The league phase of the 2025/26 Europa League is now complete, and the pre-knockout stage odds suggest that we could have an English winner for the second consecutive season.
Neither the holders, Spurs, nor the runners-up, Man Utd, are in the competition this season, which means we will at least get two fresh finalists next May.
Who are the favourites to go all the way? Let's take a look.
Europa League winner odds – current leaders
Aston Villa 3/1
Aston Villa's surge in form in the Premier League last season came just a bit too late for them to finish in the top five and get Champions League football again, but a place in the Europa League is nothing to be sniffed at.
The Villains could end up looking at their Europa League qualification as a blessing in disguise, as they have a great chance of winning the competition, hence why they are the favourites with the bookies.
After a slow start to the season, the Villains are now flying in both the Premier League and Europa League, which has seen their odds slashed to 3/1. They finished the league phase in second place on 21 points, which sets them up nicely for the knockout stages.
Arguably the biggest reason why they are favourites to win the competition is their manager, Unai Emery, who is the most successful manager in the competition's history.
Roma 7/1
Roma are the current second favourites to win the Europa League this season and when you look at the context around their season so far, 7/1 looks a great price.
Under Gian Piero Gasperini, they have a manager who won this competition as recently as two years ago and they are flying in Serie A under his guidance.
They snuck into the top eight with a draw on the final match day and will fancy their chances from here.
Porto 9/1
Porto are the third favourites to win the competition this season but they needed a win over Rangers on the final match day to secure their place in the Round of 16.
The Portuguese giants have pedigree in this competition, having won it in 2003 and 2011, and in Francesco Farioli, they have one of the most highly rated young coaches in world football.
Our prediction
If we had to pick one team at this point, we would still back Aston Villa to win their first major European trophy since 1982 (we're not counting their Intertoto Cup win in 2001 in this category). Not only do they have a squad capable of going all the way, but they also have a manager who has been there and done it on four occasions.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
GambleAware
Although Tottenham are still the odds-on favourites to win the competition at 9/2.
That’s odds against, odds on under evens