The Europa League is one of the most exciting football competitions in the world. It features teams from all over Europe, battling it out for the chance to lift the trophy and qualify for the prestigious UEFA Champions League. With the 2023/24 season just around the corner, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the top teams to watch in the upcoming Europa League campaign. In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each team, analyze their recent performances, and predict their chances of success in the tournament.
Manchester United:
Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a rich history of success in both domestic and European competitions. The Red Devils have a strong squad, with players like Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Paul Pogba capable of producing match-winning performances. They also have a proven manager in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has guided the team to the Europa League final in the 2020/21 season. With the addition of some key signings, Manchester United could be one of the teams to beat in the 2023/24 Europa League.
Sevilla:
Sevilla is another team that has a great track record in the Europa League. The Spanish side has won the competition a record six times, including three consecutive titles between 2014 and 2016. They have a strong core of players, including Ivan Rakitic and Jules Kounde, who have played pivotal roles in their recent successes. Sevilla also has a talented manager in Julen Lopetegui, who has won the Europa League in the past with Porto. With their experience and quality, Sevilla is definitely a team to watch in the upcoming season.
Napoli:
Napoli is a team that has been on the rise in recent years. The Italian side finished second in Serie A in the 2021/22 season, behind only the mighty Juventus. They have a talented squad, with players like Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano, and Kalidou Koulibaly capable of producing moments of magic. The team also has a proven manager in Luciano Spalletti, who has won domestic titles with both Roma and Inter Milan. With their recent form and quality, Napoli could be a dark horse in the Europa League.
Lyon:
Lyon is a team that has a great youth academy, and they have produced some world-class players in the past, such as Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette. The French side finished third in Ligue 1 in the 2021/22 season, and they have some exciting young talents in their squad, such as Rayan Cherki and Maxence Caqueret. Lyon also has a new manager in Peter Bosz, who has had success with Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen in the past. With their youthful exuberance and attacking flair, Lyon could be a team to watch in the upcoming season.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur is a team that has had a mixed record in recent years. The North London side has some talented players, such as Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, but they have struggled for consistency in both domestic and European competitions. However, with a new manager in Antonio Conte, who has won the Serie A title with both Juventus and Inter Milan, Tottenham could be a team that surprises everyone in the Europa League. If they can find their form and play to their potential, Tottenham could be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
Conclusion:
The Europa League is a competition that always produces surprises and upsets. While these five teams are the ones to watch in the upcoming season, there are many other talented sides that could make a deep run in
