Steven Gerrard’s men are seeking to build on a fine point picked up in Spain a fortnight ago when they play host to the Austrians at Ibrox Rangers have given themselves a Europa League platform from which to build after they twice came from behind to draw with Villarreal 2-2 in Spain a fortnight ago. Steven Gerrard’s side have defied expectations by reaching the Europa League group stage and now they are seeking to make their most of their time back in the relative big time. On Thursday, they face a Rapid Vienna side in something of a state of crisis, having changed their coach following a stunning 2-0 loss…

Having joined the Blues in January while nursing a niggling injury, the England international always believed he would breakthrough in 2018-19 Ross Barkley always believed that 2018-19 would be the year he made his mark at Chelsea, with the midfielder feeling like “a new signing” after rediscovering his form. The 24-year-old completed a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, but arrived in west London nursing a “few niggles”. Antonio Conte was forced to use him sparingly as a result, with just two Premier League outings taken in. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final game for Inter Sarri…

The 34-year-old hopes Wednesday’s Europa League showpiece will not be the beginning of the end for his team-mate with Diego Simeone’s side Atletico Madrid captain Gabi hopes the Europa League decider against Marseille will not be Antoine Griezmann’s last final with the club as speculation mounts over his future . A third Europa League title is on the line for Atletico, who face Marseille in Lyon on Wednesday amid Griezmann’s links with Spanish champions Barcelona. France international Griezmann – who opted to remain in Madrid for the 2017-18 season despite strong interest from Manchester United – is a rumoured target for Barca. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert:…

The playmaker had been struggling with a muscular complaint before the final and now could miss his chance to shine in Russia Dimitri Payet faces the anguish of missing the World Cup finals after being forced out of Wednesday’s Europa League decider through injury.  Payet was given the captain’s armband for Marseille against Atletico Madrid, and in the opening minutes played through Valere Germain with a lovely pass that was ultimately squandered.  But after Antoine Griezmann struck to give Atletico the lead in the first half Marseille’s woes were increased by injury to their skipper.  Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his…

Unai Emery’s team are drawing admiring glances from football fans across the world as they continue their winning ways, but they face a tough task Arsenal will look to continue their impressive winning streak when they face Sporting at Estadio Jose Alvalade in the Europa League on Thursday. The Gunners have tallied 10 wins in succession, clinching their 10th with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Monday. Unai Emery has already steered his side to wins over Qarabag and Vorskla in Group E in Europe, but they are tied on six points with Sporting at the top. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert:…

Steven Gerrard knows his side can make a big step towards the last 32 in Russia against a side misfiring on all cylinders With three of the Europa League group stage games in the can, Matchday Four sees the competition firing up across the continent as teams chase the chance to reach Baku next May Rangers sit atop Group G heading into the return batch of fixtures, topping a congested quartet thanks to their head-to-head away goals advantage over La Liga outfit Villarreal. Steven Gerrard’s side therefore head to Moscow knowing that progression to the last 32 remains firmly in their own hands – and they’ll be able to make…

The Clarets travel to the Karaiskakis Stadium to take on the Greek side in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs Premier League side Burnley face Greece’s Olympiakos in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round. The Clarets are the away side for the opener and a win would boost their chances of qualifying for the group stages ahead of the reverse fixture at Turf Moor on Thursday August 30. Olympiakos finished third last season in the Greek Super League after winning seven league titles in a row from 2011 to 2017 and will prove tough competition for Sean Dyche’s side.  Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may…

The defender has added his voice to the chorus of those who want to see the striker shun interest from Barcelona and remain with Diego Simeone’s side Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has been hailed as “one of the best players in the world” by team-mate Lucas Hernandez. The 27-year-old France international showcased his talent in the Europa League final on Wednesday, as he scored twice to lead Atletico to a 3-0 success over Marseille in Lyon. The former Real Sociedad player took his goals with great authority to provide the platform for the Spanish side’s comfortable victory and Lucas hailed him after the match. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve…

With the play-off fixtures of the Europa League set to take place soon, Goal rounds up all you need to know about the upcoming group stage draw This year’s Europa League group stage is set to begin soon, with the tournament to contest its play-off round on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30. Defending champions Atletico Madrid will not be participating in the group stage, as they secured qualification for the Champions League.  But this year’s edition of the Europa League will see the involvement of major Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final game for Inter…

The forward picked up a serious injury just short of the half-hour mark and was forced to leave the field on a stretcher Arsenal suffered an injury blow during their Europa League tie against Sporting on Thursday as Danny Welbeck was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Welbeck, who scored the winning goal in the reverse fixture in Portugal, was replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 29th minute of the game. The Arsenal forward was challenging Sporting full-back Bruno Gaspar for a header when their legs tangled and Welbeck landed awkwardly on his ankle. Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final game for Inter…