Barcelona vs. Manchester United is the pick of the Europa League draw since it pits two sides who share a history together.
The Catalan giants have had the Red Devils’ number in Europe, and this also marks the first time in two years that Cristiano Ronaldo meets his old La Liga nemeses.
Elsewhere, Sevilla – the competition’s winningest team with six titles – are back and they’re slated to go up against an up-and-coming side. The same can be said for Ajax and AS Monaco.
Read on below as SBOTOP examines the compelling matchups to give football fans a preview of what to expect in the Round of 32.
RB Salzburg vs AS Roma
Jose Mourinho is keen to add the Europa League trophy to AS Roma’s cabinet after winning the Conference League last season, but it’ll be easier said than done with RB Salzburg currently in their way.
The Red Bulls, after all, are the defending Austrian Bundesliga and Cup champions and they offer plenty of European experience after making it to the Round of 16 in the Champions League last term before falling to Bayern Munich.
Benjamin Sesko – one of the most coveted youngsters today – is the one to watch out for from RB Salzburg, but he’ll be up against AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo and Paulo Dybala.
Barcelona vs Manchester United
Failing to secure the second goal versus Real Sociedad proved to be costly for Manchester United as they’ll now take on Barcelona.
This matchup means that one of the two managers, Erik ten Hag and Xavi, will be out of European contention so early, so there’s a huge sense of urgency for both squads.
Another backdrop of this fixture is Frenkie de Jong since he spurned Manchester United to stay at Barcelona to play in the Champions League, but fate has a funny way of putting things into place.
Ajax vs Union Berlin
Ajax have suddenly emerged as one of the favorites in this competition, but Union Berlin will look to defy the Europa League 2022 odds once again.
This is going to be a battle of two different styles as Ajax love to have possession of the ball, while Union Berlin are happy to play on the counter.
Both teams have some young attackers that can easily put up Europa League 2022 highlights, namely Brian Brobbey, Steven Bergwijn, Sheraldo Becker, and Theoson Siebatcheu.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rennes
This is going to be an attacking affair since both sides aren’t exactly known for their defences.
Shakhtar Donetsk bowed out of the Champions League after a winless group stage, while Rennes fell short behind Fenerbahce in Group B that’s why they’re here.
Strikers Junior Moraes and Martin Terrier are tasked to lead their respective teams up front. Whoever wins this particular matchup is likely to move on to the Round of 16.
Sevilla vs PSV
Jorge Sampaoli is looking to revive Sevilla’s season and winning the Europa League is their ideal scenario. However, they are struggling right now since they haven’t won in their last three matches.
In contrast, PSV are on the rise. They’ve beaten Arsenal in the group stage and Ruud Van Nistelrooy has an exciting project in his hands.
PSV are hoping that Cody Gakpo stays after January since it’s their best shot of beating Sevilla and making it far in this competition.
Sporting CP vs Midtjylland
Sporting and Midtjylland square off for the first time since 2001/02 at this exact stage. Back then, it was the Portuguese team who won via an aggregate tally of 6-2.
The key matchup for this fixture is the one between strikers Pedro Goncalves and Anders Dreyer. The two of them have combined for 14 goals so far this season.
Juventus vs Nantes
Nantes head into this matchup with nothing to lose and they can give Juventus some problems.
Given I Bianconeri’s inconsistencies at the back, Ignatius Ganago and Mostafa Mohamed can score a goal or two for the Ligue 1 side, although they might be overpowered by the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Arek Milik, and Filip Kostic.
Max Allegri’s side has yet to convince anyone that they can contend for trophies this season, so they’re keen on stamping their authority here.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Monaco
This matchup against Monaco is Xabi Alonso’s first real test. And compared to his coaching counterpart Philippe Clement, the Spaniard is quite inexperienced.
Die Werkself are hopeful that their top hitman Patrik Schick is 100-per cent fit come January and they’ll need him for them to outgun the likes of Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder and Breel Embolo.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
