Seventeen teams could book a place in the round of 32 in the Europa League tonight. Arsenal will be looking to get back to winning ways while Lazio and Porto will be fighting to save their campaigns. Here are Things to look out for in the Europa League: Matchweek 5. Bet on the Europa League here.
Manchester United youngsters taste of first-team action
Having already led his side into the knockout stages, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to field a younger team than the one that faced Partizan Belgrade last time out. Astana nearly snatched a point at Old Trafford on Sunday and will be going for it tonight. Solskjaer confirmed Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Laird and Dylan Levitt will make their debuts against Astana. Only four senior players, Lee Grant, Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Shaw and Jesse Lingard have made the trip to Kazakhstan. The young squad features 14 players who are not even 20 years old yet. Will they rise to the occasion?
Arsenal to get back to winning ways?
The Gunners are yet to win in November, with their last win coming on 24th October when they defeated Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes 3-2. With Unai Emery facing scrutiny over his job due to a dismal run of form, this might be the chance for them to turn the tide. Arsenal are aiming to reach the knockout phases of European competition for the 20th consecutive season. The Gunners also face Norwich City this weekend so winning tonight and on Sunday might give them the momentum they need.
A do-or-die scenario for Lazio
Lazio face CFR Cluj in a must-win encounter tonight. Despite winning six of their last eight Serie A games, the Biancocelesti have failed to replicate that form in Europe. They have a woeful record in the Europa League this season. In their four games, they have lost three of them. Simone Inzaghi’s side cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to advance to the next round. CFR Cluj come to Rome knowing that a point from their final two fixtures will take them through at the Italian club’s expense alongside already-qualified Celtic. Can Ciro Immobile and company turn up?
Wolves to seal their place in the last 16?
The top two teams in Group K meet in Portugal knowing a point for both teams will book them a place in the round of 32. Wolves are fifth in the Premier League after winning their past three games. Things should be tough for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men considering their hosts are unbeaten in 11 European matches, winning eight, and if they avoid defeat they will set a new unbeaten record for a Portuguese club in Europe. Still, this will be a huge moment for Wolves who are playing in their first-ever Europa League campaign.
Porto struggles
Porto are one loss away from being eliminated from the Europa League. Just like Lazio, Porto have been phenomenal in the league. After 11 games, they’ve won nine, drawn one and lost one. However, things are bleak in Europe. They have won just once in four games this season and sit third in Group G with just four points. Since winning the 2010/11 Europa League title, Porto have played 14 matches in the competition, winning just three and losing seven. Considering they were playing in the quarter-final of the Champions League last season, Porto have massively underperformed this season. They were eliminated by Russian side Krasnodar in Champions League qualification this season. Can they revive their European campaign tonight?