Thursday's Europa League predictions including Genk vs. Olympiacos

HJK Helsinki vs. Qarabag (Thursday, 5.00pm)

HJK Helsinki welcome Qarabag FK to the Bolt Arena on Thursday evening as the hosts aim to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their Europa League qualifier.

The Azerbaijani outfit notched a crucial first-leg lead on home soil last week, leaving the Finnish side with plenty of work to do in order to advance.

We say: HJK Helsinki 1-2 Qarabag FK

HJK Helsinki have no choice but to throw everything at Qarabag as they attempt to turn the tie around, but the hosts' attacking approach will likely leave them exposed at the back.

With that in mind, we expect Qarabag to absorb a fair amount of pressure early on before picking their moments to put the contest out of HJK's reach.

Hacken vs. Zalgiris (Thursday, 6.00pm)

Hacken will be looking to extend their two-goal advantage against FK Zalgiris in the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round at Bravida Arena on Thursday evening.

The hosts took the lead in the tie, winning the first leg 3-1 last week, and are now just 90 minutes away from a playoff clash against Scottish side Aberdeen.

We say: Hacken 2-1 FK Zalgiris

While the first leg proved to be a closely-contested encounter, we expect Hacken to control this encounter on their home patch, where they have been very impressive of late. We fancy the visitors will get on the scoresheet but feel it will not be enough to secure a victory.

Breidablik vs. Zrinjski Mostar (Thursday, 6.30pm)

Zrinjski Mostar will be looking to confirm their place in the Europa League playoff round when they travel to Breidablik on Thursday evening.

The Bosnian outfit head into the second leg of this tie having established a 6-2 aggregate lead ahead of their trip to Iceland.

We say: Breidablik 2-2 Zrinjski Mostar (Zrinjski Mostar to win 8-4 on aggregate)

Facing a four-goal deficit, Breidablik have little choice but to go on the offensive from the off in this game. However, that will only provide the visitors with extra space to put the tie out of their hosts' reach, and we expect Zrinjski to cruise over the line.

Ludogorets vs. Astana (Thursday, 7.00pm)

Trailing by a goal from last week's first leg, Ludogorets Razgrad host Kazakh counterparts Astana on Thursday, when the winner of the teams' third qualifying round tie will progress to the Europa League playoffs.

Dutch giants Ajax await either side in the final stage before the competition's group phase, which Ludogorets have reached in every one of the last six years.

We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-0 Astana (Ludogorets win 3-2 on aggregate)

So far this season, Astana have failed to score at the same rate as last term, when they were crowned Kazakh champions. Despite finding the net twice on home soil, Thursday's visitors were shut out twice by Dinamo Zagreb, and if a talented Ludogorets side can keep the back door shut they are sure to overturn their deficit.

BATE vs. Sheriff Tiraspol (Thursday, 7.00pm)

BATE Borisov will attempt to overturn a massive deficit of four goals when they play host to Sheriff Tiraspol in the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday evening.

After winning the first leg 5-1, Sheriff are in a commanding position and have already set one foot in the playoff round, where they will face the winner of the match between KI Klaksvik and Molde.

We say: BATE Borisov 1-2 Sheriff Tiraspol (Sheriff Tiraspol to win 7-2 on aggregate)

Having already secured a comfortable lead, Sheriff will likely look to keep their clean sheet intact for as long as possible, and an early goal for them should bring an end to any lingering hope for the hosts. We fancy BATE to get on the scoresheet in front of their home fans but expect Sheriff to get the better of them once again.

Genk vs. Olympiacos (Thursday, 7.00pm)

Olympiacos make the trip to Belgium to face Genk on Thursday evening looking to hold onto a slender lead in their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

The Greek outfit established a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and will now look to guarantee continental football for 2023-24 in the reverse fixture.

We say: Genk 1-1 Olympiacos (Olympiacos to win 2-1 on aggregate)

Although Genk were able to get back to winning ways at the weekend, it remains to be seen whether their hectic schedule will benefit or hinder them against opponents who have played fewer competitive fixtures. For us, Olympiacos will be well-rested for this game and that could prove to be the difference.

Dnipro-1 vs. Slavia Prague (Thursday, 7.00pm)

Slavia Prague carry a healthy 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League qualifying showdown with Dnipro-1 on Thursday evening.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the second leg will take place in Kosice, Slovakia, with the Czech side firmly in control of the tie.

We say: Dnipro-1 1-3 Slavia Prague

Given that Slavia Prague have won each of their opening five matches this season - scoring 11 goals while keeping three clean sheets - we expect the Red and Whites to notch another straightforward victory over Dnipro-1.