Europa League Preview: Celta Vigo, Celtic, Aston Villa & Lille Eye Top-Eight Glory

‎European nights return with intense battles across the continent as teams fight for playoff positions, top-eight finishes, and survival in the Europa League League Phase.

‎From Vigo to Glasgow, and from Basel to Bern, Thursday’s fixtures promise drama, momentum swings, and potentially defining results.

‎Celta Vigo vs Bologna: A Tight Battle for the Top Eight

‎Celta Vigo enter this clash in high spirits after pulling off a stunning win away at Real Madrid, a result that confirms the progress they’ve made under Claudio Giráldez.

‎With seven victories from their last ten matches in all competitions, their proactive approach has turned them into one of Spain’s most improved sides.

‎Williot Swedberg’s brace at the Bernabéu showcased the squad’s growing depth, and he may be rewarded with a place in the starting XI.

‎In the Europa League standings, Celta sit just one point ahead of Bologna, with both comfortably in the playoff zone but still needing points to push toward the coveted top eight.

‎Despite a shaky 3-2 defeat at Ludogorets last month, late fightbacks in that game and strong domestic form suggest Celta are gaining resilience.

‎Bologna, meanwhile, has enjoyed a remarkable run of their own under Vincenzo Italiano. Their 4-1 demolition of Salzburg restored momentum, but inconsistency has crept in after a recent loss to Cremonese and a draw with Lazio.

‎Still, with players like Riccardo Orsolini and Jens Odgaard in sharp form, Bologna remain a threat in transition and in the final third.

‎Both teams have enough firepower to cause problems, and their recent results indicate there may be little to separate them.

‎A score draw feels likely, leaving qualification finely poised heading into the final fixtures.

‎Celtic vs Roma: A First-Ever Meeting Loaded with Pressure

‎A new European era begins under Wilfried Nancy, but Celtic face a daunting introduction as Roma arrive at Parkhead with renewed ambitions.

‎Celtic’s 3-1 win away to Feyenoord last month lifted them out of the elimination zone, and the form under interim boss Martin O’Neill had generated optimism.

‎However, Nancy’s debut defeat to Hearts instantly reminded the squad how much work lies ahead.

‎Historically, Celtic have struggled against Italian opposition, and Roma’s visit could continue that trend. The Giallorossi, despite losing two league games in a row, remain one of the Europa League’s most tactically mature sides.

‎Their win over Rangers earlier in the campaign and a crucial victory against Midtjylland have placed them just outside the top eight.

‎Injury issues limit Gasperini’s options in attack, with Artem Dovbyk sidelined, which could force Paulo Dybala into a false-nine role.

‎Even so, Roma’s defensive organisation and midfield control give them a slight edge against a Celtic side still adjusting to a new structure.

‎With a League Cup final looming for the Scots, rotation and focus will be key concerns.

‎Roma appear further along in their development and may edge a tight, tactical contest at Celtic Park.

‎Basel vs Aston Villa: Unai Emery Targets the Top Eight

‎Aston Villa have transformed from early-season uncertainty to genuine European and Premier League contenders.

‎Their dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend extended their winning streak to seven matches and showcased the depth and character Unai Emery has built in the squad.

‎Europa League form has been similarly strong, with Villa sitting joint-top of the 36-team standings.

‎A win in Basel would all but guarantee a top-eight finish, sparing them the playoff round and granting direct passage to the last 16.

‎Basel, however, is a different side at home. St Jakob-Park has become a fortress, with the Swiss club winning seven straight Europa League matches on home soil.

‎Their domestic form has improved as well, and Xherdan Shaqiri continues to be a decisive figure with double-digit goals and assists this season.

‎Villa’s squad rotation may offer opportunities for players like Emiliano Buendia and Donyell Malen to stake their claim, but even a rotated Villa XI carries more quality than most sides in the competition.

‎Basel’s resistance will be strong, but Villa’s form suggests they can break through and claim a valuable victory.

‎Young Boys vs Lille: A Must-Win for the Swiss Champions

‎Young Boys find themselves under increasing pressure after back-to-back defeats and a run of poor defensive performances. They remain just outside the knockout places on goal difference, but form and momentum have dipped at exactly the wrong moment.

Their home record, however, offers hope, with three wins from four Europa League outings at Wankdorf Stadium this season.

‎Lille, meanwhile, arrives in Bern in hot form. A four-match winning streak across all competitions, capped by a 4-0 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb, has reasserted them as contenders both domestically and in Europe.

‎Their defensive solidity, three straight clean sheets, has been particularly impressive.

‎The French side has never lost to Swiss opposition and has yet to concede a goal on Swiss soil. With depth across midfield and attack and a well-organised back line, Lille will feel confident of taking another step toward the top eight.

‎Young Boys are dangerous at home, but Lille’s recent consistency and structure should allow them to control the game and edge a narrow but meaningful victory.