Thursday is here, and this means only one thing: it's time for some UEFA Europa League action!
The fifth and penultimate round of this season's group stage is set to commence, with several teams being 90 minutes away from officially winning their group and getting a bye to the last 16 – avoiding a knockout round playoff against an eliminated UEFA Champions League club.
This is crucial because several heavyweights have crashed out of Europe's premier club competition and have been demoted to this tournament. This means the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Betis, Fenerbahce, and Rennes cannot afford to slip up.
Ahead of October 27's round of fixtures, here is everything you need to know, from the standout showdowns to the players that will miss the upcoming matches.
Top games to watch on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League
PSV vs Arsenal
Group A could come to a wrap in the penultimate round. Arsenal, who currently top the table, travel to PSV in the standout fixture as the Gunners look to win the group this Thursday. Arteta's men, who have been in great form despite their disappointing draw away to Southampton, need only a point to secure the top spot. This would mean a bye to the round of 16, avoiding a knockout round playoff against an eliminated UEFA Champions League side, which is crucial, given that the likes of Atletico, Barcelona, Juventus, and Sevilla fall into this category.
PSV will also want to avoid a second-place finish but given the five-point disadvantage over the Premier League giants, the hosts are in a tough spot. Should Bodo/Glimt lose, then Ruud van Nistelrooy's side would only need a draw to secure progression. However, if they wish to win the group, then a victory over Arteta's men is a must.
Fenerbahce vs Rennes
This stellar showdown will take place in Group B, another group that has all but wrapped up. Both Fenerbahce and Rennes have secured their tickets to the knockout stage; however, the winner of this group will be decided in this clash.
The Turkish giants have a superior goal difference and thus have a slight advantage here. Victory on Thursday would be enough to see them make the last 16. However, Rennes, who are fourth in Ligue 1 and boast a six-game winning streak across all competitions, can leapfrog their rivals with a victory and that would see them steal the top spot. Do not miss this fixture!
Manchester United vs Sheriff
As is the case with every team chasing the top spot, Manchester United are also keen on winning their group. Who wants to potentially face Barcelona, Atletico, Juventus, or Sevilla in the knockout round playoffs? However, Ten Hag's side enter this clash with Sheriff at a disadvantage. While the Premier League giants simply need to avoid defeat in order to progress, the Red Devils must either match or better Real Sociedad's result if they wish to remain in the hunt for that desired bye to the round of 16. The Spanish giants are top of the table with a three-point advantage, and with Bruno Fernandes and Co. set to face La Real in the final round, the Premier League side must keep their hopes alive until that day.
Sheriff, meanwhile, are fighting an uphill battle to keep their UEFA Europa League campaign alive. The Moldovan outfit need to win at Old Trafford by two goals or more if they wish to survive. However, that is easier said than done. Additionally, the visitors will be without a head coach as Stjepan Tomas resigned from that role a few days ago. Can Sheriff pull off a result against all the odds? Tune in to find out.
Who's out for Matchday 5 in the UEFA Europa League?
Real Sociedad: Mikel Oyarzabal, Umar Sadiq, Momo Cho, Alex Sola, and Martin Merquelanz (injured)
Freiburg: Roland Sallai, Kimberly Ezekwem, Manuel Gulde, and Jonathan Schmid (injured)
Nantes: Fabien Centonze (injured)
Manchester United: Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissake, and Harry Maguire (all injured)
Roma: Paulo Dybala, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ebrima Darboe, and Zeki Celik (injured)
Lazio: Marco Bertini and Ciro Immobile (injured); Manuel Lazzari (suspended)
Monaco: Ruben Aguilar (injured)
Real Betis: Juanmi (injured); Andres Guardado (suspended); Martin Montoya and Loren Moron (ineligible)
Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Emile Smith Rowe (injured); Marquinhos (ill)
PSV: Olivier Boscagli, Marco van Ginkel, Ismael Saibari, Kjell Peersman, and Yorbe Vertessen (all injured)
Bodø/Glimt: Sondre Fet (injured)
Feyenoord: Oussama Idrissi
Fenerbahce: Mert Hakan Yandas and Ismail Yuksek (injured); Bruma, Serdar Dursun, Mauricio Lemos, Isak Vural, Cagtay Kurukalip, and Nazim Sangare (all ineligible)
Rennes: Baptiste Santamaria and Warmed Omari (injured); Hamari Traore (suspended); Xeka (ineligible)
Full list of games for Matchday 5 in the UEFA Europa League
