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Group E: The Awakening?
Spartak Moscow qualified as Russian champions after winning the league for the first time in 16 years. Although they are one of the less-fancied sides from Pot 1, Spartak are a tough opposition, especially at home, where the cold conditions generally do not suit travelling teams. Further, the Russian side are led by Massimo Carrera, former assistant to Antonio Conte at Juventus. Thus, they will be an unpredictable entity in the group stage.
Sevilla have lost manager Jorge Sampaoli to Argentina and more importantly, sporting director Monchi to Roma. The latter was key to the Andalusian's success in the Europa League, which they won thrice in a row between 2014 and 2016. It remains to be seen how they fare this term, especially after competing for the La Liga for long periods last season. Nevertheless, they are too good and experienced to not make it out of the group.
Liverpool were the team Sevilla beat in the 2016 Europa League final. The five-time winners are back in the tournament for the first time in three years. The English side will be happy with the draw and can be considered as joint-favourites with Sevilla in this group. The Reds boast of one of the best attacks in Europe and their firepower should be sufficient to see them through.
Maribor are in the group stages for the third time ever and have a tough task ahead of them. However, they have a trusted manager in Darko Milanic and the Slovenian champions will look forward to at least one big scalp from the group stage. They will definitely be targeting the Europa League spot as a minimum.
Prediction
- Liverpool
- Sevilla
- Spartak Moscow
- Maribor
