Headline fixtures of Matchday 3 – Benfica vs Rangers, AC Milan vs Lille
Matchday 3 of the UEFA Europa League is here and it will treat us to two interesting fixtures in the form of Benfica vs Rangers and AC Milan vs Lille. It was difficult to choose one fixture as the headline game on Thursday so we have settled for both and for obvious reasons as these games could decide who wins their respective groups.
Benfica's clash with Rangers will be interesting as both sides are level on six points after two wins from the first two matches. One side will lose their perfect start but it remains uncertain who that will be. The Eagles will be confident given that they boast the home advantage. Unfortunately, Jorge Jesus' side head into this clash on the back of a poor result, losing 3-0 to Boavista in the Primeira Liga. That defeat leaves them in second in the league but in Europe, the Portuguese giants have been impeccable, beating Lech Poznan 4-2 before triumphing 3-0 over Standard Liege.
Rangers, meanwhile, have been in extraordinary form, boasting a nine-game winning streak across all competitions. Steven Gerrard's side are unbeaten in their last 17 games, last suffering a defeat in their 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last season. Benfica could become the first team in the competition's history to go 24 matches unbeaten but their Scottish rivals should hand them a stern test.
AC Milan vs Lille will see two unbeaten European sides battle it out for the win. The French outfit have drawn their last three games, including a 2-2 stalemate with Celtic. Can they pull off a victory at San Siro? Tune in to find out.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Key talking points
Will Arsenal maintain winning form when they visit Molde?
After losing two consecutive league fixtures vs Man City and Leicester, pressure began mounting on Arsenal and Arteta. Fortunately, the Spaniard has quickly turned things around, first beating Dundalk in the UEL before triumphing 1-0 vs Man United at Old Trafford. Next up for the Gunners is a home clash with Molde. Mikel might use this opportunity to name an experimental lineup and hand several youngsters such as Willock and Nelson a start.
Spurs to bounce back from Antwerp defeat when they visit Ludogorets?
In Tottenham's most recent UEFA Europa League fixture, the north London giants faced Antwerp, suffering a shock 1-0 loss. In the Premier League, Jose Mourinho's men have been one of the most impressive sides. Mourinho was left fuming with their performance on Matchday 2 and could shake things up for their upcoming tie. Make sure to catch it live.
Team news
Here are the key players who are definitely missing due to injury, suspension, or could be in doubt due to fitness or other issues and thus could miss out on upcoming matches for their respective sides heading into matchday 3:
Ludogorets: Higinio, Wanderson
Tottenham: Lamela, Aurier, Regulion, Rodon
Benfica: Todibo, Almeida, Grimaldo. Svilar
Rangers: Katic, Jones, Edmundson
AC Milan: Musacchio, Gabbia, Castillejo (doubt), Calabria (doubt)
Leicester: Pereira, Soyuncu, Ndidi, Amartey, Slimani, Evans (doubtful)
Arsenal: Martinelli, Mari, Chambers, Ozil, Sokratis, Saliba
Matchday 3 listings
Below are the fixtures set to take place on matchday 2:
