The UEFA Europa League resumes with 18 matchday two fixtures in the league phase, while the Conference League’s first stage will simultaneously get underway with 18 matchday one clashes.
As 36 European fixtures take centre stage throughout the evening, there are plenty of major talking points before the action gets started, and here, we take a look at the six biggest talking points ahead of the matches.
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Brighton to maintain momentum
Brighton have enjoyed a stellar start to the season, winning six, drawing two and losing just one of their nine matches across all competitions, including winning all of their last four games heading into this one.
That run features notable victories over Manchester United (3-2) and Arsenal (3-0), leaving Fabian Hurzeler’s side as one of Europe’s most in-form sides heading into their opening Conference League match.
The Seagulls are among the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy this term, and they will, therefore, be eager to secure a statement victory and maintain their current momentum when they take on underdogs FK Kauno Zalgiris.
Crystal Palace take on Lyon in European blockbuster
English Premier League Crystal Palace take on Ligue 1 Lyon in the standout fixture of the day, with both teams eager to secure a win against their potential rivals in the battle for the trophy, while also each looking to record back-to-back wins at the start of the league phase.
Bournemouth host first European fixture
Bournemouth have had a difficult start to the season, including failing to win an English Premier League match with three draws and three defeats after six matches, but they did enjoy a superb start to their debut European campaign.
The Cherries secured a fantastic 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad away from home in their opening matchday, and they will be looking to build on that triumph when they return to the Vitality Stadium for their first-ever home fixture in European competition.
Marco Rose’s side will take on Sturm Graz, who may be the underdogs on paper but have considerably more European experience than their hosts, setting this up to be an intriguing affair.
Milan must win
AC Milan have now won just one of their last five matches across all competitions under new boss Ruben Amorim, alongside three draws and a particularly disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in their opening Europa League fixture.
As the pressure continues to build on Amorim’s position at the helm, Milan will be heading to Austria for the clash with Salzburg in desperate need of a victory.
Sunderland to maintain dream start
Sunderland got off to a dream start to their first European campaign since the 1973/74 season, beating AZ Alkmaar thanks to a penalty from Enzo Le Fee, who joined the club in the Championship and has played an integral role in their climb to the Europa League.
Now set for their first away match of the Europa League league phase, Sunderland will be overwhelming favourites when they take on Portuguese second division Torreense, leaving the Black Cats as the favourites to maintain their dream start to the European season.
Can Mohamed Salah help Trabzonspor to European glory
Liverpool and English Premier League legend Mohamed Salah made the surprise move to Trabzonspor in the summer, and the Egyptian king has enjoyed a stunning start to life in Turkey, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in nine appearances.
Alongside the likes of Franculino Dju, Fabinho, Stefan Savic and Andre Onana, Salah will be hoping to help lead Trabzonspor to unlikely European glory, starting with recording a win against Kuopion Palloseura on matchday one of the Conference League league phase.
