UEL GW5 - Kings of Scandinavia

Daniel Chima of Molde (right) takes on Claudemir of Copenhagen (GW5)

 Widely held as the best team in Scandinavia, FC Copenhagen have dipped off in the last year from their lofty Champions League exploits over the past half-decade. This year they have had to settle with a Europa League birth ahead of Europe’s premier club competition, and have already found the group stage tricky. Alongside them in Group E, Norwegian champions Molde are succeeding domestically but blowing hot and cold in Europe. Managed by former Manchester United striker Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who has turned into one of Europe’s most promising up and coming managers, Molde have rewrote their previous history winning their first two league titles back to back over the last two seasons. Both sides were languishing in the bottom spots in their Europa group and needed a win realistically to keep their hopes alive of progression. Ahead of this must win tie, Molde would be especially up for the challenge as they threatened to overcome Copenhagen’s Scandinavia domination stretching back through the decade.

Each side play with contrasting styles, Molde with an expansive modern style of football, with four inter changing attacking players protected by a defensive duo sitting in front of a back four. Copenhagen are more traditional in their approach, a standard 442 formation, with attacks usually built on solid possession and from wide areas. This match in particular was set up in the same manor with Molde lining up with a counter attacking formation despite their home advantage. Much is expected of Molde’s front line, with a number of their attacking talent being under 21 years of age, Nigerian born Daniel Chima leading the line of this occasion. The home side’s confidence in front of their own fans has been paramount to their success, 14 wins and 1 loss in the past league season was head and shoulders better than their closest rivals, while they often struggled away from the Aker Stadium.

 

Molde's XI v Copenhagen (GW5)

In the end, the match bucked against the usual trend of the home side dominating as Copenhagen flexed their muscles, controlling possession and creating the early chances mainly through young striker Andreas Cornelius who has been particularly impressing domestically this year where Copenhagen are already 9 points clear at the top of the table. The early pressure took its toll on Molde, after the defending Chima was adjudged of pulling in the box while facing a Copenhagen corner. At first glance it seemed harsh, but on the replay it was clear that the centre forward only had eyes for the attacker who he clearly was pulled out of the play of the ball. The penalty was coolly slotted home by Cesar Santin, one of Copenhagen’s key cogs in their European heroics of yester year. Santin alongside fellow Brazilian midfielder Caludemir are the final stars left from the side who drew 0-0 against Barcelona in 2010, and despite losing the likes of N’Doye, Kvist and Gronkjaer from that team, the South Americans still cause a threat to opposition both domestically and in Europe.

Copenhagen's XI v Molde (GW5)

   The pressure was on Molde, and the managerial talent of Solskjaer, who bravely sacrificed his captain Daniel Hestad for the extra legs and creative talent of Etzaz Hussain in centre midfield. The change immediately worked for the home side as they poured forward at the beginning of the second half with greater control of possession, before forcing an equaliser through the previously culpable Chima, heading in from Magnus Eikrum’s free kick. The challenge continued, and but for some organised backs to wall defending, Copenhagen could have seen any sort of point total slip through their hands. Inevitably, the missed chances which fell to the Norwegians would come back to haunt them as the visitors broke away against the general run of play to score with a clinical finish from winger Runk Gislason after more good work from the impressive Santin. Their experience was there for all to see, as Molde piled forward once again, Copenhagen would happily play on the counter to save the three points and threaten a back four by this time was all over the place.

Neither side are the finished article and it showed, Molde are a young side with a young manager playing exciting attacking football, but at times can be too naïve when flooding forward. Copenhagen are rebuilding after their golden age dispersed, the quality of Santin and Claudemir are still there, and with a host of young attacking talent in Delaney, Cornelius and Jorgenson they are likely to return to the Champions League group stages next term. After a disappointing start, Copenhagen are within a two goal victory of making it through to the knockout stages of another European competition and potentially further success in this tournament. The challenges from Nordsjaelland domestically and now Molde in Europe have in the end put up little of a fight to anyone claiming that Denmark’s prized team aren’t still the kings of the region.

UEL GW4 - Metalist’s European Rise

Cleiton Xavier celebrates scoring for Metalist Kharkiv against Rosenborg (GW4)

Metalist Kharkiv will join Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan, Rubin Kazan, Lyon and Hannover 96 in the knockout phases of the Europa League as they ensured their place with a 3-1 victory against Rosenborg in game week 4. Alongside some of the competition’s big names, Metalist have proven in the last couple of seasons that they are more than capable of going far in the tournament, reaching the Quarter Finals last season, eventually being knocked out by Sporting Lisbon. Their success is typical of Ukrainian sides this season in Europe, with Shakhtar Donetsk continuing to excel in the Champions League alongside Dynamo Kiev who are at the very least holding their own, while Dnipro Dnipropetrovs’k are one point away from joining Metalist in the next round of the UEL. Metalist are likely to progress further into the competition, with a growing cluster of quality players that should be helping push Metalist forwarded into the Champions League spots in years to come however, for some of their fans it remains a distant dream.

Domestically the Ukrainian Premier League’s rules apply that only 7 non-Ukrainian players can be fielded at one time during a match to help encourage more home grown talent through to the first teams of the European challengers. Metalist are a side whose success has been built despite this rule instead of alongside it, as the vast majority of the squad are overseas nationals. The clearest indication of this is in the Europa League where no such restrictions are forced on the clubs. A usual Metalist team in Europe, only consists of one Ukrainian born player, veteran goalkeeper Olexander Horyainov, and even against Rosenborg he didn’t start at the expense of Slovak understudy Disljenkovic. Leaving the only Ukrainian registered player on the pitch as Brazilian born Edmar, whose Ukrainian citizenship application has eased Metalist’s worries fulfilling the quota. While, a side including many Argentine and Brazilian players are succeeding in Europe, the domestic achievements of Metalist are rather hampered as they have had to bring in fringe Ukrainian born squad players in to meet the ruling.

Metalist’s effect on the national team squad is minimal if at all, with Shakhtar, Dynamo and Dnipro sharing the top talent the country has to offer. Metalist, who are owned by one of the richest men in Ukraine Oleksandr Yaroslavsky, have tended to put money into their successful scouting networks overseas rather than inside Ukraine, and progression into challenging for the two UCL spots has suffered because of this. While sitting in 7th in the UEFA coefficient ranking tables, Ukraine are still a considerable way behind catching Portugal in 6th, and an elusive 3rd champions league qualifying spot. Until then the likelihood is that Shakhtar, Dynamo and now Dnipro are going to challenge for qualification to the most glamorous tournament in Europe as they possess
Ukraine’s top talent.

Metalist Kharkiv’s usual UEL line-up

(player’s registered nationality)

While the quota problem hinders Metalist’s domestic and UCL qualification ambitions, they continue to impress onlookers in the Europa League. Three wins, and one draw in the group stage this season is a decent effort, with the only draw coming in Germany against section favourites Bayer Leverkusen. Metalist inevitably offer a stylish and skilful attack, with Brazilian’s Taison and Willian working well in tandem in the attacking third with Argentine duo Cristaldo and Sosa. The real threat of the side however is just in behind the forward line with Cleiton Xavier offering plenty of adventure and goal scoring ability coming from attacking midfield. The Brazilian has three goals in the group stage, with an extra goal in the qualifiers and on last season’s evidence where he collected 13 goals overall, he is likely to continue with his threat going into the knockout stages.

The goals last Thursday were typical of Metalist’s rise; artistic, on the counter attack and in some cases world class. Taison’s 4th minute strike that brought comparisons with a similar volley by Marco Van Basten was the true highlight of GW4 and with further team goals from Cleiton Xavier and Juan Torres they ensured the progression that their performances warranted. Next up the crucial tie at home to Bayer to probably decide who will come top of the section. With a solid home record, and a licence to roam of their South American strike force Metalist may edge the Germans out into second.

UEL GW3 - 5 Of The Best (Group Stage)

The Europa League group stage is now half way through, with much still to play for before the knockout stages commence. Below are 5 players who have impressed in the first three game weeks.

Matheus (left) celebrates after scoring against PSV (GW1)

Matheus (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)

Dnipro are one of the three group leaders still with their 100% records intact, but their impressive start is by far the least expected. Juande Ramos’ side have impressed many winning against section favourites PSV and Napoli along the way scoring 8 in their first three group matches. Their goal scoring isn’t such a surprise as they have a wealth of attacking talent available to choose from with Brazilian forward Matheus being the pick of the bunch thus far in Europe. Domestically he has found game time hard to come by alongside the likes of the more established Kalinic, Seleznyov and Zozulya, but in Europe when he’s had the chance he has usually provided the Ukrainian’s a goal. He has two goals to his name in two starts in the group stage, taking his tally to three for the tournament as a whole, which has finally pushed him forward into the coach’s regular thoughts. Domestically Dnipro are continuing to build upon their reputation, 2nd currently behind Shakhtar Donestk in Ukraine. They are a club impressing outside audiences as well as within the country, much of the focus is on the likes of young playmaker Konoplyanka and goal scoring international Zozulya but if the form of Matheus continues in Europe, it will further add to the Dnipropetrovsk shop window.

Stewart Downing (Liverpool)

With their league form starting in erratic fashion, Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers are making steady progress somewhat unnoticed by the English press in the Europa League. With Rodgers opting to rotate his squad in Europe, a number of fringe players are starting to hit form and threaten the domestic first team. Jonjo Shelvey has heightened his claim of a regular spot with 3 goals so far, but the re-emergence of Stewart Downing has been the most impressive. Frozen out towards the end of Kenny Dalglish’s reign while being marketed as the face of Liverpool’s capitulation last term, Downing is starting to finally win over his doubters. His terrific right-footed goal in GW3 against Anzhi Makhachkala was his 1st goal of the group stage, capping off a brilliant start in Europe where he had contributed to two goals against Young Boys and Udinese. Whether playing at right wing, or of late in a previously unfamiliar role of left back Downing has rediscovered his form away from the EPL spotlight, which he will hope can force him back into Rodgers’ plans going forward.

Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen)

Germany are well blessed with top young goalkeeping talent, and in Bernd Leno they have yet another that is aiming to tackle Bayern’s Manuel Neuer for the national team number 1 jersey. Leno who is still only 20 years old was signed this season from Stuttgart after an inspired loan spell last year. Bayer are currently looking the part both domestically and now in Europe and Leno has been the key to their form. Three clean sheets in as many matches is all that needs to be said really, but at times it wasn’t as comfortable as one thought. For spells against Metalist and Rosenborg Leno kept them in it, before Bayer upped their game to get the result they needed over the line. At the other end of the pitch, German internationals Andre Schurrle and Stefan Kiessling have shared the goals while Gonzalo Castro and Sidney Sam have impressed in creation. But, Leno has stayed consistent and surely will be in line for a call-up later this month in the next round of international friendlies.

Diego Costa celebrates after scoring against Academica (GW3)

Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Last seasons champions Atletico Madrid are already living up to their pre-tournament favourites billing as they picked up 9 points from 9 at the start of the Europa League. While their progress has been effective, the goals of Radamel Falcao haven’t for once been the key to his side’s progress. With Diego Simeone focussed on a brilliant league start, the return of Diego Costa from loan has seen Madrid rely on the Brazilian for goals, as to preserve Falcao for domestic duty. Costa has never been outstanding for Madrid since signing up a couple of seasons back, but in Europe in his return season he has showed the form which saw him break off the shackles at Rayo Vallecano last season. A goal and assist away at Hapoel in GW1 before following it up with his 2nd finish in GW3 has at least preserved his starting spot in the UEL alongside the equally impressive Christian Rodriguez in attack. With speculation rife over Falcao’s future, Simeone could do a lot worse than giving Costa a run in the side. One things for certain, Atletico continue to be the side to beat yet again this season, and Falcao hasn’t even been deployed yet. 

Gueida Forfana (Lyon)

A converted centre back who is only 21, Forfana is looking to make an impact both domestically and in Europe as a deep lying midfield player. At the start of the season, he rarely featured for Lyon but since breaking into the side he has looked particularly impressive in the Europa League. In game week 2 he collected a brace, one long range shot, and the other a last minute winning header, while in game week 3 he was credited for an assist after another thunderbolt from distance was eventually turned in by Jimmy Briand. The player himself is relishing his new role which has given him in his words “more opportunities to score” and is likely to break through more and more on the domestic front as the season runs on. Lyon themselves have embraced the Europa League and picked up maximum points from their 3 matches. Defensively suspect at times, but with the likes of Gomis, Lisandro Lopez and the return of Steed Malbranque they pose an interesting threat going forward. With the young Forfana improving with every match in behind them, Lyon could be a force once the knockout stages progress.

And an extra few who have left their mark on the group stage so far:

Benjamin De Ceulaer (Genk)

Three goals, and one assist from his first three matches ties De Ceulaer at the top of the goal scoring charts as he alongside Vossen have impressed in an exciting Genk attack. Home form has been key so far for the Belgian’s, so with two tough away ties remaining it could be a tight finish for progression.

Aleksandr Ryazantsev (Rubin Kazan) 

A Rubin legend after scoring a wonder goal against Barcelona at the Nou Camp a few years back, Ryazantsev has continued to excel in Europe. Alongside their usual creative source Natcho, Ryazantsev looked far more impressive both in Milan against Inter and at home to Partizan. Two goals from those two matches were followed up by an injury hit third match, Rubin who are pretty much through to the knockout stages will hope he is back to continue their progression.

Frantisek Rajtoral (Viktoria Plzen)

A firm Czech Republic international who is adept anywhere along the right flank, Rajtoral has looked the real deal in Europe this season. A goal in GW1 and 3, in typically unexpected fashion, from late runs into the box, he has have added an extra dimension to his game for a usually traditional wing-back.

UEL GW2 - Group A heat's up

Anzhi Makhachkala's strike force of Samuel Eto'o
and Lacina Traore v Udinese (GW1)

Group A has already lived up to expectations as being one of the most exciting sections in the Europa League this season. After two matches, 3 sides are already likely to contest the progression spots, yet none of them were able to pick up back-to-back wins. Anzhi Makhachkala’s involvement in this group may be the reason why it’s so intriguing. Due to their vastly inferior UEFA coefficient they were almost certainly going to line up alongside at least one European heavyweight, but they ended up being pitted against two of the tournament’s favourites in Liverpool and Udinese. The fourth side to make up the group were Young Boys from Bern, and after being denied a debut win in the group stage by Udinese in game week 1, Anzhi went in search of 3 points against the Swiss side in their first home match of the group stage. Describing it as a home match might not be entirely correct, as Anzhi have been forced to play all of their European home matches, away from their usual stadium in Dagestan due to security fears, yet playing their matches in Moscow (at the Lokomotiv Stadium) has at least reduced the mid-week travelling of their players, who are already based there during the week.

Anzhi Makhachkala's usual UEL
formation 2012/13

Anzhi have clearly stated that this competition is a priority, despite leading early on in the Russian Premier League title race. In their first match they played a full strength line-up, and once again they started with their strongest side possible against Young Boys, a slight difference to the more fancied clubs in their group who have tinkered with their domestic squads when competing in Europe. Anzhi’s strength is in their size and pace, with a cluster of overseas players forming the spine of the side. The centre back partnership of Joao Carlos and Christopher Samba is imposing yet susceptible to breakaways, while their midfield is defensively sound, with Jucilei and the technically brilliant Lassana Diarra marshalling the front of the defence. Up front Lacina Traore is a modern day target man, who’s gangly frame and occasionally frustrating attitude may be hard to swallow at times, but has proved over the last few seasons with Cluj and Kuban Krasnodar before joining Anzhi that he has a knack of collecting a hat full of goals. 

However, the key to Anzhi’s success is not exactly a big surprise; former Barcelona and Inter striker Samuel Eto’o carries the burden of being a goal scoring front man, the side’s creative source and club captain all under his belt, and excels under the pressure. This game in particular against a lacklustre Young Boys team, was a clear case in point. For much of the match, Anzhi looked in control defensively, sitting quite deep for a home side, and trying to hit the Swiss side on the counter attack. For all the charms of wingers Shatov and Boussoufa, who at times threatened, little in terms of chances came the Russians way. Chances would need to be carved out of nothing and Eto’o was the man for the job. He turned on his guile just before the break, creating two chances for Traore and Joao Carlos, before in the second half stepping up to take an early penalty to take the lead. After that, space opened up and with Eto’o pushed forward into the central striking position vacated by Traore, he shone brighter, fashioning equally promising positions, before collecting a brace late on in a typically clinical fashion. In a match that was contested by two solid defensive units, Eto’o proved a little spark could steal all the points.

Liverpool's usual UEL
formation 2012/13

Looking ahead to the match at Anfield in GW3, the same place where the home side Liverpool were humbled at times against Udinese, losing 3-2 in GW2, comparisons can be sought for the Russians visit to England. Udinese once again are punching above their provincial club status, selling their star names to balance the books internally. Any creative spark is inspired by a one-man attack in the form of Antonio Di Natale, who scored and created two goals out of the blue just after the break to sink the Reds. Anzhi’s similar reliance on Eto’o could play into the hands of the Russians as they will likely aim to hit the home side on the counter attack. Depending on who Brendan Rodgers picks in his squad, will prove where the dangers will come from. Three goals for Jonjo Shelvey and three assists for Stuart Downing already in Europe is a surprise to many domestic viewers, however it does set up some key battles across the pitch. Yuri Zhirkov will be returning to England, where he had a miserable time with Chelsea a couple of years back, and will be keen to show his dominance over Downing in the left back role. While Diarra and Jucilei will no doubt be briefed on Shelvey’s lung bursting runs into the box that have shown him in such a good light in the previous group matches.

The Anzhi experiment, inevitably started with a bang, attacking talent galore was poured into the squad without thinking of the consequences in behind them. Since the appointment of Guus Hiddink last year, they have toughened up in the defensive third, and condensed down the attack into a decent front pairing of Eto’o and Traore. They may see little of the ball for much of the game at Anfield, but they have the perfect set up to put their stall out and possibly pull off the biggest result in their clubs history.

UEL GW1 - Nagatomo to the rescue

Yuki Nagatomo scores for Internazionale v Rubin Kazan (GW1)

Yuki Nagatomo’s 92nd minute volley may have spared the blushes of Internazionale last week, but after what has been a disappointing start both domestically and on European duty for some of Italy’s major clubs, many expect the slide in form to continue going forward this season. For a country that is used to competing at the highest level in Europe, only 1 win from 6 matches last week in the UCL and UEL combined is going to be considered a disappointment. This after all, is the first season where Serie A has only been granted 3 entry births into the UCL, 1 of which, Udinese lost after they were eliminated in the playoff rounds falling into the UEL. Going forward into the UCL group stage are champions Juventus and 2nd placed finishers AC Milan, however any potential success from these two is unlikely, Juve lack attacking options while Milan just lack options in general. Domestically, the big guns have struggled also, the 2010 champions Milan are languishing in the bottom half of the league, and alongside their ground share rivals Inter have failed to win a single match at the San Siro this campaign. On Thursday, Inter’s opponents Rubin Kazan represented a stark contrast in which the Russian Premier League has in favour of Serie A as it continues to grow from strength to strength. With the likes of Zenit St. Petersberg and Anzhi Makhachkala flexing their financial muscle in the summer, the likes of Rubin have continued to grow in stature alongside them into a stubborn European outfit both home and away.

Internazionale Starting XI v Rubin Kazan
(UEL Group Stage)

The two sides lined up as expected, Rubin with an ultra-defensive approach on paper, a 4-5-1 formation, with the sitting midfielder Salvatore Bocchetti dropping into the back line when the Russians were out of possession. This left Salomon Rondon, a summer signing from Malaga to plough a lone role upfront. Inter lined up with a traditionally Italian 4-4-2 with diamond midfield, demanding both full backs to bomb on to support the attack. Once the match started however, it was Rubin who seemed to have their tactics down to a tee, hitting the Italians on the break repeatedly, after the Nerazzuri failed to infiltrate through a crowded central midfield area. Rubin’s wide men were particularly dangerous, and supported Rondon, who had the beating of Samuel and Ranocchia well. Gokdeniz Karadeniz was a sprightly outlet on the left, and proved too clever for the hapless Jonathan after 15 minutes inviting on a naïve challenge from the right back which cost Inter a penalty against them. Despite Handanovic’s heroics to deny the normally clinical Natcho, Alexander Ryazantsev was on hand to put the Russians ahead. Inter, were frustrated in the centre, with technical-yet not so mobile midfielders, they ended up being crowded out by the extra men of Rubin leading to dangerous counters that saw Ryazantsev and Eremenko go close to adding to the score.



Rubin Kazan Starting XI v Internazionale
(UEL Group Stage)

Late in the half, young Croat striker Livaja stole in to head into an open net after great work from Cambiasso, but in truth, these glimmers of quality from the home side, were brief. In the second half, Inter didn’t as many expected find a second gear despite changing around their team slightly bringing on the more creative Freddy Guarin in midfield, and switching Javier Zanetti back to his preferred right back position in place of the struggling Jonathan. In the end, the game threatened to fade away with both sides seemingly comfortable for settling for a point, until another dazzling counter attack from Rubin pounced again, with the superb Rondon taking advantage of a slow back line to slot past Handanovic, threatening a famous victory. The tactics had been played well, despite the poor form of Natcho, his midfield compatriots ran the match. Eremenko and Karadeniz were threatening down the flanks pinning back the full back options for Inter, while Ryazantsev remained potent from distant. In the end, you could argue that Inter’s man for man quality showed. The introduction of Alvaro Pereira and Diego Milito finally broke through a stubborn second half wall from the Russians, thanks to a majestic volley from Nagatomo. The team may have looked relieved, but months from now the home side will be certainly more displeased that they were unable to collect three points considering they have 3 unfavourable away trips to Kazan, Baku and Belgrade on the horizon in the group stage. 

The clear missing link was an individual with spark that could unlock a strong defensive unit, one Wesley Sneijder, who sat on the bench throughout. The problem at Inter at the moment, is with both league and cup commitments, he will need his rest sometimes, his replacements showed they are clearly not up to it. Despite a decent season away on loan Coutinho hasn’t returned to the fan fair expected by the supporters, while the ageing legs of Cassano and Milito are now firmly concentrated on getting goals rather than creating them. Further back, Inter could have relied on the legs of Maicon from right back, who they have yet to replace, while their defence as a whole looks a lot weaker after the exit of Lucio to Juventus in the summer. Another loss this weekend, at home once again, to Siena means that another Inter manager is skating on thin ice early on in the campaign. If it wasn’t for Milan’s even worse start of the season he would be feeling a heavy hand in his back from the fans, meaning he is likely to stay at least until either the Rossenari improve or Allegri leaves. 

With so much uncertainty in Italy, Rubin in contrast look like they have their tactics spot on in Europe. While well rehearsed in causing a great upset, be it at the Nou Camp or at the San Siro, home form and matches against weaker sides in the group need to be brought into line if they are going to progress far in the competition. Currently mid-table and for the most part unimpressive so far domestically, Rubin’s attentions may stay on Europe for much longer and with solid foundations, and an attack led by an impressive Rondon they could reach the latter stages of the competition.

Europa League: Group Stage Preview

Anzhi Makhachkala's Lacina Traore

Group A: Liverpool (ENG), Udinese (ITA), Anzhi Makhachkala (RUS), Young Boys (SUI)

Liverpool in their first season under Brendan Rodgers have been drawn in a tough group, but their progression in this tournament will depend on the side they line-up with in the group stage. In previous playoff matches Rodgers has tended to play fringe players away from Anfield, with their more established stars returning for the home matches. But with their league campaign starting slowly, league priorities are likely to kick in, with Liverpool fans having to put their faith in the likes of young winger Raheem Sterling, who despite a promising start to the season, will probably be given more games in Europe than domestically. Alongside them the biggest name in the group is Udinese, fresh off their UCL playoff defeat on penalties to Braga. Similarly to last season, when they exited to Arsenal in the same round, Udinese are likely to blood their up and coming talent in the UEL group stage, with a lot of hype surrounding their young Colombian striker Luis Muriel in particular. But all in all this Udinese side is much depleted after selling off key players such as Handanovic, Asamoah and Isla in the summer, and are far from guaranteed a safe passage through the group.

One of the most eagerly anticipated returns to Europe after 10 years away is Anzhi Makhachkala. Known for their riches over anything else but under Guus Hiddink, they are poised to shock the established names in their group. Signings over the past two seasons have included Samuel Eto’o, Christopher Samba, Yuri Zhirkov, and most recently holding midfielder Lassana Diarra from Real Madrid. One downside for the Russians is that they will have to play all of their home matches away from Dagestan due to safety concerns. They have moved to play in Moscow ironically where the team is based for most of the year between home matches. Young Boys of Bern make up the group, and on paper at least have the poorest chance of making the knockout stages. More players leaving than arriving hasn’t helped their cause, as promising Zambian striker Emmanuel Mayuka has left for Southampton, Young Boys will realistically be hoping that any points they can gather will be on their artificial home surface which caused Tottenham Hotspur problems a few of years ago.

One to Watch: Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala) – After decent stints for CFR Cluj of Romania and Kuban Krasnodar in Russia, the Ivorian striker has formed a potent strike force with Samuel Eto’o in Makhachkala, with his tall bullish frame working well with Eto’o’s electric speed. Has already scored 3 goals in 4 matches in Europe this season.

Group B: Athletico Madrid (SPA), Viktoria Plzen (CZE), Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR), Academica (POR)

Fresh off the back of winning not only last season’s Europa League title in Bucharest, but also the Super Cup in Monaco, Athletico Madrid go into this year’s competition as one of the favourites for the title once again. Last season’s final win was their second in three seasons, and a second in two years for star striker Radamel Falcao, who once again finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer. After resisting interest for their chief goal getter, Athletico under Diego Simeone will likely to be looking to break into Spain’s top four this campaign to have a shot at the Champions League but will still be a force in the Europa League after they were drawn in a favourable group. Viktoria Plzen, will be their toughest opponents as the Czech club have proved themselves as an up and coming European side over the past couple of seasons. They entered the UCL group stages as Czech champions last year alongside Barcelona and AC Milan, before exiting to Schalke in the round of 32 in the Europa League, while they played well and even picked up draws against Milan and Schalke, Plzen will be much happier with their draw this time around. Their recent success has been built on a series of international break through stars, despite the likes of Jiracek, Rezek and Pilar moving on, Viktoria still possess four of the Czech’s Euro 2012 squad.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are one of three Israeli teams in the tournament, failed to make it through the group stage last campaign and will be hopeful they can go one step further this year. The side has lost many of their successful squad of a couple of years ago which competed well in Europe, reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time, but they have replaced them with some familiar faces. Former Premier League players John Paintsil and Eric Djemba-Djemba have joined to add some Europa League experience to the current squad. Academica make up the group after winning the Portuguese Cup last term, and will enter Europe for the first time since the 1970s. Former Malaga forward Edinho reignited his career in Portugal last term and after a successful loan period, he has joined on a full time basis this season, starting impressively scoring 3 goals in 3 matches this term.

One to Watch: Vladimir Darida (Viktoria Plzen) – Was a late comer to the Euro 2012 Czech squad, brought in as cover for the injury prone Tomas Rosicky, Darida broke into the first 11 and secured his place into the Quarter Final defeat to Portugal, where he particularly impressed with his link up play with the forward line. Similar to Rosicky, Darida is very short and is praised for his high energy levels and passing ability.

Athletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao

Group C: Olympique Marseille (FRA), Fenerbahce (TUR), Borussia Monchengladbach (GER), AEL Limassol (CYP)

Group C is the only group this season that hasn’t got a team that played in last year’s Europa League, however it doesn’t take away from what is an interesting section. Olympique Marseille are fresh off a disastrous season last term, which was only salvaged by a French Cup win late on in the season. Despite the exit of manager Didier Deschamps to the French national side, the squad now under Elie Baup are roughly in the same shape as 12 months previous. Early season form suggests that they could be finding the winning formula once again, with Andre-Pierre Gignac and Mathieu Valbuena starting the season on fire, and they will look to progress well out of this group. Fenerbahce, who were caught up in a match fixing scandal last season, seeing them ejected from all UEFA competition are back in Europe after finishing second behind arch rivals Galatasaray. They have once again pumped good money into the squad bringing in Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool, Raul Meireles from Chelsea and Milos Krasic from Juventus, and will want to prove their worth in a competition they were deprived of last season.
After an impressive campaign last year in the Bundesliga which saw them force their way into a UCL playoff spot, Borussia Monchengladbach picked up many admirers, and despite losing young sensation Marco Reus to Borussia Dortmund, they have spent well replacing him with Luuk De Jong from Twente, and Granit Xhaka from Basel. Not many expect the Germans to challenge again for a UCL spot, so a decent run in the UEL is seen as a high priority. AEL Limassol will be the massive underdogs in the group, but will take great inspiration of the progress of APOEL Nicosia in last season’s Champions League, going into their first European campaign for 10 years. The Cypriot champions, similarly to APOEL last season are made up mainly of foreign imports from Portuguese speaking countries (Portugal, Brazil and Angola), and have already shown their worth this season, beating Partizan Belgrade and narrowly losing out to Anderlecht in the UCL qualifiers.

One to Watch: Moussa Sow (Fenerbahce) – The Senegalese international striker who rose to prominence in the French title winning Lille side in 2011, quickly moved on to Turkey in January where he has continued his impressive goal scoring form. Tall, quick and with a ferocious shot, he scored 7 goals in his 12 matches for Fener last term, before kicking off this year with 2 goals in 4 UCL qualifying matches.

Group D: Newcastle United (ENG), Bordeaux (FRA), Club Brugge (BEL), Maritimo (POR)

Newcastle United were one of the star attractions of the Premier League last season, a well-deserved 5th placed finish, guaranteeing European football for the Magpies for the first time in 8 years. The likelihood of progression will again depend on the standard of line-ups that manager Alan Pardew selects. Previously he has stated that fringe players are likely to be given the nod over their star men, but even with a potential B squad, Newcastle should limp through this group at the very least. Bordeaux are slowly but surely gaining momentum on their return to European football after finishing in 5th place in last season’s French Ligue 1. They have already started reasonably in their distant hope of UCL qualification, but are likely to make more progress if they concentrate on the Europa League. Ludovic Obraniak has completed his permanent transfer from Lille, after an impressive loan last term, and his performances will be key to support an attacking force that includes Henri Saivet who has already picked up a couple of goals this season.

Club Brugge, who made it through to the knockout stages last time out, will want to replicate that type of form again in a similar strength group. They finished last season in 2nd position behind Anderlecht in the Belgian title hunt, and have strengthened once again in the summer bringing in striker Mohamed Tchite from Standard Liege and Jesper Jorgensen from Genk. Maritimo make up the group after finishing 5th in the Portuguese top tier, but represent the least threat to progression. Like many Portuguese sides in European action, their squad is almost exclusively made up of Portuguese and Brazilian players. Maritimo haven’t dented the transfer market, mainly bringing in out of contact players or loanees from the bigger Lisbon clubs, such as 22 year old midfielder David Simao who starred in fellow Europa League competitors Academica in the second half of the season on loan from Benfica.

One to Watch: Mohamed Tchite (Club Brugge) – Was a constant thorn in any defence’s side in the Europa League last term with Standard Liege scoring 4 goals in 7 appearances. This summer the Burundian made history, as the first player to play for each of the top 3 Belgian clubs, Anderlecht, Liege and now Brugge.

Bordeaux's Ludovic Obraniak

Group E: FC Copenhagen (DEN), VfB Stuttgart (GER), Steaua Bucharest (ROM), Molde (NOR)

After dominating the domestic game for the last few years, Copenhagen were knocked off top spot last term by Nordsjaelland and have failed to inch into the Champions League this year. They still have some of their key players that clinched a draw over Barcelona two seasons ago, with the likes of Brazilian duo Cesar Santin and Claudemir, while they will struggle to replace their talisman Dame N’Doye who has made a move to Russia. Stuttgart will feel confident of taking top spot in this group, as on paper they have the strongest squad after finishing 5th in the Bundesliga last term. They boast a particularly exciting attack, with Austria’s Martin Harnick, Bosnia’s Vedad Ibisevic and nationalised German Cacau they will definitely have some goals in them that could fire them through to the knockout stages, however question marks over their defensive record could frustrate their progress.

Elsewhere, Steaua Bucharest are the only side in this group that played in last year’s finals, making it through the group stage before being knocked out in the Round of 32. They have continued to shop within Romania, picking up one of the signings of the season, Brazilian Rocha, who has started brilliantly in both league and Europe. To make up the group, Norwegian champions Molde, enter Europe for the first time since they were knocked out of the UCL by group rivals Stuttgart back in 2010. Again, Molde who were managed to the title by Manchester United legend Ole Gunner Solskjaer slipped up in the UCL qualifiers going out to Basel, but could provide a shock in a very open group.

One to Watch: Jo Inge Berget (Molde) – The pony tailed striker has been razor sharp at the start of this season, netting 7 goals already, plus a handful for the Norwegian Under 21 side. His talents however lie away from goal scoring, and are usually used elsewhere as a runner in behind, and providing assists for midfielders coming from deep.

Group F: PSV Eindhoven (NED), Napoli (ITA), Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR), AIK (Sweden)

After missing out on the Dutch title last term, PSV Eindhoven, are one of the favourites to challenge Ajax this time around under new coach Dick Advocaat who joins from the Russian national team. As far as their European exploits were concerned, PSV looked comfortable, easing through the group stages before being knocked out in the Round of 16 by Valencia. Once again they have shone in the preliminary rounds, beating Zeta 14-0 on aggregate to make it to the group stage. PSV are a good-looking team, with Van Bommel and Narsingh joining an already strong squad that could go along way this season. Napoli had a similarly up and down season, after finishing outside Europe in Serie A, they needed a Italian Cup victory to seal their place in the Europa League. In Europe itself Napoli excelled and were knocked out in the UCL by eventual winners Chelsea. They continue to have one of the strongest attacks in Europe, despite losing Lavezzi to PSG, with Cavani and Hamsik being joined by the athleticism of right wing back Maggio, however their defensive frailties let them down in matches they should win.

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk have their work cut out to nick a top 2 spot, but great progress has been felt in Ukraine, as they prepare for their first European campaign group stage since 2006. They are blessed with Ukraine international winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and striker Yevhen Seleznyov and should prove a real force at their home ground. AIK make up the group after they finished 2nd in the Swedish championship. It’s going to be hard to see AIK getting many points, especially away from home, but a handy addition of Daniel Majstorovic from Celtic will help out their defensive line.

One to Watch: Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven) – The young holding midfielder has now bedded himself in both with his club side and national team’s core, and looks to build into another campaign. Sharp and strong but with a keen eye for a pass, his partnership with Van Bommel is likely to improve the player even more as the big clubs circle above.

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Yevhen Konoplyanka

Group G: Sporting (POR), Basel (SUI), Genk (BEL), Videoton (HUN)

Last season’s final stages were dominated by the Spanish, but Sporting Lisbon were able to match their Iberian neighbours up until the Semi-Finals where they were beaten by Athletic Bilbao. Much like eventual winners Athletico Madrid, Sporting changed coaches mid-season after a poor start, which invigorated an impressive push through the knockout stages of the UEL, along the way beating the likes of Manchester City. Goals from Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, the keeping exploits of Rui Patricio and the occasional screamer from left back Emiliano Insua were pivotal to their success in Europe last term and they will once again be called upon this season. Transfers wise Sporting have spent big despite losing Joao Periera to Valencia and Matias Fernandez to Fiorentina on the likes of Rojo from Spartak Moscow, Pranjic from Bayern Munich and Labyad from PSV Eindhoven. After excelling in the UCL last term, knocking out Manchester United in the group stages before going out to Bayern Munich, Basel have had to aim a little lower this season after influential midfield duo Shaquiri and Xhaka left for Germany. They still have the veteran strike force of Alexander Frei and Marco Streller who can be dangerous from set pieces, and have kept hold of exciting talent Fabien Frei for at least one more season.

Genk, who finished in 5th position last season in the Belgian top flight, are focussing on a first European campaign without star winger Kevin De Bruyne who returned to his parent club Chelsea. They still offer a potent attacking force through Belgian international forward Jelle Vossen and on loan Twente striker Glynor Plet, who has already scored 4 in as many matches in the UEL qualifiers. After failing to make it through the UCL group stages last season, they will hope for better look this year in the UEL. Genk’s opponents in the first round of matches are Hungarian cup winners Videoton, who are competing in the group stage of a European tournament for the first time under former Queens Park Rangers boss Paulo Sousa. On paper they look unlikely to threaten progression from the group, however a brilliant qualifying campaign which included victories over Gent and Trabzonspor has certainly got everyone’s attention. A big signing for them in the close season was the capture of Brazilian defender Kaka, who particularly starred in the previous two European campaigns with Braga and APOEL Nicosia on loan.

One to Watch: Mohamed Salah (Basel) – The 20 year old striker has just signed for the Swiss champions after a decent start to his career in Egypt. Despite opening his account in his first few matches for his club, his real form can be seen on the International stage, where he starred in Egypt’s run in the Olympics scoring 3 goals in 3 group stage matches, while he has already broken into the full Egypt side where he boasts a clinical record of 9 goals in 15 caps.

Group H: Internazionale (ITA), Rubin Kazan (RUS), Partizan Belgrade (SER), Neftchi Baku (AZE)

  It’s a come down in fortunes for Internazionale, who have been used to taking on Europe’s elite in the Champions League, where they were victorious in 2010, but this season they will have to make do with the Europa League after finishing outside the top 3 in Italy. Under new manager Stramaccioni, they have rebuilt an ageing squad bringing in the likes of Guarin and Perriera from Porto, Gargano from Napoli, and maybe most importantly Cassano from city rivals AC Milan. In the qualifying rounds, Stramaccioni suggested that Inter have a strong enough squad to rotate their star players between league and Europe, making them one of the big favourites for the tournament at this early stage. Rubin Kazan have built up a reputation of being tricky opponents in Europe, and will once again be one of the favourites to make it out of the group stage. Their real strength is in their defensive abilities, marshalled by centre back Roman Sharonov and in-demand full back Salvatore Bochetti, but they have added well to their attack over the summer bringing in former Chelsea youngster Gokhan Tore from Hamburg and Salomon Rondon from Malaga.

Partizan have tended to dominate domestically in Serbia, but have until now only threatened on occasion in Europe. They have a world-renowned youth academy that has produced the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Miralem Sulejmani, but have had problems of late holding on to their talent and tend to rely on returning Serbs or up and coming foreign imports to fill their squad. Captain Sasa Ilic is a Partizan legend who has returned to the club he started at recently, while Zvonimir Vukic has made the same comeback and will be the teams main goal threat. Neftchi Baku will be entering into the Europa League finals stage for the first time in their history this year, after defeating one of last season’s star performers in Europe APOEL Nicosia. The Azerbaijan champions are mainly equipped with home based players, but the Brazilian duo of Flavinho and new signing Rodriguinho will have to act as their most creative outlet if they harbour any hopes of picking up points.

One to Watch: Bibras Natcho (Rubin Kazan) – The Israeli midfielder is Rubin’s key man in the centre park, were it assisting goals or scoring them himself. For a creative midfielder he has a superb record, with 6 goals in 7 games this season in the league, and 2 in 4 in Europe. Last season he picked up 3 goals in the Europa League, all stemming from either free kicks or penalties.

Rubin Kazan's Alan Kasaev and Bibras Natcho

Group I: Athletic Bilbao (SPA), Olympique Lyonnais (FRA), Sparta Prague (CZE), Hapoel Kiryat Shmona (ISR)

Finalists last time out, many feared this Athletic Bilbao team wouldn’t be seen again, with big clubs eyeing up their young talent. In the end, the only major departure was Javi Martinez to Bayern Munich, a massive blow for the team, but to keep the majority of the set up was the key for future success. Keeping manager Marcelo Bielsa was another big achievement, after some rumblings over disagreements with the board, sight was set for another successful season in both league and cup. Their cup exploits secured Europa League football once again, but to better last year will take some doing after beating Schalke, PSG and Manchester United on their way to their fairytale final against Athletico Madrid. The attacking trio of Llorente, De Marcos and Muniain will be key to boost the Basque club through the group stage, especially in their atmospheric San Mames home stadium. Lyon return to European action after a short period away from the top table in the UCL. They have been below their par of a few seasons back when they dominated French football, but under Remi Garde they look to be forcing their way back into contention domestically. Of their chances in Europe, they will be hopeful to edge through the group apart from some tricky away trips, but on paper with the likes of Michel Bastos, Lisandro Lopez and the returning to form Yohann Gourcuff they could once be a force again.

Sparta Prague have gone one better than last season after exiting in the playoff round last time around, but are unlikely to challenge for one of the progression spots unless their away record improves. Sparta’s squad is made up nearly entirely of Czech Republic nationals, with a host of players just outside the national squad such as Marek Matejovsky, Jiri Jarosik and the enigma Vaclav Kadlec. In the last few seasons Sparta have fallen behind domestically behind more unfancied clubs such as Viktoria Plzen and Slovan Liberec, so this season might see more efforts put into their league campaign ahead of the UEL. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona make up the group after a sensational rise to prominence that sees them enter their first European tournament proper. In a country dominated by the other Hapoel (Tel Aviv) and the two Maccabi’s (Haifa and Tel Aviv), it was a brilliant achievement for this small club to snatch the title last season, and were only just beaten to a UCL group spot by BATE Borisov in the playoff round. Only founded in 2000, a club with a ground that only fits 5,000 is bound to bring over the neutrals support.

One to Watch: Jon Aurtenetxe (Athletic Bilbao) – For all of Athletic’s attacking plaudits, their defence was solid throughout last season’s competition, and in left back Aurtenetxe they have a star in the making. At only 20 years old, he is sleight, yet quick off the ground and more than capable of helping out with a counter attack. Was a regular in the back four that made it to final last season.

Group J: Tottenham Hotspur (ENG), Lazio (ITA), Panathinaikos (GRE), Maribor (SVN)

  Under Harry Redknapp Tottenham Hotspur, rarely put any sort of effort into the UEL, as he picked consistently weakened squads, saving his players for their league efforts to qualify for the UCL. Last season, of course Spurs achieved their goal of finishing 4th, however after Chelsea’s UCL triumph, Spurs were relegated to the UEL, with many asking if there will be laboured efforts to be seen similar to last year? For one, the manager has changed, Andre Villas-Boas, the man who led Porto to UEL victory two seasons ago has taken over, but after an average start in the league, and pressure from the press he is likely to push the UEL to the corner for the time being. Meaning of course, a chance for the fringe players to shine, with Jake Livermore in the centre of midfield and striker Jermain Defoe are likely to get extended runs in the team after impressing enough to get England call ups in the International break. Lazio returned to European action last season, and started impressively but ended up losing out to champions Athletico Madrid in the Round of 32. They have their very own Falcao, veteran German striker Miroslav Klose who picked up 3 goals in the tournament, and will be key once again alongside returning attacking threat Mauro Zarate and Brazilian playmaker Hernanes. Under Vladimir Petkovic, they have started the domestic season well and will likely progress out of their group in the UEL.

Panathinaikos are a side in free fall, partially to do with the Greek ecomony, and partially due to the dominance of city rivals Olympiakos who once again sealed their Greek Super League title last season. The likes of Ninis, Kante and Pana legend Karagounis have exited the club, with top quality replacements being thin on the ground, keeping hold of the likes of Katsouranis, and attacking outlet Leto at least will keep them competitive in a tough group. Maribor make up Group J, and will be heartened by their experience of the group stage last season. Winning their second successive Slovenian title last year, the Violets are still a way behind the big sides in terms of quality but will provide a tough away trip for them to visit. Notable players include Slovenian international keeper Jasmin Handanovic, brother of Inter’s Samir, and Brazilian defender Arghus, who shares his name with a popular British catalogue store.

One to Watch: Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur) – With many of Spurs’ big names likely to be rested in Europe, the young Englishman should get his chance in the heart of their defence. Fresh off the back of a decent full season in the Premier League with Swansea City, Caulker showcased his full footballing ability to go with his strong physique and leadership qualities.

Lazio's Hernanes and Miroslav Klose

Group K: Bayer Leverkusen (GER), Metalist Kharkiv (UKR), Rosenborg (NOR), Rapid Vienna (AUT)

There has been a change in the waters at Bayer Levekusen over the past season, as they failed to clinch a return to the Champions League after they competed so well over the last couple of seasons. Out has gone previous manager Robin Dutt, in comes the untested duo of Sascha Lewandowski and former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia, a system that is rarely seen at any level of football let alone a top European club. Pressure on the field will be put on the likes of German striker Andre Schurlle, attacking full back Michal Kadlec and box to box midfielder Lars Bender, as many expect Bayer to go far in the tournament. One side who progressed deep into the finals last term was Metalist Kharkiv, who made it to the Quarter Finals before being knocked out by Sporting. The Ukrainian side, who once again finished in 3rd position behind the established duo of Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev, are a side made up of plenty of talent, mostly from South America. Striker Taison was one of the stars of last season’s UEL, while he was assisted well by Brazilian born midfielder’s Cleiton Xavier and Edmar. The team owned by Ukraine businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky are expected to achieve similar success by their fans, as they bid to become the second club from Ukraine to lift the Europa League after Shakhtar did back in 2009.

Rosenborg, who only made it to the playoff round last term, have gone one better and secured a group stage spot this year. They finished 3rd in Norway, some what of a come down after winning the previous two league titles and will want to improve both on their domestic and European form going forward. Skippered by left back Mikael Dorsin, the club’s feint hopes of making it out of the group stage will rely on the goals of former Tottenham Hotspur striker Steffen Iversen who turns 36 this season in his third stint with the Norwegian club. Rapid Vienna make up the group and will have similar ambitions as Rosenborg for a distant chance of upsetting the more favoured two in the group. The Austrian league, which has been generally dominated by Red Bull Salzburg, has suffered in recent years, with many sides having to cut their cloth accordingly. In that vein, Rapid will look to their existing squad, especially to captain Steffen Hoffman who is particularly dangerous from set pieces to inspire any points they can muster. 

One to Watch: Bernd Leno (Bayer Levekusen) – One of many promising goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, Leno has impressed many after joining from Stuttgart last season on loan. Seen as surplus by his parent club, Leno has gone from strength to strength with Bayer, and at 20 is bound to break into the German squad in the next couple of seasons.

Group L: Twente (NED), Hannover 96 (GER), Levante (SPA), Helsingborgs (SWE)

A marathon 23 matches, is what is needed to be played if Twente were to win the UEL this season, and with 8 matches gone, so far they have made it successfully into the group stages of the competition. Similar to Fulham’s heroic run to the final in 2010, Twente also under a British manager, Steve McLaren qualified for the tournament thanks to the UEFA fairplay rule, and kicked off their campaign back in July. In his second spell with the club, which he led to the Dutch title in 2010, McLaren has started pretty well, organising a well-equipped squad who will be missing star striker Luuk De Jong this year, after he joined Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer. They are built on a stern defence including nationalised Dutchman Douglas, while the additions of winger Dusan Tadic and striker Dmitry Bulykin will help add some variety in the attacking third. While many will tip Twente to progress outright, Hannover’s run to the Quarter Finals last season, which ended with defeat to Athletico Madrid, proved that they can’t be discounted. Hannover who finished seventh in Germany last year, have kept together much of the squad that has excelled over the last two years under coach Mirko Slomka, with Didier Ya Konan providing the attacking threat, and the likes of Japanese international Hiroki Sakai and Tunisian centre back Karim Haggui keeping it tight at the back.

Levante, who ever so nearly sneaked into the UCL spots in Spain last year, will look to continue their progression in Europe this year. To qualify for Europe, two years since they were playing in the second tier in Spain is a real achievement, and with a strike force combining experienced Greek Theofanis Gekas with former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins, they offer flexibility and guile in attack. Helsingborgs make up what is one the most competitive groups in the tournament, but will likely be playing catch up. The Swedish champions, who missed out on Champions League football at the hands of Celtic, haven’t the strongest squads on paper, but it does include former Spurs and Wigan Athletic full back Erik Edman and club legend and goal threat Alvaro Santos who is in his second spell at the club.

One to Watch: Artur Sobiech (Hannover 96) – After impressing for Polonia Warsaw back in his home country, the Polish international has sparkled already in his second season in the Bundesliga. Kicking on from his Euro 2012 call up, Sobiech has gone on to score 4 goals in 4 games at the start of this season and should be a threat in the UEL group stage.

What's the problem with the Europa League?

It wasn’t a total surprise that at the UEFA Europa League group stage draw in Monaco last Friday, team representatives and invited guests were singing the praises of a tournament that has been widely scorned for some time since they were UEFAs guests to the glittering event, what was a surprise was the odd remark referring to a competition in that was still in its “infancy”. The Europa League itself has only been existence 4 seasons (including the existing 2012/13 campaign) but a similar framework was derived from the old UEFA Cup which had been running for some 50 years. Among the changes, which there were little, was to integrate the existing UEFA and Intertoto Cup competitions into one tournament, as well as moving the matches being played to one single day (Thursday), which aimed to further break from the UEFA Champions League which played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Here, say many is why, the Europa League is declining into a worthless competition.

This attitude is reflected most potently in England, where the press, the general public and even the participating clubs generally disregard the competition as an inconvenience. Only in the last week Alan Pardew, the manager of Newcastle United, who returned to Europe for the first time in 8 years, expressed his anxieties over the fixture congestion alongside their Premier League routine, and went on to suggest that his side’s fringe players would likely fill the bulk of their Europa League squad. This isn’t exactly a new tactic being deployed, the majority of English sides have fielded weaker squads in the UEL for the last couple of years; Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, two sides that will join Newcastle in the group stage this year have form in this area, and there is no reason why they won’t continue in the same vein. The involved clubs’ domestic ambitions are usually an indication on how serious they will take the UEL. For sides such as Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle, their aspirations are high, with a target of UCL qualification on the horizon, while the likes of Stoke City, Fulham and Middlesbrough (who progressed further in the competition over the past 7 years) have had to settle with mid-table aspirations and therefore put more emphasis on their European campaign. However Stoke, a side that progressed well last year through the group stage started to field a weaker side in the knockout phase once they were threatened with relegation domestically.

The big misconception seems to be the schedule pileup, that the UEL is more intensive than the UCL. Last season, UEL participants who played on Thursday evening had their league matches moved to Sundays to ease their rehabilitation, whereas UCL teams had the same rehabilitation between matches either playing a league game on a Saturday, followed by UCL action on Tuesday, or playing in Europe on Wednesday, and back to action on the Saturday domestically. Each example illustrates that clubs have 2 full days of preparation between matches. In terms of number of matches, the UEL has only one extra round compared to the UCL, in fact Spurs would have had to play the same amount of games to qualify for the UCL final, as they will now to reach the UEL final, if they had been granted their UCL qualification that their league finish dictated. A relevant squad size is obviously needed to face domestic and European campaigns successfully, hence the generally deeper teams such as Manchester United tend to succeed more often than not. However, even the Red Devils, experienced at the multi-ball juggling act, were heard moaning at the so called hectic schedule once they were demoted from the UCL down to the UEL last term, which has been outlined above as myth.

In the long run, the number of matches and general rehabilitation of the squads is very similar, however one factor fails to come anywhere close to equal, that is money. An issue that is key to any European football debate is an obvious barometer to assess the reasons behind the decline of the UEL. While the prize money is obviously distorted in favour of the UCL, it’s the TV revenue gained from a successful run in the competition where the larger margins are felt. Big bucks deals funded by Sky and ITV for UCL coverage, is an obvious pull for clubs to pursue any which way of entering the competition, but it leaves the UEL behind with a very small chunk of the pie. It’s a circular problem; TV audiences are going to look elsewhere if second string sides are being put out by their countries’ teams, while the clubs themselves are unlikely to put out stronger squads of players if they are not going to see high TV revenues, a chicken and the egg scenario that neither side seems to be keen on changing.

So, how to improve a competition that’s in need of a change in its fortunes both on and off the pitch? A competition that boasts former champions of Europe, such as Internazionale, Liverpool and Marseille, that showed last term the high standard of football it can offer and numerous opportunities to see at least two matches per match day on free-to-view TV has obviously some positives going for it. Granting a UCL qualification spot to the winners could be a way to go, a change in domestic league match days, such as Monday night matches for the affected teams, or a reversal of the ruling that allows 3^rd placed UCL sides drop into the UEL. All these could potentially improve the tournaments image, but it usually all comes down to the clubs themselves who are unlikely to change their game plan overnight.

Only hours after the draw had been made Athletico Madrid, last season’s UEL champions sailed past the UCL champions Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in a 4-1 rout inspired by Radamel Falcao, one player that will be playing in the UEL for the third time in as many years. No one could criticise Athletico, a dynamic, exciting side who’s only recent success’ have been in the UEL, yet the UCL snobbery still remains. Let’s hope this season, like we hoped last year and the year before, that the UEL can finally shrug off its shackles, that TV audiences expand, that the press and pundits alike relax their frustration with the schedule and that the likes of Newcastle, Spurs and Liverpool actually put some effort in that last year’s endeavours deserve and pick a half decent squad.