United, Liverpool and Spurs lead England’s Europa League charge
Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, Sevilla and a host of continental
big guns as well as English clubs Manchester United, Tottenham and
Liverpool swing into Europa League action in the last-32 knock out phase
on Thursday.
In fact one clash has already begun on Tuesday as Turkey’s Fenerbahce
took a 2-0 advantage over rusty Lokomotiv Moscow, who were playing
their first match since the Russian winter break began.
Manchester United dream of redeeming their dull season by triumph in
the Europa League, and in fact their coach Luis van Gaal won the old
UEFA Cup with Ajax.
He takes United to little known Danish club Midtjylland, who are
seeking a second English scalp after knocking out Southampton earlier in
the season.
Formed just 16 years ago the Central Jutland club’s main threat could
be Pione Sisto, a flashy winger born in Uganda but now a Danish
under-21 international.
United made the trip Wednesday without their talismanic captain Wayne Rooney.
“Wayne Rooney is a notable absentee from the flight and the manager
is expected to confirm why during his pre-match press conference,” the
United website said.
Meanwhile local fans have prepared a banner with the phrase: ‘Welcome
to Scamdinavia’ on it to welcome the 800 strong United fans who are in
uproar having paid £71 ($101, 91 euros) for their tickets.
Jurgen Klopp returns to Germany for the first time as Liverpool
travel to Ausburg buoyed by a 6-0 drubbing of Villa, where Daniel
Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi all progressed after
injury comebacks.
The Liverpool boss was trying to play down the event saying :”During
the draw, I wasn’t thinking ‘please let it be a German club’. while the
relegation threatened opponents were on fever pitch.
“This is an absolute dream game for all of us at Augsburg,” said the
club’s director of sport Stefan Reuter, while coach Markus Weinzierl
described it as a “highlight in the club’s history”.
In-form Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate lies in wait as English
title chasing Tottenham swing into Florence to face Fiorentina hoping
their own Argentine Erik Lamela can add to his five European goals form
the qualifying round. Three of those came in the first half of their
last European outing, a 4-1 win over Monaco.
Games of interest elsewhere includes Dortmund hosting Porto, Italian
title contenders Napoli travelling to Villarreal and Sporting Lisbon
hosting Bayer Leverkusen.