The 2011/12 Europa League continues this week as Udinese take on Atletico Madrid, while Tottenham travel to Russia to play Rubin Kazan and Stoke face a tough away tie against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Rubin Kazan v Tottenham
Tottenham top Group A after their 1-0 win against Rubin Kazan at White Hart Lane.
Despite winning 1-0, Spurs were second best for the majority of the game after making nine changes to their starting line-up.
A tricky away tie to third-place Rubin Kazan could see Spurs lose their first game of the Europa League, if Harry Redknapp continues to use his fringe players.
However, if Kazan are to win at home they will need to score against Tottenham who have conceded just one goal so far.
Maccabi Tel Aviv v Stoke
Stoke have made a fantastic start to life in the Europa League and are leading Group E at the halfway stage.
Last time-out Stoke beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-0 at the Britannia stadium despite having striker Cameron Jerome sent off early in the match.
Stoke’s opponents, Maccabi Tel Aviv are currently winless with one-point from their first three games, however they will be a different proposition on home turf.
Tony Pulis’ side have won two and drew one thus far and are two points ahead of second-place Dynamo Kyiv.
The Midland club will look to take advantage of Maccabi’s leaky defence that has conceded nine goals in three games.
Atletico Madrid v Udinese
Atletico Madrid host Udinese in Spain as they look to gain revenge for the 2-0 defeat against the Italians last time out.
As a result of that game, Udinese top Group I while Madrid are three-points behind them in second-place.
Udinese have made a fantastic start in Serie A, while Atletico Madrid have made steady progress in La Liga.
Round-Up
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Birmingham top Group H and host Club Brugge after their 2-1 win in Belgium, PSV Eindhoven put their 100% record on the line when they play Hapoel Tel-Aviv In Holland, Fulham welcome Wisla to Craven Cottage, while Celtic must win against Stade Rennais if they have realistic ambitions of qualifying for the knockout stages.
