The action in Europe continues on Thursday as the UEFA Europa League resumes with Matchday 2. As usual, the games get underway at 12:45 p.m. ET with eight simultaneous kick-offs before the remaining seven fixtures commence at 3 p.m. ET.
In case you're wondering, this time around, only 15 matches in total will take place due to the postponement of Arsenal vs PSV as that match was called off in preparation for Monday's state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in London.
Nonetheless, there are a number of exciting matches to look forward to as Manchester United go in search of their first European win under new manager Erik ten Hag. Roma, meanwhile, will also aim to bounce back after their horrendous start to the Europa League season while Rennes and Fenerbahce prepare for an interesting showdown. Here's everything you need to know about Matchday 2.
Top games to watch on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League season
Sheriff vs Manchester United
The Red Devils are back in action as Ten Hag's men go in search of their first victory in Europe. Manchester United kicked off their Europa League campaign last Thursday, welcoming Real Sociedad on the back of their confidence-boosting 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal, but saw their lovely run come to an end after a controversial 1-0 loss to La Real. Nonetheless, the 20-time English champions should enter this tie with confidence as they must avoid another slip-up.
Sheriff, meanwhile, sit top of Group E after a brilliant 3-0 victory over Omonia in the opening round. Additionally, the Moldovan side enter this tie on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run and will be looking to pull off a remarkable European victory, similar to last season's historic UEFA Champions League triumph at the Bernabeu over Real Madrid.
Roma vs HJK
Just like Manchester United, Roma are another favorite for the title that fell to a surprise opening day defeat, losing 2-1 to Ludogorets on Matchday 1. Mourinho's men, who won the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League title last season, enter this clash on the back of their 2-1 triumph over Empoli during the weekend, with Dybala and Abraham getting on the scoresheet. However, with only two wins from their last five outings (D1, L2), the Italian heavyweights will need to up their game as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, HJK also began their Europa League campaign with a defeat, losing 2-0 to Real Betis, the current group leaders. This means that a second consecutive loss could spell the beginning of the end of their run in this tournament. Fortunately, the Veikkausliiga leaders returned to winning ways over the weekend, beating FC Honka 2-1, and will aim for a memorable triumph over Roma.
Rennes vs Fenerbahce
Group B's top two clubs prepare to face off on Thursday as Rennes' host Fenerbahce in the third and final game to make this list. Both sides kicked off the season with victories, with the French outfit beating AEK Lamarca 2-1 last Thursday while the Turkish giants overcame Dynamo Kyiv by an identical score line.
As a result, the two teams are level on points and boast an identical goal difference, meaning this fixture could be the first hurdle in the race to top the group and secure a bye to the quarterfinals. Les Rennais enter this tie on the back of a convincing 5-0 Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre while Sarı Kanaryalar have won their last two fixtures since the disappointing 1-0 loss to Konyaspor and will look to maintain this run.
Who's out for Matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League?
Real Sociedad: Robin Le Normand, Umar Sadiq, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Martin Merquelanz (injured); Diego Rico and Carlos Fernandez (doubtful)
Freiburg: Rolland Sallai (injured)
Manchester United: Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri, Marcus Rashford, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (all injured); Luke Shaw (doubtful)
Roma: Nicolo Zaniolo and Georginio Wijnaldum (injured)
Lazio: Manuel Lazzari and Pedro (injured)
Feyenoord: Ofir Marciano and Lutsharel Geertruida (injured); Sebastian Szymanski (doubtful)
Monaco: Kevin Volland and Myron Boadu (injured)
Real Betis: Victor Camarasa (injured)
