In what could quite possibly be an exquisite year for Thursday night football, the Europa League is spoiled with powerful teams, giant clubs and inform managers. From the famed Anfield Road to the Bay Arena in Leverkusen, club football’s second most prestigious European competition is giving fans more than they’ve bargained for.
While Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool remain the heavy favorites to add the Europa League trophy to their cabinet next year, several outlying teams may prove to be an obstacle for the Reds in their conquest to victory. Currently first in the Bundesliga and flaunting an undefeated league record in their 23/24 campaign, Bayern Leverkusen are a force to be reckoned with. Having already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, Xabi Alonso’s reinvented German side are also undefeated in the Europa League, boasting five wins in five outings. Determined and proven to be in dominant form, anything other than an impressive run in the competition would serve damning to the German side.
Looking to England, West Ham United may also be in the running for Europa League champions. The 22/23 UEFA Conference League winners have already secured promotion into the knockout stages of the competition, and not through luck. With 4 wins and 1 loss, David Moyes’ side shows a clear hunger for more silverware next year. Accompanying West Ham in the list of English sides hoping to make their dent in the competition, Brighton also look set to become troublesome in the RO16. Managed and reborn by talented gaffer Roberto De Zerbi, the Seagulls have started their first ever European campaign incredibly, securing three wins from five matches in what seemed to be the most difficult group within the competition, which is filled with Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens.
Photo Credit : Johnathan Rolande
Of course, much must be said for the Champions League 3rd place finishers who will be granted entry to the Europa League in time for the RO16’s commencement. While the 6th game of the group will ultimately determine most of the final standings, both Feyenoord and Young Boys have already guaranteed a third-place finish, which is sure to shake up the odds. While Young Boys have not won the Europa League before, Feyenoord have held the trophy twice in their club's history, which may boost morale for the 22/23 Eredivisie champions.
Ultimately, too much still hangs in the balance to nail on a secure prediction for the Europa League winners – but time will soon tell much of what is yet to come.
Written by Oisin O'Sullivan
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