Crystal Palace and Bournemouth dey begin one big night for Europa League as both clubs write new history. Crystal Palace go make their Europa League debut today, one year later than dem initially expect. Bournemouth fans dey go on European journey thanks to their stunning sixth-place finish for Premier League season. The Cherries go make their European debut away to Real Sociedad, while Conference League winners Crystal Palace go host Lech Poznan for just their second European campaign. Both teams dey inside Europa League.
No pressure on Crystal Palace but dem never play for Europe without winning the tournament. That na because last season time for Conference League be their European debut. We no dey count the 1998 Intertoto Cup. Palace qualify for Europa League last year but Uefa boot dem down to Conference League because then co-owner John Textor also get involvement with Lyon. But Palace later win Conference League, and that gave dem place back inside Europa League. No issue this time as Textor don sell him stake for Palace. Funnily, their next game for competition na away to Lyon.
Bournemouth dey embark on this adventure without Andoni Iraola at helm, but Marco Rose go guide the Cherries for one of their greatest achievements. Bournemouth name unchanged side for their first ever European fixture as Marco Rose keep faith with XI that begin 2-2 draw with Brentford at weekend. Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier were on target for that one, while Evanilson lead line as he continue to look for him first goal of season.
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage name same starting XI from defeat by Ipswich at weekend. It mean Axel Disasi able to start despite being sent off against Ipswich because suspension only apply to domestic games. Crystal Palace could also be boosted by returns of Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah for their maiden UEFA Europa League fixture against Lech Poznan. Manager Pierre Sage confirm say both attackers don resume training and dey in contention for Thursday clash at Selhurst Park.
For Lech Poznan, Swedish winger Pontus Walemark start. He score six goals in six qualifiers this summer and will be one to watch. Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo make five changes to starting line-up following their 3-0 home defeat by Atletico Madrid at weekend. Spain World Cup-winning striker Mikel Oyarzabal dey among those to keep him place and he captain the side.
Europa League split across two days this week with half matches yesterday. At 17:45 BST today Levski Sofia don kick off against Salzburg and OFI Crete don kick off against Hoffenheim. At 20:00 these games dey take place. Celtic are playing Ferencvaros in Europa League tonight too. Live text and radio commentary dey from BBC Radio Scotland.
