Soccer

Europa League 2012, Matchday 5: Preview and TV Schedule

There are plenty of intriguing fixtures in the Europa League tonight as the groups begin to be decided across the competition.

by Callum Hamilton

Nov 22, 2012, 2:28 PM UTC

Scott Heavey

Group A is probably the most intriguing, with four teams capable of qualifying all within reach of one another. Liverpool and Young Boys are in second and third place in the group respectively, and both on six points, and will face off at Anfield in a key match to decide who will make it through to the next round. Meanwhile, in the early kick-off, Udinese have a difficult trip to top-of-the-group Anzhi Makhachkala which they will need to get a good result from if they are to keep themselves out of danger.

Group C could also see a surprise exit, with Marseille facing Fenerbahce at home, a match they will almost certainly need to win if they are to have hopes of pipping Borussia Monchengladbach to second place. Meanwhile in Group D, Newcastle United could secure their progress with a win against Maritimo.

Group E sees Stuttgart given a difficult away encounter against Steaua Bucharest, who are enjoying a good season both domestically and in Europe. The Romanian club top the table, and with Stuttgart battling for survival, a victory will be necessary for the Bundesliga club. In Group F, Napoli are looking comfortable, but that could change if they fail to get a result against AIK tonight.

Group G sees one of the biggest surprises as Sporting CP are top of the group and facing the exit. To avoid it, they will certainly need a win tonight, which may be a difficult ask away against Basel.

The tie of the round, however, is likely in Group G as Tottenham travel to Italy to face Lazio. Both teams are looking fairly comfortable in the group at this stage, but that could change for at least one of them after tonight if Maribor defeat Panathinaikos.