European football is finally back! Tuesday and Wednesday saw the return of the UEFA Champions League, but with those two days out of the way and Thursday ushering in, it's time for the UEFA Europa League, as several top teams prepare to embark on their journey for continental success.
All eyes will be on the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Roma, Lazio, and Real Sociedad ahead of Matchday 1, but they aren't the only tricky clubs competing this season, as PSV, Freiburg, Monaco, and many others look to make things interesting in the group stage.
Excited for the first round of fixtures? Here's everything you need to know about the matches taking place on September 8 in the UEFA Europa League.
Here are the 32 participating teams and their groups in the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League
Group A: Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt, FC Zurich
Group B: FC Dynamo Kyiv, Stade Rennais, Fenerbache, Larnaca
Group C: AS Roma, Ludogorets, Real Betis, HJK Helsinki
Group D: SC Braga, Malmo, Union Berlin, Union Saint-Gilloise
Group E: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, FC Sheriff, Omonoia
Group F: Lazio, Feyenoord, Midtjylland, Sturm Graz
Group G: Olympiacos, Qarabag, SC Freiburg, FC Nantes
Group H: Crvena Zvezda, AS Monaco, Ferencvarosi, Trabzonspor
Top games to watch on Matchday 1 of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League season
Ludogorets vs Roma
There are several interesting teams competing in this tournament, one of which is Jose Mourinho's Roma. Just months after winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League title, beating Feyenoord in the final, the Giallorossi embark on their campaign to win the Europa League. Unfortunately, Abraham and Co. enter this tie on the back of an embarrassing 4-0 defeat away to Udinese in Serie A. As for Ludogorets, they find themselves in this competition thanks to their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. Nonetheless, the hosts are unbeaten in the Bulgarian top-flight, winning six out of their seven matches so far, and will give it their all to make it back-to-back defeats for the Italian outfit.
Zürich vs Arsenal
The Gunners kick off their European campaign on the back of their weekend defeat at Old Trafford, going down 3-1 in their first loss of the season. Nonetheless, the task at hand remains the same as Arteta's side look to start strong in Europe. A host of changes is expected, with Nketiah, Vieira, Tomiyasu, and Turner set to be given more minutes on the pitch. As for the opposition, they find themselves one spot above the relegation zone in the Swiss Super League after amassing zero wins from seven games and will thus be in for a tough test when the north London giants visit.
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
The defeats to Brighton and Brentford have all but washed away from memory now for Manchester United fans as the club prepares to kick off their European campaign on the back of a four-game winning streak. The Red Devils beat Arsenal 3-1 over the weekend, with marquee summer signing Antony getting on the scoresheet on his debut, moving up to fifth in the table. However, they will be in for a tricky test this Thursday as they will face Real Sociedad. La Real are currently ninth in La Liga with two wins, one draw, and one defeat from their opening four games. They recently lost Alexander Isak to Newcastle but should give Ten Hag's men a tough 90 minutes at Old Trafford.
Lazio vs Feyenoord
Another heavyweight in this competition is Lazio and the Serie A outfit will be in action at 3 p.m. ET as they prepare to host Feyenoord. Le Aquile enter this clash on the back of their 2-1 loss to Napoli in Serie A, their first defeat of the season, and will thus be aiming to return to winning ways when they kick off their fifth straight UEFA Europa League campaign. Last time out, the Italian outfit crashed out to Porto in the knockout round playoffs but Immobile and Co. should make it out of the group stage with little complications once more. As for Feyenoord, they are undefeated in the Eredivisie, beating Go Ahead Eagles 4-3 in their most recent outing. Last season, they made the UEFA Europa Conference League final, which they lost, and will be looking to go far in this tournament as well.
Who's out for Matchday 1 of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League season?
Arsenal: Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe, Cedric Soares, and Reiss Nelson (all injured)
Manchester United: Phil Jones, Facundo Pellistri, Axel Tuanzebe, and Brandon Williams (injured); Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Luke Shaw (doubtful)
Real Sociedad: Mikel Oyarzabal, Carlos Fernandez, Diego Rico, Martin Merquelanz, and Robin Le Normand (all injured)
Roma: Georginio Wijnaldum, Nicolo Zaniolo, Marash Kumbulla, Stephan El Shaarawy, Ebrima Darboe, and Tammy Abraham (all injured)
Lazio: No injury concerns
Feyenoord: Danilo and David Hancko (doubtful); Lutsharel Geertruida and Ezequiel Bullaude (unavailable)
Monaco: Myron Boadu, Willem Geubbels, and Kevin Volland (all injured)
Freiburg: Rolland Sallai, Kevin Schade, Lucas Holer, Kimberly Ezekwem, and Manuel Gulde (all injured)
PSV: Noni Madueke, Mauro Junior, Oscar Boscagli, Luuk de Jong, Marco van Ginkel, and Yorbe Vertessen (all injured)
