Charlie Nicholas' Europa League predictions

Charlie Nicholas returns with his forecasts for the teams getting their Europa League campaigns under way this week.
There are five British clubs engaged with the European competitions this season, including Arsenal, who want to go one better than their final defeat to Chelsea in this competition this past year.
And Soccer Saturday's Charlie has contributed his predictions for the upcoming fixtures...
God only knows what defence Unai Emery can pick. I really don't know how frequently we will have to state it since Arsenal fans. They are quite good going forward, as will be the youngsters. It is frightening how bad Arsenal are, although the equilibrium from midfield front is not bad .
What is the attraction to Sokratis Papastathopoulos? I'd play with Kieran Tierney on Thursday and determine if Hector Bellerin could begin too. Regarding Sunday's match against Watford, once you visit David Luiz giving directions with 20 minutes ahead, you know you are in trouble.
Konstantinos Mavropanos remains game time away from being healthy. It would be the conclusion when Shkodran Mustafi was brought backagain. We need to have Rob Holding, Bellerin and Tierney back into the side when possible. I would take a hit and play with these players to provide game time to them and let them get match fitness.
Nicolas Pepe was dreadful against Watford. The way Emery took Mesut Ozil and Dani Ceballos off was past me. It is starting to impact Ainsley Maitland-Niles and a number of the young players. Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock arrived and couldn't retain the ball.
It is the supervisor's duty. This must be resolved by him and come to a conclusion on how best to sort out this. Tierney, Bellerin, and Holding should play - I would play with them and take a defeat when it meant they got the game time that they needed.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
Astana will come along with'park the' bus'. Manchester United were not brilliant in the weekend, however it was a fabulous result - they stumbled however they did not, and it's all about getting yourselves the three points, in what was a hazardous match.
It doesn't make a big difference that Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard were missing - that they have yet to be setting the world on flame. This is another game in which they will get in manner, over the line although it is not convincing with United.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Nuno Espirito Santo will need to get one over. Braga are always harmful but do not travel well. Are caught up in the emotion of this Europa League? As Chelsea thumped them, they even took their foot.
They had been blown off during weekend and create many errors and it was very unlike them to concede five. They will have to get back to basics and get a win in in the Premier League, however Nuno takes this seriously and that I expect Wolves to be powerful here, getting off to a nice start in the group stages.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Rennes have started in Ligue 1. I am hoping that M'Baye Niang won't be playing. He's lightning fast, almost a lesser version of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. These guys can play and move, and that is what Celtic fight against.
Celtic is going to be helpful on the counter-attack, but their reputation is obviously exactly the same. They get scared when they journey away from your home. They do not understand whether to play a sport or not and the best places to pitch their defence. They speed out wide and are going to have gifted players. Celtic won't endanger here and nevertheless have traumas that are defensive.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (17/2 with Sky Bet)
This will be a roaring game. Feyenoord have a solid reputation. Feyenoord have the fire but aren't bringing . Rangers like these nights which is why Steven Gerrard is there.They have not clicked into gear just yet . Jaap Stam's side will sit in for 20-25 minutes and frustration could be caused by this around Ibrox - .
Alfredo Morelos is the threat and Feyenoord will be turning up him to see if they could get him. He seems a great deal calmer than that which he's been in the past! It is not an easy night. It'll be stressed and physical. I really don't know if Rangers have the knowledge to make it through these games yet.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Charlie's earlier predictions...
This is going to be a good test for the Champions League holders. We found a side that was vulnerable at the weekend again to their defence, conceding after just seven minutes against Newcastle. They've walked comfortably and obtained, but that isn't the point.The difference Roberto Firmino makes is unbelievable. He doesn't get the aims which Mohamed Salah gets the pace that Sadio Mane does but he's skill and cunning or gets. He can be my favourite to watch, my favorite out of the three and is a true team player, though he may be a lot easier to mark than the other two.
Liverpool have not improved in midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still a fringe player. These three need to be on their match to win games although we know they're a fantastic side.
Napoli are strong at home and all-action, but not convincing . Dries does this job and Mertens up just stones. Goals that are big are got by him and I expect him to grab another through the week.
CHARLIE PREDICTED: 2-1
Tammy Abraham's intentions are gigantic but the performances of Mason Mount have been impressive. England U21 players have scored all 11 Premier League goals thus far that's remarkable. I was incorrect although I thought they would be in trouble at Wolves. They have pace that is good and power up front. It is an method of playing for Frank Lampard.
Valencia sacked their manager and I do not find them being flamboyant. They will attempt to counter-attack that will allow it to be hard for Mount and Abraham to understand.
CHARLIE PREDICTED: 1-0

Read more here: http://offtrackbettingchicago.net/?p=10027