(Football news) The UEFA Europa League is underway this week and clubs that have failed to qualify for the Champions League will get their shot to taste European glory. In the last few years, the Europa League has featured the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, elevating the popularity of the club competition even further.
Here are some of the fixtures that you must keep an eye on.
Dinamo Zagreb vs West Ham United – Group H
The two sides are set to face each other on 16th September at 10:15 pm IST. Croatian professional side Dinamo Zagreb narrowly missed out on the Champions League after being outclassed by Moldova's Sheriff Tiraspol. West Ham look to be in top form, having already scored 10 goals in the Premier League and look to be the overwhelming favourites of this tie.
Leicester City vs Napoli – Group C
A clash between two heavyweights (by Europa League standards anyway), Leicester will face Napoli on Friday, 17th September at 12:30 am IST. The Premier League side narrowly missed out on a Champions League berth, resulting in Brendon Rogers to shift his focus on the Europa League instead. Leicester have won the FA Cup last season and will aim to achieve European glory this time around, an alternate route for a Champions League spot for next season. The East Midlands club may have started their domestic campaign slowly, but will aim to start their European campaign on a positive note. Napoli are currently on a high, having defeated Juventus 2-1 in their last match and will be full of confidence heading into the King Power Stadium.
Rangers vs Lyon – Group A
Scottish football club Rangers will be hoping to maintain their momentum, having had a bright start to their season by winning the Old Firm derby as the Ibrox Stadium welcomes French club Lyon in their midst. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard will be relying on Moussa Dembele’s goals against Lyon, to start their Europa League campaign positively. The match will be played on Friday, 17th September at 12:30 am IST.
Real Betis vs Celtic – Group G
Celtic have endured a mixed start to their season, having lost the Old Firm derby but defeating Ross County 3-0 in the last match. Meanwhile, Real Betis are back in the Europa League, last featuring in the European club competition in the 2018/19 season where they made it to the Round of 32. The Spanish club will be hoping to repeat that feat, despite having Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen and Ferencvaros in Group G. The match will be played on 16th September at 10:15 pm IST.
Also read: Uefa Champions League: Who are Sheriff Tiraspol FC, a team from an unrecognised country
