16 January 2019, by: Leonard Solms

RANKING THE CONTENDERS FOR EUROPA LEAGUE

The Europa League returns from a winter break in February and we’re into the last 32 teams left in the competition. We evaluate some of the big contenders to lift the cup and a few dark horses.

Carlo Ancelotti’s charges were unfortunate to bow out of the Champions League after defeat to Liverpool. However, their form both domestically and abroad suggests they are capable of mixing it with Europe’s very best. They will face Zürich in the Europa League round of 32.

There is no shortage of competition for places in Maurizio Sarri’s squad. The longer they stay in Europe, the more chance of breakthroughs for several promising fringe players. The Blues will be hungry to repeat their 2013 triumph and will continue their campaign with a round of 32 tie against Malmö.

New manager Unai Emery has breathed life into a club that was stagnating under Arsène Wenger. This is bad news for their opponents in Europe, as the Gunners have proven almost impossible to beat since recovering from a wobble early on in their Premier League season. They have dipped a bit of late, but can focus their attentions on Europa League and Champions League qualification this year. They will face BATE Borisov in the Europa League round of 32.

You quite simply can never write the Europa League specialists off. Stretching back to the days of the UEFA Cup, they have won this tournament a record five times. As if that wasn’t reason enough to fear them, they have been vying with Barcelona at the top of La Liga this season. However, a tricky round of 32 tie with Lazio awaits.

Like their compatriots, Napoli, Inter can count themselves unfortunate to have dropped down to the Europa League. Luciano Spalletti has brought the Nerazzuri just a few steps short of the world-beating side they once were. They will be hoping to compete in the Champions League again next season. For now, they will have to make their mark in Europe’s second tier competition, starting with a tie against Rapid Wien.

Dark horses: Valencia – 17.25, Benfica – 33.00, Sporting CP – 45.00, Zenit St. Petersburg – 38.00

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