Europa League Group Stages and Predictions.

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This is the second rated European competition 😂🤣. I had to say that so it can sink in as we accept the reality that this is what Manchester United is good for based on their lackluster performances last season. Champions League is still the goal but still, this competition still has its appeal to most teams because it's an opportunity for European experience and a channel to the Champions League spot in case they manage to win it.

Most of the teams are known to me while a few of them are still unknown. I am glad that this competition is giving recognition to some teams as we saw with Sheriff in the Champions League last season. As usual, these are just my predictions and it has no undertone of underrating any team. It's my perception or how I feel the game would play out based on the strength of team or sometimes my perceived likeness for certain teams. I am always open to the upsets and the shocks this competition brings too.

Group A.

Arsenal
PSV
Bodo/Glimt
FC Zurich

Most of these predictions, I won't be spending too much time on them because some of them are just straightforward. For this round and with the form and quality of Arsenal, I believe they would top this group with PSV coming in second place.

Group B.

Dynamo Kyiv
Rennes
Fenerbahce
AEK Larnaca

This can be a tricky one. For the sake of Utaka...an ex-Nigerian player who plied his trade with Rennes many years ago I've always fancied them but I believe Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kyiv would take the first and second slot in this group.

Group C.

Roma
Ludogorets
Real Betis
HJK

Roma should comfortably top this group because I know Jose Mourinho's men wouldn't want to leave anything to chance. Real Betis would come in second place even though Ludogorets has the potential to cause upsets.

Group D.

Braga
Malmö
Union Berlin
Union Saint-Gilloise

The last team in this group is a surprise to me as I haven't heard of them before. Can they pull off another Sheriff-style? Time would tell but I'm sticking with Braga and Malmö to qualify as first and second in this group.

Group E.

Manchester United
Real Sociedad
Sheriff
Omonia

Of course, I would be rooting for Manchester United in this group. Real Sociedad, we've had quite some encounter with them and I know they are a quality side but Manchester United would lead this group while Real Sociedad would come in second place. I know Sheriff cannot be underrated especially if we still remember how they managed to beat Real Madrid but I am still sticking with my choice.

Group F

Lazio
Feyenoord
Midtjylland
SK Sturm Graz

I've had encounter with Midtjylland before now but they won't be a problem for Lazio and Feyenoord to overcome. I believe Lazio would top this group while Feyenoord would come in second place.

Group G

Olympiacos
Qarabag FK
SC Freiburg
Nantes

I seem to have some likeness for French teams but even at that, I still feel Olympiacos would lead this group with either Nantes or Freiburg coming in second. This is the only group I am struggling to decide who will take the second slot. Maybe Qarabag would stake their claim to it too. Only time would tell.

Group H

Crvena Zvezda
Monaco
Ferencvaros
Trabzonspor

Another group that I might find hard to decide the team to take the second slot between Crvena Zvezda or Trabzonspor but I believe that Monaco should take the first position in this group.

I can't wait for all the actions to kick in because I love watching football actions. It would be nice to see how teams would adapt after playing on Thursday and recover in time for their weekend actions. A squad in depth is needed for European competition and this "headache" is what makes it exciting sometimes.

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Thank you for your time.

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