Since we were last in it, there have been some format changes that makes it a slightly more difficult competition. Basically it is half the size - 32 teams instead of 64. So the quality in each group should be higher.
There are still 16 places up for grabs, with the Champions League play-off losers and Europa play-off winners joining the 16 teams already in it.
Arsenal and Man Utd will be in pot 1 for the draw, along with Roma, Lazio, Braga and probably CL drop outs.
More interestingly, both Spanish sides and both German sides will be in pots 2, 3 and/or 4 - meaning the English pair could draw Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Union Berlin and/or SC Freiburg. French representatives Rennes, Monaco and Nantes could all be potential opponents (Rennes could still be pot 1). Feyenoord and PSV (if they lose to Rangers) will also likely be potential opponents
If Rangers lose their CL qualifier they should be pot 1, however Hearts could offer an Anglo-Scot tie if they can beat Zurich.
The number of Eastern European teams is greatly reduced, and of course there are no Russian teams.
There are still enough big travel opportunities to make the group a logistical problem, but I think the draw is likely to look a bit tougher in terms of quality compared to both English teams last experience of Europa groups.
Europa League 22 23
posted on 14/8/22
I no understand Joe Dolce. Speaky the Engleesh?
posted on 14/8/22
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 4 minutes ago
I no understand Joe Dolce. Speaky the Engleesh?
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What's a matter you
posted on 14/8/22
Nope
posted on 14/8/22
Gotta no respect, hey?
posted on 14/8/22
Whuttsa matter u?
posted on 14/8/22
Utd and arsenal on budget alone have a huge chance over those teams the op listed. Could we see both in the final?
posted on 15/8/22
United on budget alone shouldn't be in this competition
posted on 15/8/22
comment by Bãleš left boot (U22081)
posted 1 hour, 40 minutes ago
United on budget alone shouldn't be in this competition
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We shouldn't but we left Mr Bean in charge for 9 years so we are.
posted on 15/8/22
Man Utd in Pot 1? shouldn't that be Pot 11?
posted on 15/8/22
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 9 hours, 53 minutes ago
Not really something we could do with IMO and I was suprised so many felt that we should have a good chance of winning this even before the season began.
We don't really have a big squad so it's not like we can rotate and play the squad players but hopefully it will give our youth some opportunities.
We should make it through the group stages but at the same time wouldn't at all be suprised if we don't.
This season is all about trying to get EtH's ideas across and the players all behind it and giving their all which right now seems a million miles away. While I think this is probably our best chance of getting CL football next season I still think it's beyond this squad with it being so lightweight, poor and not really set up to play the way EtH will want any time soon.
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All going well, I hope we’d have a good chance - if we could navigate the early weeks/months of the season and get through the groups. But that was with ‘all going well’, such as a couple more signings and a general overall improvement in tactics, fitness, application etc. Not much sign thus far of any of those things.