After today we’ll be halfway through the Europa League group stages, and the groups are still very much up for grabs. A pair of Premier League teams are in advancing positions, but must keep hold of those with plenty still to be decided.
[ FOLLOW LIVE: Thursday’s Europa League action ]
Manchester United sits on a promising six points through three matches in Group A, and they travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahce who could jump the Red Devils into a qualifying position with a win. Jose Mourinho will surely want a win to stave off the vultures who are circling with United in poor league form.
Meanwhile, Southampton is in a qualifying position in Group K - but only on goal difference - as they host slumping Inter Milan. The Italian giants controversially fired manager Frank de Boer last week after just 84 days due to poor league performance, with Stefano Vecchi in charge while the club looks for a new head man. Should Southampton capitalize on Inter’s turmoil, they could go top of the group if Sparta Prague fails to beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Other teams in action include Roma hosting Austria Wien with the winner set to take over the top spot in Group E, while Ajax could secure a spot in the knockout phase with a win and a corresponding result.
Today’s notable Europa League fixtures
Fenerbahce vs. Manchester United - 2:00 PM
Anderlecht vs. FC Mainz - 2:00 PM
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. AZ Alkmaar - 2:00 PM
Austria Wien vs. Roma - 2:00 PM
Ajax vs. Celta Vigo - 4:00 PM
Southampton vs. Inter Milan - 4:05 PM
Schalke vs. FC Krasnodar - 4:05 PM
KAA Gent vs. Shakhtar Donetsk - 4:05 PM