Europa League Best Bets - September 17

AC Milan are looking to get back to winning ways after recently sharing the points with both Juventus and Lazio in Serie A. While this run has extended their unbeaten streak to five matches across competitions, their pair of stalemates means they have only picked up two points from a possible six in their last two league matches. While the Europa League only truly begins this week, Milan will not want to fall off the pace immediately, especially when considering they will have aspirations of winning the competition this season. Fortunate for the home side is the fact they have not lost since a friendly defeat to Chelsea in early-August. With a pair of draws in their last two, I back the Italian side to have to settle for a point as they hold Benfica. 

Sunderland are looking to make a winning start to the 2026/27 Europa League season. Their clash with AZ Alkmaar is entirely winnable, especially when considering their recent form. Wins over Fulham and Hull have come alongside a draw with Brentford. While they lost 2-0 to Arsenal in their last outing, this came against the best side in England and should be taken with a pinch of salt. The English side have won both of their home matches this season, securing 1-0 wins. Their focus in Europe will likely be on staying compact at the back and aiming to be clinical. I am backing the home side to secure a win in this one as they win by a single goal for the third consecutive home game this season.