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| Anzhi Makhachkala's Lacina Traore |
Liverpool in their first season under Brendan Rodgers have been drawn in a tough group, but their progression in this tournament will depend on the side they line-up with in the group stage. In previous playoff matches Rodgers has tended to play fringe players away from Anfield, with their more established stars returning for the home matches. But with their league campaign starting slowly, league priorities are likely to kick in, with Liverpool fans having to put their faith in the likes of young winger Raheem Sterling, who despite a promising start to the season, will probably be given more games in Europe than domestically. Alongside them the biggest name in the group is Udinese, fresh off their UCL playoff defeat on penalties to Braga. Similarly to last season, when they exited to Arsenal in the same round, Udinese are likely to blood their up and coming talent in the UEL group stage, with a lot of hype surrounding their young Colombian striker Luis Muriel in particular. But all in all this Udinese side is much depleted after selling off key players such as Handanovic, Asamoah and Isla in the summer, and are far from guaranteed a safe passage through the group.
One of the most eagerly anticipated returns to Europe after 10 years away is Anzhi Makhachkala. Known for their riches over anything else but under Guus Hiddink, they are poised to shock the established names in their group. Signings over the past two seasons have included Samuel Eto’o, Christopher Samba, Yuri Zhirkov, and most recently holding midfielder Lassana Diarra from Real Madrid. One downside for the Russians is that they will have to play all of their home matches away from Dagestan due to safety concerns. They have moved to play in Moscow ironically where the team is based for most of the year between home matches. Young Boys of Bern make up the group, and on paper at least have the poorest chance of making the knockout stages. More players leaving than arriving hasn’t helped their cause, as promising Zambian striker Emmanuel Mayuka has left for Southampton, Young Boys will realistically be hoping that any points they can gather will be on their artificial home surface which caused Tottenham Hotspur problems a few of years ago.
One to Watch: Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala) – After decent stints for CFR Cluj of Romania and Kuban Krasnodar in Russia, the Ivorian striker has formed a potent strike force with Samuel Eto’o in Makhachkala, with his tall bullish frame working well with Eto’o’s electric speed. Has already scored 3 goals in 4 matches in Europe this season.
Group B: Athletico Madrid (SPA), Viktoria Plzen (CZE), Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR), Academica (POR)
Fresh off the back of winning not only last season’s Europa League title in Bucharest, but also the Super Cup in Monaco, Athletico Madrid go into this year’s competition as one of the favourites for the title once again. Last season’s final win was their second in three seasons, and a second in two years for star striker Radamel Falcao, who once again finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer. After resisting interest for their chief goal getter, Athletico under Diego Simeone will likely to be looking to break into Spain’s top four this campaign to have a shot at the Champions League but will still be a force in the Europa League after they were drawn in a favourable group. Viktoria Plzen, will be their toughest opponents as the Czech club have proved themselves as an up and coming European side over the past couple of seasons. They entered the UCL group stages as Czech champions last year alongside Barcelona and AC Milan, before exiting to Schalke in the round of 32 in the Europa League, while they played well and even picked up draws against Milan and Schalke, Plzen will be much happier with their draw this time around. Their recent success has been built on a series of international break through stars, despite the likes of Jiracek, Rezek and Pilar moving on, Viktoria still possess four of the Czech’s Euro 2012 squad.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are one of three Israeli teams in the tournament, failed to make it through the group stage last campaign and will be hopeful they can go one step further this year. The side has lost many of their successful squad of a couple of years ago which competed well in Europe, reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time, but they have replaced them with some familiar faces. Former Premier League players John Paintsil and Eric Djemba-Djemba have joined to add some Europa League experience to the current squad. Academica make up the group after winning the Portuguese Cup last term, and will enter Europe for the first time since the 1970s. Former Malaga forward Edinho reignited his career in Portugal last term and after a successful loan period, he has joined on a full time basis this season, starting impressively scoring 3 goals in 3 matches this term.
One to Watch: Vladimir Darida (Viktoria Plzen) – Was a late comer to the Euro 2012 Czech squad, brought in as cover for the injury prone Tomas Rosicky, Darida broke into the first 11 and secured his place into the Quarter Final defeat to Portugal, where he particularly impressed with his link up play with the forward line. Similar to Rosicky, Darida is very short and is praised for his high energy levels and passing ability.
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| Athletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao |
Group C: Olympique Marseille (FRA), Fenerbahce (TUR), Borussia Monchengladbach (GER), AEL Limassol (CYP)
Group C is the only group this season that hasn’t got a team that played in last year’s Europa League, however it doesn’t take away from what is an interesting section. Olympique Marseille are fresh off a disastrous season last term, which was only salvaged by a French Cup win late on in the season. Despite the exit of manager Didier Deschamps to the French national side, the squad now under Elie Baup are roughly in the same shape as 12 months previous. Early season form suggests that they could be finding the winning formula once again, with Andre-Pierre Gignac and Mathieu Valbuena starting the season on fire, and they will look to progress well out of this group. Fenerbahce, who were caught up in a match fixing scandal last season, seeing them ejected from all UEFA competition are back in Europe after finishing second behind arch rivals Galatasaray. They have once again pumped good money into the squad bringing in Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool, Raul Meireles from Chelsea and Milos Krasic from Juventus, and will want to prove their worth in a competition they were deprived of last season.
After an impressive campaign last year in the Bundesliga which saw them force their way into a UCL playoff spot, Borussia Monchengladbach picked up many admirers, and despite losing young sensation Marco Reus to Borussia Dortmund, they have spent well replacing him with Luuk De Jong from Twente, and Granit Xhaka from Basel. Not many expect the Germans to challenge again for a UCL spot, so a decent run in the UEL is seen as a high priority. AEL Limassol will be the massive underdogs in the group, but will take great inspiration of the progress of APOEL Nicosia in last season’s Champions League, going into their first European campaign for 10 years. The Cypriot champions, similarly to APOEL last season are made up mainly of foreign imports from Portuguese speaking countries (Portugal, Brazil and Angola), and have already shown their worth this season, beating Partizan Belgrade and narrowly losing out to Anderlecht in the UCL qualifiers.
One to Watch: Moussa Sow (Fenerbahce) – The Senegalese international striker who rose to prominence in the French title winning Lille side in 2011, quickly moved on to Turkey in January where he has continued his impressive goal scoring form. Tall, quick and with a ferocious shot, he scored 7 goals in his 12 matches for Fener last term, before kicking off this year with 2 goals in 4 UCL qualifying matches.
Group D: Newcastle United (ENG), Bordeaux (FRA), Club Brugge (BEL), Maritimo (POR)
Newcastle United were one of the star attractions of the Premier League last season, a well-deserved 5th placed finish, guaranteeing European football for the Magpies for the first time in 8 years. The likelihood of progression will again depend on the standard of line-ups that manager Alan Pardew selects. Previously he has stated that fringe players are likely to be given the nod over their star men, but even with a potential B squad, Newcastle should limp through this group at the very least. Bordeaux are slowly but surely gaining momentum on their return to European football after finishing in 5th place in last season’s French Ligue 1. They have already started reasonably in their distant hope of UCL qualification, but are likely to make more progress if they concentrate on the Europa League. Ludovic Obraniak has completed his permanent transfer from Lille, after an impressive loan last term, and his performances will be key to support an attacking force that includes Henri Saivet who has already picked up a couple of goals this season.
Club Brugge, who made it through to the knockout stages last time out, will want to replicate that type of form again in a similar strength group. They finished last season in 2nd position behind Anderlecht in the Belgian title hunt, and have strengthened once again in the summer bringing in striker Mohamed Tchite from Standard Liege and Jesper Jorgensen from Genk. Maritimo make up the group after finishing 5th in the Portuguese top tier, but represent the least threat to progression. Like many Portuguese sides in European action, their squad is almost exclusively made up of Portuguese and Brazilian players. Maritimo haven’t dented the transfer market, mainly bringing in out of contact players or loanees from the bigger Lisbon clubs, such as 22 year old midfielder David Simao who starred in fellow Europa League competitors Academica in the second half of the season on loan from Benfica.
One to Watch: Mohamed Tchite (Club Brugge) – Was a constant thorn in any defence’s side in the Europa League last term with Standard Liege scoring 4 goals in 7 appearances. This summer the Burundian made history, as the first player to play for each of the top 3 Belgian clubs, Anderlecht, Liege and now Brugge.
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| Bordeaux's Ludovic Obraniak |
Group E: FC Copenhagen (DEN), VfB Stuttgart (GER), Steaua Bucharest (ROM), Molde (NOR)
After dominating the domestic game for the last few years, Copenhagen were knocked off top spot last term by Nordsjaelland and have failed to inch into the Champions League this year. They still have some of their key players that clinched a draw over Barcelona two seasons ago, with the likes of Brazilian duo Cesar Santin and Claudemir, while they will struggle to replace their talisman Dame N’Doye who has made a move to Russia. Stuttgart will feel confident of taking top spot in this group, as on paper they have the strongest squad after finishing 5th in the Bundesliga last term. They boast a particularly exciting attack, with Austria’s Martin Harnick, Bosnia’s Vedad Ibisevic and nationalised German Cacau they will definitely have some goals in them that could fire them through to the knockout stages, however question marks over their defensive record could frustrate their progress.
Elsewhere, Steaua Bucharest are the only side in this group that played in last year’s finals, making it through the group stage before being knocked out in the Round of 32. They have continued to shop within Romania, picking up one of the signings of the season, Brazilian Rocha, who has started brilliantly in both league and Europe. To make up the group, Norwegian champions Molde, enter Europe for the first time since they were knocked out of the UCL by group rivals Stuttgart back in 2010. Again, Molde who were managed to the title by Manchester United legend Ole Gunner Solskjaer slipped up in the UCL qualifiers going out to Basel, but could provide a shock in a very open group.
One to Watch: Jo Inge Berget (Molde) – The pony tailed striker has been razor sharp at the start of this season, netting 7 goals already, plus a handful for the Norwegian Under 21 side. His talents however lie away from goal scoring, and are usually used elsewhere as a runner in behind, and providing assists for midfielders coming from deep.
Group F: PSV Eindhoven (NED), Napoli (ITA), Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR), AIK (Sweden)
After missing out on the Dutch title last term, PSV Eindhoven, are one of the favourites to challenge Ajax this time around under new coach Dick Advocaat who joins from the Russian national team. As far as their European exploits were concerned, PSV looked comfortable, easing through the group stages before being knocked out in the Round of 16 by Valencia. Once again they have shone in the preliminary rounds, beating Zeta 14-0 on aggregate to make it to the group stage. PSV are a good-looking team, with Van Bommel and Narsingh joining an already strong squad that could go along way this season. Napoli had a similarly up and down season, after finishing outside Europe in Serie A, they needed a Italian Cup victory to seal their place in the Europa League. In Europe itself Napoli excelled and were knocked out in the UCL by eventual winners Chelsea. They continue to have one of the strongest attacks in Europe, despite losing Lavezzi to PSG, with Cavani and Hamsik being joined by the athleticism of right wing back Maggio, however their defensive frailties let them down in matches they should win.
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk have their work cut out to nick a top 2 spot, but great progress has been felt in Ukraine, as they prepare for their first European campaign group stage since 2006. They are blessed with Ukraine international winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and striker Yevhen Seleznyov and should prove a real force at their home ground. AIK make up the group after they finished 2nd in the Swedish championship. It’s going to be hard to see AIK getting many points, especially away from home, but a handy addition of Daniel Majstorovic from Celtic will help out their defensive line.
One to Watch: Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven) – The young holding midfielder has now bedded himself in both with his club side and national team’s core, and looks to build into another campaign. Sharp and strong but with a keen eye for a pass, his partnership with Van Bommel is likely to improve the player even more as the big clubs circle above.
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| Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Yevhen Konoplyanka |
Group G: Sporting (POR), Basel (SUI), Genk (BEL), Videoton (HUN)
Last season’s final stages were dominated by the Spanish, but Sporting Lisbon were able to match their Iberian neighbours up until the Semi-Finals where they were beaten by Athletic Bilbao. Much like eventual winners Athletico Madrid, Sporting changed coaches mid-season after a poor start, which invigorated an impressive push through the knockout stages of the UEL, along the way beating the likes of Manchester City. Goals from Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, the keeping exploits of Rui Patricio and the occasional screamer from left back Emiliano Insua were pivotal to their success in Europe last term and they will once again be called upon this season. Transfers wise Sporting have spent big despite losing Joao Periera to Valencia and Matias Fernandez to Fiorentina on the likes of Rojo from Spartak Moscow, Pranjic from Bayern Munich and Labyad from PSV Eindhoven. After excelling in the UCL last term, knocking out Manchester United in the group stages before going out to Bayern Munich, Basel have had to aim a little lower this season after influential midfield duo Shaquiri and Xhaka left for Germany. They still have the veteran strike force of Alexander Frei and Marco Streller who can be dangerous from set pieces, and have kept hold of exciting talent Fabien Frei for at least one more season.
Genk, who finished in 5th position last season in the Belgian top flight, are focussing on a first European campaign without star winger Kevin De Bruyne who returned to his parent club Chelsea. They still offer a potent attacking force through Belgian international forward Jelle Vossen and on loan Twente striker Glynor Plet, who has already scored 4 in as many matches in the UEL qualifiers. After failing to make it through the UCL group stages last season, they will hope for better look this year in the UEL. Genk’s opponents in the first round of matches are Hungarian cup winners Videoton, who are competing in the group stage of a European tournament for the first time under former Queens Park Rangers boss Paulo Sousa. On paper they look unlikely to threaten progression from the group, however a brilliant qualifying campaign which included victories over Gent and Trabzonspor has certainly got everyone’s attention. A big signing for them in the close season was the capture of Brazilian defender Kaka, who particularly starred in the previous two European campaigns with Braga and APOEL Nicosia on loan.
One to Watch: Mohamed Salah (Basel) – The 20 year old striker has just signed for the Swiss champions after a decent start to his career in Egypt. Despite opening his account in his first few matches for his club, his real form can be seen on the International stage, where he starred in Egypt’s run in the Olympics scoring 3 goals in 3 group stage matches, while he has already broken into the full Egypt side where he boasts a clinical record of 9 goals in 15 caps.
Group H: Internazionale (ITA), Rubin Kazan (RUS), Partizan Belgrade (SER), Neftchi Baku (AZE)
It’s a come down in fortunes for Internazionale, who have been used to taking on Europe’s elite in the Champions League, where they were victorious in 2010, but this season they will have to make do with the Europa League after finishing outside the top 3 in Italy. Under new manager Stramaccioni, they have rebuilt an ageing squad bringing in the likes of Guarin and Perriera from Porto, Gargano from Napoli, and maybe most importantly Cassano from city rivals AC Milan. In the qualifying rounds, Stramaccioni suggested that Inter have a strong enough squad to rotate their star players between league and Europe, making them one of the big favourites for the tournament at this early stage. Rubin Kazan have built up a reputation of being tricky opponents in Europe, and will once again be one of the favourites to make it out of the group stage. Their real strength is in their defensive abilities, marshalled by centre back Roman Sharonov and in-demand full back Salvatore Bochetti, but they have added well to their attack over the summer bringing in former Chelsea youngster Gokhan Tore from Hamburg and Salomon Rondon from Malaga.
Partizan have tended to dominate domestically in Serbia, but have until now only threatened on occasion in Europe. They have a world-renowned youth academy that has produced the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Miralem Sulejmani, but have had problems of late holding on to their talent and tend to rely on returning Serbs or up and coming foreign imports to fill their squad. Captain Sasa Ilic is a Partizan legend who has returned to the club he started at recently, while Zvonimir Vukic has made the same comeback and will be the teams main goal threat. Neftchi Baku will be entering into the Europa League finals stage for the first time in their history this year, after defeating one of last season’s star performers in Europe APOEL Nicosia. The Azerbaijan champions are mainly equipped with home based players, but the Brazilian duo of Flavinho and new signing Rodriguinho will have to act as their most creative outlet if they harbour any hopes of picking up points.
One to Watch: Bibras Natcho (Rubin Kazan) – The Israeli midfielder is Rubin’s key man in the centre park, were it assisting goals or scoring them himself. For a creative midfielder he has a superb record, with 6 goals in 7 games this season in the league, and 2 in 4 in Europe. Last season he picked up 3 goals in the Europa League, all stemming from either free kicks or penalties.
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| Rubin Kazan's Alan Kasaev and Bibras Natcho |
Group I: Athletic Bilbao (SPA), Olympique Lyonnais (FRA), Sparta Prague (CZE), Hapoel Kiryat Shmona (ISR)
Finalists last time out, many feared this Athletic Bilbao team wouldn’t be seen again, with big clubs eyeing up their young talent. In the end, the only major departure was Javi Martinez to Bayern Munich, a massive blow for the team, but to keep the majority of the set up was the key for future success. Keeping manager Marcelo Bielsa was another big achievement, after some rumblings over disagreements with the board, sight was set for another successful season in both league and cup. Their cup exploits secured Europa League football once again, but to better last year will take some doing after beating Schalke, PSG and Manchester United on their way to their fairytale final against Athletico Madrid. The attacking trio of Llorente, De Marcos and Muniain will be key to boost the Basque club through the group stage, especially in their atmospheric San Mames home stadium. Lyon return to European action after a short period away from the top table in the UCL. They have been below their par of a few seasons back when they dominated French football, but under Remi Garde they look to be forcing their way back into contention domestically. Of their chances in Europe, they will be hopeful to edge through the group apart from some tricky away trips, but on paper with the likes of Michel Bastos, Lisandro Lopez and the returning to form Yohann Gourcuff they could once be a force again.
Sparta Prague have gone one better than last season after exiting in the playoff round last time around, but are unlikely to challenge for one of the progression spots unless their away record improves. Sparta’s squad is made up nearly entirely of Czech Republic nationals, with a host of players just outside the national squad such as Marek Matejovsky, Jiri Jarosik and the enigma Vaclav Kadlec. In the last few seasons Sparta have fallen behind domestically behind more unfancied clubs such as Viktoria Plzen and Slovan Liberec, so this season might see more efforts put into their league campaign ahead of the UEL. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona make up the group after a sensational rise to prominence that sees them enter their first European tournament proper. In a country dominated by the other Hapoel (Tel Aviv) and the two Maccabi’s (Haifa and Tel Aviv), it was a brilliant achievement for this small club to snatch the title last season, and were only just beaten to a UCL group spot by BATE Borisov in the playoff round. Only founded in 2000, a club with a ground that only fits 5,000 is bound to bring over the neutrals support.
One to Watch: Jon Aurtenetxe (Athletic Bilbao) – For all of Athletic’s attacking plaudits, their defence was solid throughout last season’s competition, and in left back Aurtenetxe they have a star in the making. At only 20 years old, he is sleight, yet quick off the ground and more than capable of helping out with a counter attack. Was a regular in the back four that made it to final last season.
Group J: Tottenham Hotspur (ENG), Lazio (ITA), Panathinaikos (GRE), Maribor (SVN)
Under Harry Redknapp Tottenham Hotspur, rarely put any sort of effort into the UEL, as he picked consistently weakened squads, saving his players for their league efforts to qualify for the UCL. Last season, of course Spurs achieved their goal of finishing 4th, however after Chelsea’s UCL triumph, Spurs were relegated to the UEL, with many asking if there will be laboured efforts to be seen similar to last year? For one, the manager has changed, Andre Villas-Boas, the man who led Porto to UEL victory two seasons ago has taken over, but after an average start in the league, and pressure from the press he is likely to push the UEL to the corner for the time being. Meaning of course, a chance for the fringe players to shine, with Jake Livermore in the centre of midfield and striker Jermain Defoe are likely to get extended runs in the team after impressing enough to get England call ups in the International break. Lazio returned to European action last season, and started impressively but ended up losing out to champions Athletico Madrid in the Round of 32. They have their very own Falcao, veteran German striker Miroslav Klose who picked up 3 goals in the tournament, and will be key once again alongside returning attacking threat Mauro Zarate and Brazilian playmaker Hernanes. Under Vladimir Petkovic, they have started the domestic season well and will likely progress out of their group in the UEL.
Panathinaikos are a side in free fall, partially to do with the Greek ecomony, and partially due to the dominance of city rivals Olympiakos who once again sealed their Greek Super League title last season. The likes of Ninis, Kante and Pana legend Karagounis have exited the club, with top quality replacements being thin on the ground, keeping hold of the likes of Katsouranis, and attacking outlet Leto at least will keep them competitive in a tough group. Maribor make up Group J, and will be heartened by their experience of the group stage last season. Winning their second successive Slovenian title last year, the Violets are still a way behind the big sides in terms of quality but will provide a tough away trip for them to visit. Notable players include Slovenian international keeper Jasmin Handanovic, brother of Inter’s Samir, and Brazilian defender Arghus, who shares his name with a popular British catalogue store.
One to Watch: Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur) – With many of Spurs’ big names likely to be rested in Europe, the young Englishman should get his chance in the heart of their defence. Fresh off the back of a decent full season in the Premier League with Swansea City, Caulker showcased his full footballing ability to go with his strong physique and leadership qualities.
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| Lazio's Hernanes and Miroslav Klose |
There has been a change in the waters at Bayer Levekusen over the past season, as they failed to clinch a return to the Champions League after they competed so well over the last couple of seasons. Out has gone previous manager Robin Dutt, in comes the untested duo of Sascha Lewandowski and former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia, a system that is rarely seen at any level of football let alone a top European club. Pressure on the field will be put on the likes of German striker Andre Schurlle, attacking full back Michal Kadlec and box to box midfielder Lars Bender, as many expect Bayer to go far in the tournament. One side who progressed deep into the finals last term was Metalist Kharkiv, who made it to the Quarter Finals before being knocked out by Sporting. The Ukrainian side, who once again finished in 3rd position behind the established duo of Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev, are a side made up of plenty of talent, mostly from South America. Striker Taison was one of the stars of last season’s UEL, while he was assisted well by Brazilian born midfielder’s Cleiton Xavier and Edmar. The team owned by Ukraine businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky are expected to achieve similar success by their fans, as they bid to become the second club from Ukraine to lift the Europa League after Shakhtar did back in 2009.
Rosenborg, who only made it to the playoff round last term, have gone one better and secured a group stage spot this year. They finished 3rd in Norway, some what of a come down after winning the previous two league titles and will want to improve both on their domestic and European form going forward. Skippered by left back Mikael Dorsin, the club’s feint hopes of making it out of the group stage will rely on the goals of former Tottenham Hotspur striker Steffen Iversen who turns 36 this season in his third stint with the Norwegian club. Rapid Vienna make up the group and will have similar ambitions as Rosenborg for a distant chance of upsetting the more favoured two in the group. The Austrian league, which has been generally dominated by Red Bull Salzburg, has suffered in recent years, with many sides having to cut their cloth accordingly. In that vein, Rapid will look to their existing squad, especially to captain Steffen Hoffman who is particularly dangerous from set pieces to inspire any points they can muster.
One to Watch: Bernd Leno (Bayer Levekusen) – One of many promising goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, Leno has impressed many after joining from Stuttgart last season on loan. Seen as surplus by his parent club, Leno has gone from strength to strength with Bayer, and at 20 is bound to break into the German squad in the next couple of seasons.
Group L: Twente (NED), Hannover 96 (GER), Levante (SPA), Helsingborgs (SWE)
A marathon 23 matches, is what is needed to be played if Twente were to win the UEL this season, and with 8 matches gone, so far they have made it successfully into the group stages of the competition. Similar to Fulham’s heroic run to the final in 2010, Twente also under a British manager, Steve McLaren qualified for the tournament thanks to the UEFA fairplay rule, and kicked off their campaign back in July. In his second spell with the club, which he led to the Dutch title in 2010, McLaren has started pretty well, organising a well-equipped squad who will be missing star striker Luuk De Jong this year, after he joined Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer. They are built on a stern defence including nationalised Dutchman Douglas, while the additions of winger Dusan Tadic and striker Dmitry Bulykin will help add some variety in the attacking third. While many will tip Twente to progress outright, Hannover’s run to the Quarter Finals last season, which ended with defeat to Athletico Madrid, proved that they can’t be discounted. Hannover who finished seventh in Germany last year, have kept together much of the squad that has excelled over the last two years under coach Mirko Slomka, with Didier Ya Konan providing the attacking threat, and the likes of Japanese international Hiroki Sakai and Tunisian centre back Karim Haggui keeping it tight at the back.
Levante, who ever so nearly sneaked into the UCL spots in Spain last year, will look to continue their progression in Europe this year. To qualify for Europe, two years since they were playing in the second tier in Spain is a real achievement, and with a strike force combining experienced Greek Theofanis Gekas with former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins, they offer flexibility and guile in attack. Helsingborgs make up what is one the most competitive groups in the tournament, but will likely be playing catch up. The Swedish champions, who missed out on Champions League football at the hands of Celtic, haven’t the strongest squads on paper, but it does include former Spurs and Wigan Athletic full back Erik Edman and club legend and goal threat Alvaro Santos who is in his second spell at the club.
One to Watch: Artur Sobiech (Hannover 96) – After impressing for Polonia Warsaw back in his home country, the Polish international has sparkled already in his second season in the Bundesliga. Kicking on from his Euro 2012 call up, Sobiech has gone on to score 4 goals in 4 games at the start of this season and should be a threat in the UEL group stage.
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