European athletes Forest and Porto engage in competition once more, while Villa faces familiar adversaries upon their return to European play, following a hiatus.

Europa League Group Stages Set to Kick Off

The 2021-22 Europa League group stages are shaping up to be an exciting affair, with several familiar faces and newcomers set to compete. Here's a roundup of some notable participants and their respective group matches.

Nottingham Forest Return to Europa League

After a 30-year absence, Nottingham Forest will once again participate in the Europa League group phase. Their opponents include Porto, Real Betis, Ferencvaros, Midtjylland, and Malmo, the team they faced in the 1979 European Cup final. Forest will host Porto, Ferencvaros, Midtjylland, and Malmo, while visiting Betis, Braga, Sturm Graz, and Utrecht.

Palace and Aston Villa Join the Fray

FA Cup and Community Shield winners Crystal Palace have been drawn against AZ Alkmaar, KuPS KUOPIO, and AEK Larnaca. Selhurst Park will host AZ Alkmaar, KuPS KUOPIO, and AEK Larnaca for Palace. Aston Villa, who demonstrated impressive form during their Champions League campaign last season, will face Bologna and Young Boys.

Rivalry Heats Up

The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic will continue in the Europa League, with both teams facing off against some formidable opponents. Rangers will face Roma and Porto, while Celtic will take on Roma and Feyenoord.

Gasperini Takes Charge

Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach of Atalanta, will now lead Roma in the Europa League group stage. His debut season with Roma includes matches against Lille and Stuttgart, as well as visits to Celtic and Rangers.

Challenging Matches Ahead

Palace's toughest test in the Europa League group stage is likely to be travelling to face Strasbourg. Aston Villa's more challenging matches are expected to be against Salzburg at home and Feyenoord away.

The Europa League proper begins on September 24 and 25, with the Conference League starting on October 2. Let the games begin!

European athletes Forest and Porto engage in competition once more, while Villa faces familiar adversaries upon their return to European play, following a hiatus.