Thursday is here and that means only one thing: the UEFA Europa League is back! Matchday 3 of this tournament is set to get underway, with several interesting matches scheduled to take place this round.
Arsenal, one of the favorites for the title after an impressive start to the season, are back in action after sitting out Matchday 2 as the Gunners prepare to host Bodø/Glimt in one of the standout fixtures. Elsewhere, Manchester United, Roma, Real Betis, and Sporting Braga will all be in for a tricky test.
Which side will pick up the three points and who will suffer disappointment in this round? Here's everything you need to know about Matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League.
Top games to watch on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Europa League season
Omonia Nicosia vs Manchester United
How will Manchester United fare after their Manchester Derby humiliation? This is the question on everyone's mind as the Red Devils prepare to take on Omonia Nicosia after their embarrassing 6-3 loss to Man City. Both Haaland and Foden got hat-tricks in that showdown while Ten Hag's men struggled to impress irrespective of their three goals. However, the focus will now be on the Europa League as United look to make it back-to-back wins in Europe.
As for the opposition, they are currently bottom of the table and are fighting for survival. Defeat for the Cypriot club will likely be the final nail in the coffin for their Europa League campaign. However, shocking results have happened before!
Arsenal vs Bodø/Glimt
The Gunners are finally back in action in the UEFA Europa League. Arsenal were not in action on Matchday 2 as their home clash with PSV was postponed due to the tragic passing away of Queen Elizabeth II. Arteta's men enter this clash on the back of their impressive North London Derby victory, beating Spurs 3-1, and will look to make it back-to-back wins in Europe. Victory would also see the Premier League giants go top of the group.
Currently, it is Bodø/Glimt that hold the no.1 spot after playing two games, winning one and drawing the other. After drawing 1-1 with PSV in the opening round, the Norwegian side pulled off a 2-1 victory over FC Zurich on Matchday 2. However, with the visitors holding a mere one-point lead over the Gunners, defeat at the Emirates would see Bodø/Glimt go two points behind despite playing a game extra.
Roma vs Real Betis
This is an interesting showdown as Real Betis could get a firm grip on the no.1 spot in this group when they face fellow title challengers Roma on Thursday. The Spanish outfit currently boast a perfect record, winning their opening two fixtures, and are fourth in La Liga, behind only Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Athletic Club in the standings. Given that Los Verdiblancos sit three points ahead of Mourinho's men, victory in Italy could see their lead increase to six points, depending on what happens to Ludogorets as well. However, that is easier said than done.
Unlike the visitors, Roma do not enjoy a perfect record thanks to their opening-day defeat vs Ludogorets. However, Dybala and Co. bounced back by beating HJK on Matchday 2. However, given that they are merely level on points with Ludogorets, defeat to Real Betis could leave their qualification hopes in a tricky situation. Regardless, given that they boast a 20-game unbeaten run in European games at the Stadio Olimpico, the Giallorossi should enter this tie with confidence.
Who's out for Matchday 3 in the UEFA Europa League?
Real Sociedad: Robin Le Normand, Umar Sadiq, Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Merquelanz, Ander Barrenetxea, and Momo Cho (all injured)
Freiburg: Rolland Sallai and Kimberly Ezekwem (injured)
Manchester United: Donny van de Beek, Martin Dubravka, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire (all injured)
Roma: Georginio Wijnaldum, Rick Karsdorp, and Ebrima Darboe (injured)
Lazio: Marco Bertini, Nicolo Casale, and Mohamed Fares (injured); Marius Adamonis and Dimitrije Kamenovic (ineligible )
Feyenoord: Patrik Walemark and Quilindschy Hartman (illness)
Monaco: Ruben Aguilar (injured)
Real Betis: Juanmi (injured); Martin Montoya and Loren Moron (ineligible)
Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe (injured)
Bodø/Glimt: Sondre Fet (injured)
PSV: Noni Madueke (injured); Olivier Boscagli, Mauro Junior, Luuk de Jong, and Marco van Ginkel (doubtful)
