The UEFA Europa League 2026/27 campaign begins in September, and the field of 36 clubs competing in the revamped league phase format includes several heavyweights who fell short of Champions League qualification.
The Big Clubs
Manchester United return to the Europa League after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season — their lowest finish in a decade. However, their squad quality dwarfs most of the field and they enter as outright favourites at 5.50.
Roma under José Mourinho's successor are building a squad capable of going deep in European competition. Their Serie A performances were inconsistent, but Roma traditionally elevate their game on European nights at the Olimpico.
Bayer Leverkusen, post-Alonso, enter the Europa League after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in four seasons. The squad retains its core quality and will be motivated to prove their 2023/24 invincible season was not a Alonso-dependent anomaly.
Dark Horses
Athletic Club Bilbao won the Copa del Rey last season and enter their first European campaign in a decade with a cohesive squad and a passionate home support at San Mamés.
Fenerbahçe continue to invest heavily and represent one of the few Turkish clubs genuinely capable of competing at the latter stages of a European competition.
Outright Betting
Manchester United: 5.50. Roma: 7.00. Bayer Leverkusen: 7.00. Fenerbahçe: 9.00.
For each-way value, Athletic Club at 16.00 represents an intriguing option. Follow elToroTips throughout the competition for weekly Europa League betting tips.