The draw for the group stages of the 19/20 Europa League was officially conducted today (August 30, 2019) and it’s thrown up some very interesting ties.
Group E: Lazio, Celtic, Rennes, Cluj
Group G: Rangers, Porto, Feyenoord, Young Boys
Group F: Arsenal, Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard de Liege, Vitoria SC
Group K: Besiktas, Braga, Wolves, Slovan Bratislava
Group L: Man Utd, Astana, Partizan, Alkmaar
Scottish champions Celtic are in Group E alongside Lazio, Rennes and CFR Cluj. A tricky group given that Rennes just beat PSG 2-1 early in the French season, and teenager Eduardo Camavinga, so influential that evening, will look to make his mark on the continental stage as well.
Rangers, who qualified for the group stages following a 91st minute goal from Alfredo Morelos against Legia, will have Porto, Feyenoord and Young Boys for company in Group G.
Arsenal are in Group F along with last season’s semi-finalists Eintracht Frankfurt, Belgian side Standard and Portuguese outfit Vitoria. Frankfurt are clearly the Gunners’ most dangerous opponents- they qualified for the group stages after beating Strasbourg 3-0 at home, with Filipe Kostic netting a stunning free kick.
Some serious travel for Manchester United, who have away trips to both Serbia and Kazakhstan awaiting them, the former a 1500 mile journey and the latter a 3700 mile one.
Also check out the group stage draw for the Champions League that was announced yesterday evening.
Tough but honestly speaking, I think neither Celtic nor Rangers will get out of their respective groups.
Touch and go for Wolves. Will be interesting to see if they prioritise the league over long midweek trips to Istanbul and Bratislava. Can qualify if they focus all their attention on it.