With several weeks’ delay compared to its ‘sisters’ the Champions and Conference League, the Europa League, the continent’s second-largest competition, makes its debut. The birth of the Conference last year partly revolutionised this event, first of all by reducing the number of participants in the group stage. Consequently, the number of teams taking part in the preliminary rounds also decreased: the novelty is that only the third round and play-offs are played. Fourteen starring teams, most of which had just been eliminated in the second qualifying round of the Champions League and therefore ‘relegated’. Only two were already qualified for the third round: the Czechs Slovacko and the Serbs Partizan.
There are, therefore, a number of ‘disappointments’ on the programme. Among them, the Turkish Fenerbahçe stand out: former Benfica coach Jorge Jesus failed to lead the Yellowoblù into the group stage of the most important event, falling in the double-header against Mircea Lucescu’s Dinamo Kiev: Karavaev’s goal in extra time was decisive. Fenerbahçe now have the opportunity to make up for it by imposing themselves on modest Slovacko: their victory should not be in question in a match with at least three goals in total.
Malmo, surprisingly eliminated by Zalgiris, are also looking for redemption: the Swedes will not repeat the same mistakes against Dudelange of Luxembourg, and even in this case the total goals will not be few. Reigning Swiss champions Zürich and Shamrock Rovers are likely to avoid defeat. The reigning Swiss champions held off Qarabag, but the extra time was fatal, but against Linfield – who were flooded with goals (eight) by Bodo/Glimt a week ago – they are favourites. The Irish have also surprised in the Champions League and should play it out with the Macedonians of Shkupi. Another team that was resoundingly eliminated is Olympiacos, who stumbled against Maccabi Haifa. For the Greeks, there is now Slovan Bratislava, a tough but within reach opponent. Finally, a balance is expected between Maribor and HJK: it would not be surprising if they both score.
Europa League 2022/2023: likely winners
Partizan or draw (in AEK Larnaca-Partizan, 5.30pm)
Malmo (in Malmo-Dudelange, 19:00)
Zurich or draw (in Linfield-Zurich, 20:45)
Olympiacos (in Olympiacos-Slovan Bratislava, 21:00)
Shamrock Rovers or draw (in Shamrock Rovers-Shkupi, 21:00)
Match with at least one goal per team
Maribor-HJK, 8.15pm
Linfield-Zurich, 20:45
The matches with at least three goals in total
Fenerbahçe-Slovacko, 19:00
Malmo-Dudelange, 19:00
Olympiacos-Slovan Bratislava, 21:00
