The UEFA Europa League group stages are back, with match-day one kicking off on September 21. This season promises to be thrilling, with a mix of newcomers and seasoned European giants battling for supremacy.
Here’s a group-by-group preview to help you navigate the excitement.
Group A: West Ham United, Olympiacos, Freiburg, TSC Bačka Topola
West Ham United, fresh from their Europa Conference League triumph, aims to continue their European success.
But they face a formidable challenge from Olympiacos and Freiburg, who have their own aspirations. TSC Bačka Topola, making their European debut, will have a tough task ahead.
Prediction:
1: West Ham United
2: Freiburg
3: Olympiacos
4: TSC Bačka Topola
Group B: Ajax, Olympique Marseille, Brighton & Hove Albion, AEK Athens
Group B shapes up as the “group of death” with Brighton & Hove Albion entering European competition for the first time. Ajax, Olympique Marseille, and AEK Athens provide strong competition, making this group a battleground for the top two spots.
Prediction:
1: Brighton & Hove Albion
2: Olympique Marseille
3: Ajax
4: AEK Athens
Group C: Rangers, Real Betis, Sparta Prague, Aris Limassol
Rangers, determined to make amends for last year’s Champions League woes, aim for a better showing. Real Betis stands as the top contender, while Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol add intrigue to the group. Ibrox will be a fortress for Rangers.
Prediction:
1: Real Betis
2: Rangers
3: Sparta Prague
4: Aris Limassol
Group D: Atalanta, Sporting CP, Raków Częstochowa, Sturm Graz
Group D presents clear favorites in Atalanta and Sporting CP, but Sturm Graz and Raków Częstochowa could upset the balance.
Atalanta aims to build on their strong Serie A performance, while Sporting CP eyes another deep run in Europe.
Prediction:
1: Atalanta
2: Sporting CP
3: Sturm Graz
4: Raków Częstochowa
Group E: Liverpool, LASK, Toulouse, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Liverpool, a European powerhouse, returns to the Europa League and is favored to top the group. Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, LASK, and Toulouse offer competitive dynamics, making this group intriguing.
Prediction:
1: Liverpool
2: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
3: LASK
4: Toulouse
Group F: Villarreal, Stade Rennais, Panathinaikos, Maccabi Haifa
Villarreal, 2021 Europa League winners, aim for another strong campaign. Stade Rennais and Maccabi Haifa are poised to challenge, while Panathinaikos seeks a breakthrough after years of European absence.
Prediction:
1: Villarreal
2: Stade Rennais
3: Maccabi Haifa
4: Panathinaikos
Group G: Roma, Slavia Prague, Servette, FC Sheriff Tiraspol
Roma, last season’s finalists, eyes redemption. Slavia Prague aims to continue their European success, while FC Sheriff Tiraspol and Servette seek to make their mark in this competitive group.
Prediction:
1: Roma
2: Slavia Prague
3: FC Sheriff Tiraspol
4: Servette
Group H: Bayer Leverkusen, Qarabağ, Molde, BK Häcken
Bayer Leverkusen stands as the frontrunner in Group H, but Qarabağ, Molde, and BK Häcken aim to challenge expectations and secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Prediction:
1: Bayer Leverkusen
2: Qarabağ
3: BK Häcken
4: Molde
Prepare for an exciting UEFA Europa League group stage, where history, drama, and surprises await. Stay tuned for all the action starting on September 21!