The group stage of the 2022/23 Europa League concludes on Thursday with Arsenal and Manchester United both looking to secure top spot in their respective sections.
This article was originally published on 2 November 2022
Arsenal tasted defeat for the first time in the Europa League when going down 2-0 at PSV last week and, although they are guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase, they are yet to secure top place in the group.
A win for the Gunners, who sit two points clear of PSV, over FC Zurich on Thursday will see them confirmed as section winners.
Manchester United are second in E, two points behind leaders Real Sociedad, and they head to Spain to face the Basque outfit on Thursday.
Both clubs are already certain of a place in the competition post-Christmas but United can still claim top spot if they earn victory by two goals of more.
Home comfort key for Arsenal
| What | Arsenal v FC Zurich, Europa League |
| Where | Emirates Stadium, London |
| When | 20:00, Thursday 3rd November 2022 |
| How to watch | BT Sport 2 |
| Odds | Arsenal 1/7, Draw 15/2, FC Zurich 16/1 |
Arsenal have been untouchable at the Emirates this season and they head into Thursday's clash with FC Zurich full of confidence.
Each of Arsenal's eight fixtures at home across all competitions have ended in victory and there's little to suggest that won't be the case when Zurich head to north London.
Mikel Arteta has opted to rotate his XI for this competition and he's likely to switch things up once again as he looks to keep senior figures out of the firing line ahead of Sunday's trip to Chelsea in the Premier League.
Eddie Nketiah is one of those expected to benefit from the changes, while midfield duo Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira could also come in.
FC Zurich are bottom of the group but still have something to play for as they look to book a spot in the Europa Conference League.
The Swiss outfit are a point adrift of third-placed Bodo/Glimt who have lost each of their last three outings in the competition. Back-to-back losses on the road in the Europa League doesn't bode well for Zurich, though, and they've only scored once across those two matches.
Arsenal are yet to concede a goal at home in the Europa League and they've kept three clean sheets in their last four at the Emirates across all competitions. An Arsenal win to nil, which can be backed at 10/11, offers interest.
Red Devils seeking revenge
| What | Real Sociedad v Manchester United, Europa League |
| Where | Reale Arena, San Sebastian |
| When | 17:45, Thursday 3rd November 2022 |
| How to watch | BT Sport 1 |
| Odds | Real Sociedad 11/5, Draw 12/5, Manchester United 5/4 |
Manchester United lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in the opening game of their Europa League campaign.
The Red Devils have since gone on to win the following four to secure passage out of the group but they trail Sociedad, who have a perfect five-from-five record, by three points and face a battle for top spot.
Finishing top would mean bypassing the knockout playoff round, which is an additional two-legged tie in February, and going straight into the pot for the round of 16.
Despite enduring some struggles in La Liga, having lost two on the bounce, Sociedad haven't put a foot wrong in Europe and they've been extremely strong at the back with just one goal conceded.
However, Manchester United have momentum on their side across all competitions and are starting to show major signs of improvement under Erik ten Hag.
They head to Spain unbeaten in their last eight outings, winning six of those, and they've kept five clean sheets along the way. With defences looking tight for both sides it looks set to be a low-scoring contest and that will suit Sociedad, who merely need to avoid losing by more than one goal to finish as group winners.
Under 2.5 goals at 10/11 looks the way to go.
Feyenoord set for dramatic finale
| What | Feyenoord v Lazio, Europa League |
| Where | De Kuip, Rotterdam |
| When | 17:45, Thursday 3rd November 2022 |
| How to watch | BT Sport 5 |
| Odds | Feyenoord 5/4, draw 13/5, Lazio 21/10 |
Group F has been one of the most entertaining sections in the Europa League and all four clubs can still qualify from the section on Thursday.
Lazio lead the way and are clear of second-placed Sturm Graz on goal difference, while Feyenoord, who sit third, are only ahead of bottom side Midtjylland on goal difference and just three points adrift of top spot.
The clash at De Kuip between Feyenoord and Lazio looks extremely interesting, especially when considering the Italian outfit have struggled on the road.
Maurizio Sarri's men have picked up just one point and scored just one goal in two away fixtures, while Feyenoord have netted eight goals on home soil in the process of collecting four points.
Lazio need to avoid defeat to be certain of a top two spot and will go through as group winners if they win and second-placed Sturm Graz don't. Feyenoord, meanwhile, can climb into the top two if they win by two goals or more or if they win and Sturm Graz lose against Midtjylland.
The Dutch club are yet to taste defeat at home across all competitions this season, winning four and drawing three and they have scored at least three goals on three occasions, including a 6-0 win over Sturm Graz.
Lazio lost 5-1 on the road at Midtjylland earlier in the campaign and that will be a major concern ahead of Thursday's clash. There's value to be had in supporting a Feyenoord win with over 2.5 goals at 9/4.
