Europa League Preview: Lyon Faces Crystal Palace and Milan Visits Salzburg
The UEFA Europa League returns with 17 matches on Thursday, highlighted by Lyon facing Crystal Palace, AC Milan visiting Salzburg, and Juventus playing Celta Vigo.
The UEFA Europa League returns to action on Thursday following the conclusion of the long Champions League break, featuring a packed schedule of 17 matches alongside Hapoel Beer Sheva's away clash against AZ Alkmaar.
Lyon vs. Crystal Palace
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the matchday brings together two sides that started their Europa League campaigns with victories. Lyon edged Anderlecht 2:1 away to secure their fifth consecutive win in the competition's league phase, though they suffered a 2:1 defeat to Lens over the weekend. Crystal Palace, who lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, made a stunning debut in the tournament by thrashing Lech Poznan 4:0. Anan Khalaili is expected to feature in the starting lineup for Lyon against their former manager Pierre Sage.
Red Bull Salzburg vs. AC Milan
AC Milan will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing start in Europe following a 2:0 home defeat to Benfica at San Siro. Ruben Amorim's side remains unbeaten in Serie A, but has struggled to find consistency across all competitions. Meanwhile, Salzburg will rely on Karim Konate, who has already netted six goals this term, as they host the Italian giants.
Celta Vigo vs. Juventus
Celta Vigo seeks its first win in the Europa League after falling 1:0 to Omonia Nicosia. Juventus opened their campaign with an emphatic 5:0 victory over NEC Nijmegen, with striker Randal Kolo Muani continuing his impressive goalscoring form.
