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      Eden Hazard ‘offered shock return to football by European side’ which would see him take on Premier League giant

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      EDEN HAZARD has reportedly been offered a shock return to football with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise interested in making a move. Hazard left Real Madrid this summer after agreeing to terminate his contract with the Spanish giants and is currently a free agent.
      Union SG are reportedly interested in offering Eden Hazard a return to footballCredit: Getty
      And despite being linked with calling time on his career and heading into retirement, Union SG are hoping to change his mind.
      According to AS, the Belgian outfit are interested in taking Hazard on and getting him back out on the pitch.
      The 32-year-old is said to be considering the offer which would see him face up against an old Premier League foe from his days with Chelsea.
      Union SG are in the Europa League where they face Liverpool in Group E alongside LASK and Toulouse.
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      The spectacular offer would also see all three of the Hazard brothers play in the same city in Belgium.
      Thorgan made the switch from Borussia Dortmund to Anderlecht this summer who play their football in Brussels, alongside Union SG.
      Whilst Kylian is also currently playing in the Belgian capital with RWD Molenbeek who were promoted from the Belgium’s second division last season.
      Eden Hazard has been the most successful of the three brothers with an incredible 126 international appearances for the Red Devils.
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      Thorgan Hazard was recently presented as an Anderlecht player after a move from Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP
      Kylian Hazard is playing for RWD MolenbeekCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      But he struggled during his time in Spain with Real where he featured just 76 times across his four year spell with the club.
      As well as considering retirement there has been other offers for the former Lille winger with Crystal Palace also reportedly interested.
      He is said to have rejected a big money offer from the Saudi Pro League during this summer’s transfer window too.
      Hazard failed to live up to his eye-watering £115m price tag at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      How Newcastle lined up last time they played in Europe including cult icon striker and midfielder ‘streets won’t forget’

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      NEWCASTLE are preparing for their return to European competition against AC Milan – more than ten years on from their last appearance.Then managed by Alan Pardew, the Newcastle squad boasted some memorable Premier League figures for the Europa League defeat to Benfica.
      Papiss Cisse scored Newcastle’s last goal in EuropeCredit: AFP
      Yohan Cabaye was a key player for Toon in the 2012-13 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Prem cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa featured from the benchCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Newcastle’s team featured several cult figures
      Veteran goalkeeper Tim Krul started between the posts with Prem cult hero Papiss Cisse leading the attack.
      The striker scored four goals in nine Europa League games that season, including the winner against Anzhi Makhachkala in the last 16.
      He also scored in both legs against Benfica as Toon fell to a 4-2 aggregate defeat in the quarter final.
      Cisse was not the only cult hero playing for Newcastle, with club favourite Jonas Gutierrez lining up on the left flank.
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      Another fan favourite, Johan Cabaye, started at number 10.
      The Frenchman had an instant impact in the Prem and is fondly remembered by fans – and not just supporters of Newcastle or Crystal Palace, who he joined in 2015.
      The rest of Newcastle’s midfield consisted of Vurnon Anita, Gael Bigirimana and Moussa Sissoko, who was another integral part of Pardew’s squad.
      After starring for the Magpies into Europe he joined Tottenham and helped them reach the 2019 Champions League final.
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      Sissoko was joined on the right flank by full-back Danny Simpson, who would go on to win the Premier League with Leicester in 2016.
      Massadio Haidara featured at left-back and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa partnered Williamson in central defence.
      While a player the ‘streets won’t forget’, Hatem Ben Arfa, came on as a second-half substitute. More

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      Liverpool add exciting starlet Ben Doak, 17, to Europa League squad but are forced to drop Premier League winner

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      LIVERPOOL have announced their squad for the Europa League – with Jurgen Klopp forced to leave Adrian out.Youngster Ben Doak swooped in to snatch the “A list” place due to UEFA rules pushing him into the Red’s senior squad.
      Adrian has been dropped from Liverpool’s Europa League squadCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool starlet Ben Doak has made the cut for the Reds’ senior squadCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool will spend their first campaign outside of the Champions League since 2016.
      Doak, 17, has made the headlines recently for the Scotland U21 team after his impressive performance against Spain went viral.
      Meanwhile, Premier League winner and third-choice shot-stopper Adrian has been exiled from the Europa League team sheet.
      The deadline recently passed for clubs to provide their squad list to UEFA, with a maximum of 25 players permitted to be on the A list of players.
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      A minimum of eight of those spots must be allocated to “locally trained” players – with a maximum of four “association trained”.
      This means Liverpool had to elect eight players who were trained by clubs from the same national league from ages 15-21- with four of them being from the club’s own youth system.
      Teams can also register an unlimited number of players on their B list, which comprises players born on or after January 1st, 2002, who have spent at least two years at their respective clubs.
      Those restrictions left Klopp with a tough decision to make as he was required to cut one foreign player from his selection following the signing of Ryan Gravenberch.
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      Unlucky for Adrian he was the chosen man to be swiped from the squad.
      But lucky for teen Doak, who turns 18 in November, and has only been registered with Liverpool since the summer of 2022, he is neither List B eligible or considered ‘locally trained’.
      The Liverpool starlet spent his youth career at Scottish sides Ayr United and Celtic.
      And with Scotland not being part of the English FA, Doak had to take up one of 17 “foreign” slots in Liverpool’s squad for the Europa League.
      Adrian still has hope as a loophole in the UEFA rule book confirms he could feature in the event of long-term injury to Alisson or Caoimhin Kelleher.
      Otherwise, there are no surprises in Liverpool’s squad to play in the double-headers with LASK, Union SG and Toulouse.
      The Reds were drawn in Group E and will get their campaign underway at LASK on September 21st. More

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      Dream Team to ramp up several notches in Gameweek 5 as European competitions get underway

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      THE international break may have provided a momentary lull but Dream Team will go up several notches once Gameweek 5 gets underway.That’s because EIGHT clubs will be in continental action in midweek after a full round of Premier League fixtures at the weekend.

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      Dream Team ramps up once the European competitions startCredit: DREAM TEAM
      Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle will begin their Champions League campaigns before Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham get going in the Europa League – with Aston Villa being England’s representative in the Europa Conference League.
      Gaffers only have to reflect upon last season, when Pep Guardiola’s side and the Hammers triumphed in their respective quests, to understand the value the European competitions bring to Dream Team.
      The formula is simple: more fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities.
      The likes of James Maddison (£4.1m), Raheem Sterling (£3.8m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£3.7m) are justifiably popular after their electric performances across the first few Gameweeks but without European games to bolster their schedules, their rivals are likely to gain ground in the coming weeks.
      Saying that, it would be a risky move to ditch an asset like Tottenham’s in-form No10 because his imposing tally of 46 points is evidence of the fact he’s more than capable of making up for his comparatively relaxed schedule with massive domestic hauls – he’s taken Bournemouth and Burnley for 15 points each in his last two league outings.
      Can Maddison maintain top spot among midfielders without European games?Credit: Rex
      However, it’s generally advisable for Dream Team bosses to ensure they have ample active players in midweek once the European group stages commence.
      Striking this balance can be difficult.
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      For example, which player will score more points in Gameweek 5: Maddison against Sheffield United or Moussa Diaby (£3.5m) against Crystal Palace and Legia Warsaw?
      The latter averages seven points-per-game this season while the former averages 9.2 so in theory the Frenchman should comfortably outscore the England playmaker given he has potentialyl twice as many minutes at his disposal.
      However, any gaffer that makes such a transfer could easily be punished if Maddison continues his fine form and Diaby fails to register a goal involvement in either of his fixtures.
      It’s also wise to consider which players have favourable continental fixtures and who might be up against it.
      For example, Arsenal and Man City were gifted relatively friendly groups in the Champions League while Man United will face Bayern Munich twice and Newcastle have a ‘group of death’ to negotiate.
      Newcastle will play PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Milan in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS:

      ARSENAL
      Sevilla
      PSV
      Lens

      MANCHESTER CITY
      RB Leipzig
      Red Star Belgrade
      Young Boys

      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Bayern Munich
      Copenhagen
      Galatasaray

      NEWCASTLE
      AC Milan
      PSG
      Borussia Dortmund

      In the Europa League, Liverpool’s group looks ripe for plentiful points assuming Jurgen Klopp plans to take the competition seriously – he is more accustomed to the Champions League these days.
      Brighton and West Ham’s groups are harder to gauge but given the former are one of the most dynamic attacking sides in the Premier League the likes of Kaoru Mitoma (£3.7m), Solly March (£3.9m) and Evan Ferguson (£3m) should enjoy themselves on Thursday nights.
      EUROPA LEAGUE GROUPS:

      WEST HAM
      Olympiacos
      Freiburg
      TSC

      BRIGHTON
      Marseille
      Ajax
      AEK Athens

      LIVERPOOL
      LASK
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Toulouse

      Too good for the Europa League?Credit: PA
      The story of Villa’s season so far is that they’ve come undone against strong opposition (Newcastle, Liverpool) but swept aside weaker outfits (Everton, Hibs, Burnley) in some style.
      If that’s to be a long-term trend then Dream Team managers can expect healthy returns from Unai Emery’s boys in Europe’s tertiary competition.
      Last season, David Moyes’ side struggled domestically but the likes of Said Benrahma (£3.3m) and Jarrod Bowen (£4.8m) maintained lofty rankings by milking the Europa Conference League for all it was worth.
      Surely Matty Cash (£2.8m), Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and company will do the same again this term.
      EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE GROUP:
      Read More on The Sun

      Aston Villa
      AZ Alkmaar
      Legia Warsaw
      Zrinjski Mostar

      The start of the European competitions represents a pivotal turning point in the Dream Team season – don’t get left behind!

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      Watch Alexis Mac Allister’s brother and team-mates’ wild celebration on plane after drawing Liverpool in Europa League

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      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER’s brother was absolutely over the moon after learning of his imminent family reunion with the Liverpool star.Premier League big boys Liverpool eagerly awaited their fate for their Europa League campaign on Friday.
      Alexis Mac Allister and his Liverpool team-mates learned their Europa League fate on FridayCredit: Alamy
      Mac Alister will twice face brother Kevin when the Reds face Union Saint-GilloiseCredit: Rex
      Union SG were buzzing to have drawn the RedsCredit: TWITTER@UNIONSTGILLOISE
      Kevin had a message for his younger brother after learning of the drawCredit: TWITTER@UNIONSTGILLOISE
      The five-time Champions League winners were drawn into Group F of Europe’s secondary club competition, which pitted them against Union Saint-Gilloise, Toulouse and LASK.
      The matches with Union SG will be of major significance to Reds newboy Mac Allister, whose brother Kevin plays for the Belgian side.
      Union’s stars learned of their group while on board an aeroplane, with the moment being captured by the social media team.
      And they burst into cheers of joy after learning they would face the Kop club.
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      Kevin grinned like a Cheshire cat as he processed two games against his younger brother later this year.
      And he was quick to send a message to his £45million sibling.
      He said with a wry smile on his face: “See you soon, bro.”
      A buzzing Kevin then took to Twitter to send a message to Liverpool’s No.10
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      The Argentine tweeted: “I told you yesterday!!
      “Beyond the result, the experience of facing each other in one of the most beautiful soccer venues will be very special and will last a lifetime.
      “See you soon bro @alemacallister.”
      Alexis joined Liverpool from Brighton in the summer in a deal which could rise to £55m.
      But the 24-year-old’s career on Merseyside got off to the worst possible start as he was SENT OFF for a dangerous challenge in Liverpool’s first home game of the season against Bournemouth.
      But the dismissal was overturned upon appeal and he’s gone on to make three appearances for the Merseysiders so far this campaign.
      Alexis and his Liverpool team-mates will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming Aston Villa to Anfield. More

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      Europa League fixtures and dates CONFIRMED for West Ham, Brighton and Liverpool including some early kick-offs

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      EUROPEAN football is almost upon us and the Europa League fixtures and dates have now been confirmed ahead of the competition’s return. There are some big names in the mix for the Europa League this season and fans are now getting a first look at who and when they’ll be playing Europe’s elite.
      Liverpool will start their Europa League journey with a game against LASKCredit: EPA

      Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham will be representing the Premier League whilst Rangers are the lone Scottish team in the competition.
      The Reds kick off their campaign on September 21 with a trip to Austria to face LASK.
      Whilst Rangers, West Ham and Brighton all start their hunt for the trophy at home on the same day.
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      Brighton will be making their European debut at home as they host AEK Athens at 8pm.
      Brighton will be hoping to make a mark on their European debutCredit: Reuters
      The Seagulls have been put into the so-called “group of death” where they will face both Marseille and Ajax.
      The south coast club will have an eye on those tricky away trips with the first coming against the Olympians on October 5 in an early kick off.
      And their trip to the Johan Cruyff Arena scheduled for November 9 is also set to be played at 5:45pm.
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      Hammers fans will be looking at their away trip to Greece when they face Olympiacos on October 26 as their toughest test in the group stage.
      David Moyes’ side will be hoping his side can replicate their success in the Conference League last season.
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      Whilst Rangers will relish the challenge of welcoming Real Betis to the Ibrox on the opening Thursday.
      Liverpool will feel comfortable in their group and should be expected to top it come December when the group stage concludes.
      West Ham qualified for the competition by winning last year’s UEFA Europa Conference LeagueCredit: Getty
      Rangers host Real Betis in their first gameCredit: Getty
      LIVERPOOL FIXTURES

      LASK vs Liverpool – September 21, 5.45pm
      Liverpool vs Union SG – October 5, 8pm
      Liverpool vs Toulouse – October 26, 8pm
      Toulouse vs Liverpool – November 9, 5.45pm
      Liverpool vs LASK – November 30, 8pm
      Union SG vs Liverpool – December 14, 5.45pm

      WEST HAM FIXTURES

      West Ham vs Backa Topola – September 21, 8pm
      Freiburg vs West Ham – October 5, 5.45pm
      Olympiacos vs West Ham – October 26, 5.45pm
      West Ham vs Olympiacos – November 9, 8pm
      Backa Topola vs West Ham – November 30, 5.45pm
      West Ham vs Freiburg – December 14, 8pm

      BRIGHTON FIXTURES

      Brighton vs AEK Athens – September 21, 8pm
      Marseille vs Brighton – October 5, 5.45pm
      Brighton vs Ajax – October 26, 8pm
      Ajax vs Brighton – November 9, 5.45pm
      AEK Athens vs Brighton – November 30th, 5.45pm
      Brighton vs Marseille – December 14, 8pm

      Read More on The Sun
      RANGERS FIXTURES

      Rangers vs Real Betis – September 21, 8pm
      Aris Limassol vs Rangers – October 5, 5.45pm
      Sparta Prague vs Rangers – October 26, 5.45pm
      Rangers vs Sparta Prague – November 9, 8pm
      Rangers vs Aris Limassol – November 30, 8pm
      Real Betis vs Rangers – December 14, 8pm More

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      Alexis Mac Allister’s brother Kevin says ‘see you soon bro’ after pair are drawn against each other in Europa League

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      LIVERPOOL midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will come face to face with his brother when the Reds take on Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League group stages this season.Jurgen Klopp’s side were named in Group E alongside Union SG, Toulouse and LASK Linz today.
      Alexis Mac Allister will face his brother in the Europa LeagueCredit: The Mega Agency
      Kevin Mac Allister was thrilled with the drawCredit: TWITTER @UnionStGilloise

      Although they are undoubtedly the favourites to come out on top, their opponents – specifically Union SG – appear far from threatened.
      In fact, the Belgian Pro League side CELEBRATED the draw.
      In a video posted on the club’s official social media pages, the squad can be seen celebrating after hearing the announcement.
      The camera then pans to Kevin Mac Allister, brother of World Cup winner Alexis, who says: “See you soon bro!”
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      Both brothers kicked off their playing careers at Argentinos Juniors, a club based in their hometown of Buenos Aires.
      Alexis left in 2019 to join Brighton, while Kevin sealed his first permanent transfer to Union SG earlier this summer.
      Liverpool will look to go all the way in the Europa League this season following their disappointing 2022-23 campaign.
      However, they may be without star man Mohamed Salah.
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      The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Al-Ittihad this week.
      Liverpool rejected a stunning £150million bid for Salah today.
      However, the Saudi Pro League side are said to have made a new £170m offer and could go up to a world-record £200m. More

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      Europa League & Conference League draw LIVE REACTION: Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham European groups revealed

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      THE Europa League group stage draw has concluded and there are some glamour groups on display in this year’s competition.Brighton have been handed a horror group with European giants Ajax and Marseille.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool and West Ham have secured easier ties in this year’s Europa League group stage.
      And Aston Villa will be up against AZ Alkmaar and Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League.

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      Group deal
      So here with have all eight group in all its glory.

      Pot 4
      KI Klaksvik first into Group A. Breidablik go into Group B. Ballkani into Group C. Ballkani into Group E.
      Cukaricki into Group F. Aberdeen join Group G. Lugano into Group D. So finally, Nordsjaelland complete Group H.
      So that makes up all eight group stages.
      Pot 3
      Legia Warsaw in Group E. Genk in Group F. Olimpija Ljubljana go into Group A.
      Zorya Luhansk head into Group B. Astana in Group C. Helsinki go into Group G. Besiktas find themselves in Group D.
      Finally, Spartak Trnava go into Group H to make up Pot 3.
      Pot 1
      France’s Lille first out the pot for Group A. Gent into Group B. And Dinamo Zagreb head into Group C.
      Club Brugge into Group D. AZ Alkmaar in Group E. Ferencvaros in Group F.
      Frankfurt in Group G. Fenerbahce complete Pot 1 going into Group H.
      Here we go
      The draw is set to get underway.
      Stay with us here as we keep you posted with all the updates.
      Award winning
      Declain Rice has won the Conference player of the season award for helping captain West Ham to the trophy.
      Andy Diouf of Basel wins the young player award.
      Pot 4

      Zrinjski Mostar (B&H)
      KI Klaksvik (FAR)
      Aberdeen (SCO)
      Cukaricki (SER)
      Lugano (SWI)
      Breidablik (ICE)
      Nordsjaelland (DEN)
      Ballkani (KOS)

      Which teams are in Pot 3?

      Genk (BEL)
      Zorya Luhansk (UKR)
      Astana (KAZ)
      Besiktas (TUR)
      HJK Helsinki (FIN)
      Legia Warsaw (POL)
      Spartak Trnava (SLO)
      Olimpija Ljubljana (SLOVE)

      Which teams are in Pot 2?

      PAOK (GRE)
      Slovan Bratislava (SLO)
      Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR)
      Viktoria Plzen (CZE)
      Aston Villa (ENG)
      Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
      Fiorentina (ITA)
      Bodo/Glimt (NOR)

      Which teams are in Pot 1?

      Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
      Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
      Club Brugge (BEL)
      AZ Alkmaar (NET)
      Gent (BEL)
      Fenerbahce (TUR)
      Lille (FRA)
      Ferencvaros (BUD)

      Onto the next
      With the Europa League draw done, it’s now onto the Conference League.
      Aston Villa is England’s only representative in the group stages following West Ham win last season.
      Groups in full
      Here are all eight groups in all its glory.

      Friendly fire
      Liverpool should have a routine passage into the knockout stages as they take on Austrian outfit LASK, Union SG of Belgium and French side Toulouse.
      And that will see new Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister face his brother Kevin, with the defender joining Saint-Gilloise this year.

      Group working
      Brighton will face Ajax and Marseille in a blockbuster Europa League group of death.
      The Seagulls are making their debut in European football after finishing sixth in the Premier League under Roberto De Zerbi last term.
      They will be dreaming of going all the way to the final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 22.
      But before that, Brighton have been rewarded with glamour ties against giants Ajax and Marseille in Group B.
      The group is completed by AEK Athens and will get underway on September 21.

      Done and dusted
      So there we have it, all eight groups are drawn.
      This is how West Ham’s Group A looks.

      Pot 4
      Servette go into Group G with Slavia Praha, Sheriff Tiraspol and Roma.
      BK Hacken make up the final Group H with Leverkusen, Qarabag and Molde.
      Pot 4
      Rakow Czestochowa head into Group D with Atalanta, SK Strum Graz and Sporting.
      Toulouse go into Group E alongside Liverpool, LASK and Union Saint-Gilloise.
      Group F is concluded by Panathinaikos, who join Rennes, Villarreal, and Maccabi Haifa.
      Pot 4
      FK Backa Topola make up Group A with West Ham, Olympiacos and Freiburg.
      AEK Athens complete Group B with Ajax, Brighton and Marseille.
      Aris Limassol round up Group C with Rangers, Sparta Praha and Real Betis.
      Pot 3
      Union Saint-Gilloise go into Group E, with Liverpool and LASK.
      Sturm Graz head to Group F and Sheriff Tiraspol go to Group G.
      Finally, Molde draw Group H. We head into the final pot.
      Pot 3
      Freiburg head into Group A, playing West Ham.
      Brighton are in Group B, where they play Ajax and Marseille.
      Sparta Prague go into Group C with Rangers and Real Betis.
      Pot 2
      Sporting join Atalanta in Group D.
      LASK will be Liverpool opponents in Group E.
      And Rennes go into Group F alongside Villarreal.
      Pot 2
      Olympiacos join West Ham in Group A!
      Marseille are in Group B with Ajax.
      And Real Betis share Group C with Scotland’s Rangers.
      Red alert
      Liverpool are drawn in Group E.
      Villareal find themselves in Group F.
      Atalanta are in Group D.
      Here we go
      West Ham picked out first in group A!
      Ajax are drawn in group B.
      Rangers are in group C.
      Here is how the pots look More