Europa League 2019-20: Gameweek 1 preview of key clashes
The UEFA Europa League 2019-20 is all set to start tonight with 48 teams in action. All the groups from A-L start their proceedings in Europe's second-tier club competition. The main focus will be on English giants Manchester United and Arsenal. The likes of Sevilla, FC Porto, Roma and Celtic are in the mix as well. Here's the preview.
12 matches will be played at 10:25 PM IST, whereas, the other 12 will take place at 12:30 AM. Qarabag FC versus Sevilla and Frankfurt vs Arsenal are the featured matches at 10:25 PM. Meanwhile, United versus Astana is the big game at 12:30 AM. One can watch the matches live on the Sony Ten Network and stream it on Sony Liv app.
Manchester United will hand a start to 17-year-old striker Mason Greenwood. Mid-fielder Fred, who impressed as a substitute against Leicester, will also start alongside goal-keeper Sergio Romero and defender Alex Tuanzebe. United boss Ole Guannar Solskjaer is wary of Astana and wants his players to make things memorable at Old Trafford. Solskjaer wants to see how the players take up the opportunity.
"If you don't throw them in, you don't know what you've got. I don't see any other way of doing this. I've always done it wherever I've been, that's my belief as a coach, to give a chance, an opportunity," said Solskjaer.
Last season's finalists Arsenal face a tricky away test against Frankfurt in Germany. Coach Unai Emery has already decided to rest the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Arsenal drew away at Watford over the weekend and they will be looking to get back to winning ways. Meanwhile, Frankfurt will hope to make life difficult for Arsenal and eke out a victory.
The 2019/20 #UEL group stage draw! 👊
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 30, 2019
Which games are you excited for?#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/aZkjcfj4lD
