Europa League preview

Nick Bidwell looks ahead to the upcoming Europa League campaign

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Don't listen to those who claim that the Europa League is a second-rate event that does not inspire its participants. Just ask English FA Cup holders Crystal Palace, who released a strongly-worded statement in response to UEFA demoting them from the Europa League to the Conference League this summer for breaching multi-club ownership rules.

Palace, who have never played in Europe before and are expected to miss out on £20 million in extra revenue as a result, do not regard the Europa League as an ensemble of losers. This was their big chance, now up in flames.

The new 36-team league format, which was introduced last season, has breathed fresh life into the tournament, as has the absence of group phase drop-downs from the Champions League. No longer does it have the feel of a consolation prize. It's a wholly separate tournament, an entity in its own right, and so much the better for it.

FAVOURITES

Aston Villa, sixth in the Premier League last season, have an undoubted ace in the hole in the shape of manager Unai Emery, who is a past master of going all the way in this competition, three times a winner with Sevilla and once at the helm of Villarreal. Good enough to reach the Champions League quarterfinals last term, a well-structured Villa side featuring Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans in midfield and Ollie Watkins leading the line should go deep.

Promoted to the Europa League following Crystal Palace's administrative punishment,