Will a Premier League Club Win the Europa League?

The Premier League will be well represented in the Europa League knockout phase with West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool punching their tickets to the next round. West Ham struggled to light up Group A with a ton of goals, but they secured a spot in the next round courtesy of an excellent defensive record.

David Moyes’ side have conceded just four goals – a record only bettered by Group H winners and Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, whose defence has been breached just twice. West Ham will bank on their defensive resilience heading into the final fixture, where they will take on German outfit SC Freiburg at the London Stadium.

Both sides are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stage, but they will trade tackles in London for a chance to emerge as group winners.

Brighton also booked their last-32 place after a narrow 1-0 victory over AEK Athens in the Greek capital, but Roberto De Zerbi’s men will have one eye on finishing the initial phase as group winners.

After a shaky start to their inaugural continental adventure, the Seagulls have won three Europa League games on the bounce, with just one point separating them from group leaders Marseille.

Albion host the French heavyweights at the Amex Stadium in their ultimate group phase clash, knowing anything but a win only benefits their Ligue 1 counterparts, who would head into the next round as Group B winners.

Liverpool have blitzed through Group E, winning four of their five fixtures to land a spot in the knockout stage as group winners.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have obliterated nearly everyone in their path, with the only setback coming in a 3-2 defeat against runners-up Toulouse in France.

The Reds ran through Austrian side LASK 4-0 in their previous outing and will aim to conclude the opening phase strong, even though their ultimate fixture against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise is inconsequential.

Premier League Liverpool the Favourites to Lift the Trophy

Considering the stature of the club, it is no surprise that online bookmakers consider Liverpool as favourites to clinch victory in Europe’s second-tier tournament.

Rated at 3.40 odds, it’ll be a massive surprise if the Reds fumble their chance to enhance their already excellent record in UEFA’s club competitions.

While Liverpool are fancied to secure the title, they face a host of formidable competitors, including Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso’s side have established themselves as one of the most exciting teams in Europe this season, and their flawless Group H record further emphasises their competitive nature.

Alonso and Leverkusen will fancy their chances at securing a maiden European crown since the 1987/88 campaign when they won the UEFA Cup.

AS Roma are expected to have a say in which way the Europa League swings this season, with the Giallorossi eager for redemption after narrowly missing out in last season’s final.

Jose Mourinho’s side came close to the title but fell short in the showpiece event, losing 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out to record winners Sevilla.

At 15.00 odds, Roma are a tantalising option for bettors looking to back an underdog, and the Italian giants should power through to the latter stages of the tournament.

If anyone can stop Liverpool in their tracks, it is their Premier League counterparts Brighton, who have proven to be a thorn in their flesh in the English top flight.

Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson will be central to Brighton’s plans of an unlikely triumph following his goalscoring exploits this season.

Ferguson’s presence in the team has helped Brighton build up a sizeable Irish fanbase, and they will be eager to see the striker help the team win in Europe.

Brighton’s odds of 17.00 on betting sites in Ireland will undoubtedly tempt punters looking for a high-reward wager and they may be the value bet in a tournament packed with potential winners.

West Ham are also anticipated to be in the mix at odds of 21.00, with Moyes looking to secure consecutive continental success after their Europa Conference League triumph last term.