UEFA Europa League Picks and Predictions: UEL Semifinals

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Thu Apr 30, 2026, 10:10 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Vincenzo Grifo is a huge piece of the SC Freiburg puzzle. Can he lead them into the Champions League with a win in today's UEL Final? Aston Villa SC Freiburg UEL Picks

soccer

With the first legs of the UEFA Champions League Semifinals behind us, it's time we turn our attention to the Europa League for some Thursday action on the pitch. Today we have both first legs of the UEL Semifinals as Braga hosts SC Freiburg and Nottingham Forest hosts Aston Villa. Yes, two EPL sides are going head to head while Portugal and Germany decide who faces an English club in the Title Match. Let's get into our favorite UEL Picks for today courtesy of our soccer analysts.

Check out the best odds on the market at our top online sportsbooks, and be sure to check out tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.

4.9/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
Up to $1,250 + 50 Free Slots Spins
See our review »
$1,250 Welcome Bonus
Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports
Earn More with Rebel Rewards!
Play Now & Claim Bonus »

UEFA Europa League Picks and Predictions – April 30

Remember, this is just the first leg of these contests. Matches today will only go 90 minutes (plus stoppage time) regardless of the result. However, next week for the second legs, we may have some extra time and even penalty kicks to decide a winner. Let's get into today's matches!

Braga vs. SC Freiburg UEFA Europa League Picks

Igor Matanovic leads SC Freiburg with eight goals in the Bundesliga this season - UEFA Europa League Picks

Igor Matanovic leads SC Freiburg with eight goals in the Bundesliga this season

Best Bet: SC Freiburg +0.5/Under 3.5 (+100) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

The total in this match in Portugal is severely low, as the over 2.5 is priced at +128, with the under juiced to -170. To me, that's telling that we won't have too much offensive action in this contest today. However, I do lean slightly with SC Freiburg to at least earn a draw and keep things tied on aggregate score.

As simple as this handicap may be, I think the Bundesliga deserves a lot more respect than the Portuguese Premier League. Sure, Braga is in fourth on the standings, while Freiburg is eighth in Germany, but one could certainly argue that Freiburg has played tougher competition. They've lost their last two matches outright, but with a UCL Qualifying spot likely out of reach, Freiburg will resort to winning this tournament in order to get into next year's UCL. The same can be said about Braga, but ultimately I think Freiburg is the better team.

Braga had a huge road victory over Real Betis in the second leg of their quarterfinal match to advance, and I think they might've used everything left in the tank. Look for Freiburg to dare their hosts to keep up with their attack. But both defenses should remain strong for a low scoring German victory.

Prediction: SC Freiburg Wins 2-0 (+1600)

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa UEFA Europa League Picks

Ollie Watkins and Aston Villa need to remain focused on the task at hand today on the road in the UEL - UEFA Europa League Picks

Ollie Watkins and Aston Villa need to remain focused on the task at hand today on the road in the UEL

Best Bet: Aston Villa Draw No Bet (-116) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Unlike our other semifinal, these two teams are VERY familiar with one another, as they have already played twice this calendar year. Back in January at Villa Park, Aston Villa knocked off Nottingham Forest by a score of 3-1. Just two weeks ago in this stadium, the two clubs played to a 1-1 draw in which Villa only scored off of a Forest own goal.

Looking at the EPL table, Villa is having a much better year than their hosts today. Aston Villa is in fifth place on the EPL table, safely ahead of Brighton by eight points. They are fairly comfortably in a UCL Qualifying position, while Forest is just five points away from relegation (even though they should be safe at this point). Ultimately, Villa is the much better team.

I think this draw no bet line is too good of a price to pass up, and I'll sacrifice some winnings for push potential instead of forcing a bet on the moneyline. I could very well see this ending in a 1-1 draw, with Villa dominating the second leg at home next week. Look for Forest to play a little more conservative knowing how much attacking power their visitors have.

Prediction: Aston Villa Wins 2-1 (+850)

Still Want More Soccer Content?

Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets, as well as sweat out games on Playback! Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well. Be sure to follow my personal X account as well, @Shaggy_Bets for my full daily card.

Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly

Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER

Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.