football betting tips


Recommended bets

Back Sunderland win to nil @ 2/13.00

Back Milan win & both teams to score, Ramos anytime scorer @ 9/25.50

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