Preview of Thursday's European Ties
Football writer Ben Bloom reviews the European campaigns of Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace, ahead of their upcoming matches in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
After two nights of UEFA Champions League action, Thursday features a full slate of fixtures in Europe's other club competitions, the Europa League and Conference League, involving several Premier League clubs.
Nottingham Forest's European Campaign
Sean Dyche’s first match as Forest manager on the European main stage came last month with a 2-0 win over Porto. Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus scored penalties, with Jesus becoming joint top scorer in this season’s Europa League with three goals.
This victory marked Forest’s first European win since 1995, bringing some relief to fans after a difficult 39-day spell under Ange Postecoglou. The win elevated Forest to 17th in the Europa League standings following an earlier surprise defeat to Midtjylland.
Since then, Forest have struggled in the Premier League, losing to AFC Bournemouth and then drawing 2-2 against Manchester United, despite a strong performance.
"He immediately led his new team to a 2-0 victory over Porto, courtesy of penalties from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus – the Brazilian’s goal taking him joint top of this season’s Europa League goalscoring charts with three."
Upcoming Matches to Watch
- Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest continue their Europa League campaigns.
- Crystal Palace prepares for its upcoming Conference League fixture.
The upcoming European fixtures promise excitement as Premier League clubs strive to progress in continental competitions.
Author's Summary
Nottingham Forest's recent European victory under Sean Dyche revives hope amid domestic struggles, as Premier League clubs gear up for crucial Europa and Conference League matches.