The Europa League group stage has just been drawn out and it’s an interesting one. Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham and Rangers are all the British teams competing in this years campaign. The winners of their individual groups will automatically go through to the round of 16. Second place will have to go through a qualifying round with clubs who finished third in the Champions League. Let’s see who the British clubs were drawn with:
Liverpool – Group E
Liverpool without a doubt got the easiest group as they get drawn with LASK, Union SG and Toulouse. Jurgen Klopp’s men will be favourites going into this years tournament and they’ll be hoping for a very strong start. Last time they were in the Europa League was in the 2015/16 season. Klopp nearly led them to the trophy in his first season in charge but they were dismantled 3-1 by Sevilla in the final. Since then, Liverpool have only known European football at the highest level as they have always managed to qualify for the Champions League. They even won the Champions League trophy back in 2019. Liverpool will be hoping that last year was just a blip and that they can get back into the Champions League for next season.
Brighton – Group B
Brighton qualified for European football for the first time ever in their clubs 122-year history and they certainly couldn’t have picked a tougher group. Brighton will be going up against Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens. Ajax will be one of the favourites for the tournament as they were in the Champions League last season and they have some top talent on display. De Zerbi’s Brighton will be hoping to continue their dark horse magic with the likes of Mitoma leading their attack. But with two difficult games a week in the Europa League and Premier League, Brighton’s squad depth and fitness will be pushed to the limit.
West Ham United – Group A
West Ham were last seasons Conference League winners so they’ll be entering this competition with confidence that they can shock a few big-name sides. The Hammers have been drawn to Olympiacos, Freiburg and TSC Backa Topola. Olympiacos being the main test for David Moyes’ men, this shouldn’t be too much of a difficult group for West Ham. A second placed finish should be the minimum. West Ham stunned Brighton 3-1 at the weekend and have made a great start to the season sat in second place just behind Man City.
The 2023/24 group stage is set ✅#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/rKmamwpJyf
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 1, 2023
Rangers – Group C
It’s never easy for Scottish sides in European competitions but the Gers very nearly won the Europa League in 2022 but were defeated on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt in the final. They’ll be hoping for a repeat this season but they face a tough group. Real Betis, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol. Rangers currently sit in 4th place in the Scottish Premiership after three games.
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