This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
The 2019-20 Europa League draw has been completed, with Arsenal and Manchester United set to face off against some of Europe's top teams.
On Friday, the draw was held, and the matches are expected to kick off in mid-September. Last year's finalists, Arsenal and Manchester United, have been handed relatively easy draws, with the latter facing a potentially challenging group.
Arsenal's Group F Opponents ¶
Arsenal, who will be competing in Group F, will face off against Portugal's Vitoria, Belgium's Standard Liege, and Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt had a strong campaign in the Europa League last season, losing to Chelsea in the semifinals. However, they have been weakened by the departure of key player Luka Jovic to Real Madrid.
Standard Liege has started the season well in the Belgian top-tier league, and are currently atop the standings ahead of Club Brugge. They will likely prove to be a tough opponent for the Gunners, but Arsenal's quality may ultimately see them through.
Vitoria, on the other hand, seems likely to be the group's whipping boys, but as always, surprises can spring up at any moment in such competitions.
Manchester United's Group H Opponents ¶
Manchester United, who are familiar with the competition, having won it in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, will face off against AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands, Astana of Kazakhstan, and Partizan of Serbia.
The group is fair for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, with AZ Alkmaar their perceived strongest opponents. If United can avoid sloppiness, they will qualify as outright group winners and can go all the way to the finals, just like in 2017.
