Europa League Group Stage Preview

Europe’s second-tier competition remains fiercely competitive, with only Italian side Lazio securing a spot in the last 16. They are one of just three teams to remain unbeaten throughout the league phase.

15 teams have qualified for the playoff rounds including Manchester United, Spurs, Galatasaray, Lyon, Olympiacos, and Eintracht Frankfurt—only the top 8 will advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will instead compete in a two-legged playoff fixture between February 13th and 20th.

Amongst the Teams vying to avoid the knockout rounds are Manchester United and Spurs both of which are looking to the Europa League as their ticket to continued European football next season as they both struggle within the Premier League. Both are in strong positions to qualify automatically for the last 16 of the Europa League.

Manchester United will play away on Wednesday night in Bucharest against the Romanian Champions FCSB. (Formerly FC Steaeu Bucuresti) FCSB are currently sat 8th in the Europa League. The former Champions League winner will provide a difficult task in this first ever meeting between the two sides. Players such as striker Daniel Birligea has been prolific throughout this season and will certainly cause frustration for Amorim’s side.

Since the appointment of Amorim, the Portuguese coach has suffered the relentless winter fixture congestion consequently meaning limited training sessions during his reign. Amorim has emphasised the importance of advancing directly to the Europa League R16 in turn allowing for more time to train and embed his ideas.

A win on Thursday will see Manchester United progress comfortably. However, a draw could eliminate them if Lyon, Tottenham, Anderlecht, Galatasaray, and Bodo/Glimt all win their matches. Even with a loss, United could still advance, provided only three of the eight teams directly below them secure victories.

Meanwhile Spurs will be looking to assert themselves as strong contenders in the Europa League under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham Hotspur will be keen to avoid any signs of complacency during the league stages, especially considering recent challenges with injuries and fatigue that have stretched their squad depth to its limits. For this fixture, Spurs will be without as many as 12 players unavailable due to injuries.

Despite this the Lilywhites remain heavy favourites to advance against Elfsborg at home. Regardless of the result this game will make history for the 20th placed Swedish team, as this game will be their first fixture against an English side in European football.

The draw for the play-off round is on 31 January at 12:00 GMT. 

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