British Clubs Find Out Europa League Opponents
The British clubs, who have qualified for the playoff stage of the UEFA Europa League, have discovered their opponents after the draw was made at the headquarters of European football’s governing body in Nyon, Switzerland.
Liverpool, who eased past Macedonian side FK Rabotnicki in the third qualifying round, face a tough encounter against Turkish cup holders Trabzonspor. Trabzonspor have won the Turkish Super League six times, while they have lifted the Turkish Cup on eight occasions. The first game of the tie will be played at Anfield.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s English Premier League rivals Manchester City – who have entered the competition at this stage - look to have been much luckier as the draw has pitted them against minnows Timisoara of Romania, with the first match to take place at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Aston Villa are also beginning their European adventure this season at this stage of the tournament and will take on Rapid Vienna. The Villa will be looking for payback, as they were dumped out by the Austrian club, who will host the English side in the first leg.
Celtic to face Dutch side
After being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, Celtic drop down to the Europa League and will face a double-header against Dutch side Utrecht, with the first match at Celtic Park. Motherwell, who enjoyed an impressive 3-0 victory against Aalesunds in the previous round after drawing 1-1 in Norway, will have a good chance of progressing against Danish club Odense, who will be hosts for the first leg.
Scottish Cup holders Dundee United, who are entering the competition at the playoff stage, also have a chance of making it through to the group stage after being drawn against AEK Athens. Peter Houston’s men will host their Greek counterparts at Tannadice in the first leg. League of Wales champions, The New Saints, face a tough task of overcoming the challenge of CSKA Sofia, with the first match taking place in Bulgaria.
The first leg of the Europa League playoff stage matches will take place on August 19th, with the return games being held on August 26th.
Tags: