After late disappointment and questionable refereeing left Southampton beaten at The Emirates on Saturday afternoon, their attention now turns to the Europa League and their first Group K match against Czech outfit Sparta Prague.
This will be The Saints’ first campaign in the group stages of the modernised Europa League and they face tougher opposition than some might think in the shape of Czech Republic’s most decorated club, who are no strangers to European football having qualified for European club competition every season since 1983.
The Czech First League runners-up now also boast the addition of former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky to their squad, with the Czech veteran returning to the club after his contract expired in North London in the summer.
The game will also see Saints come up against Czech opposition competitively for the first time in their history, while it’ll be Sparta’s first match against English opposition since a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in 2013.
Both sides will be looking to begin their respective European campaigns with three points, as even tougher opposition is yet to come in Group K as Italian giants Inter Milan await, along with Israeli outfit Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
A win for the hosts should also help to lift the spirits around St Mary’s after a stuttering start to the fledgling Premier League season, with a few fans frustrated by numerous chances being wasted in previous games, notably at Arsenal where Shane Long in particular spurned two glorious chances to put Saints into the lead.
There are no fresh injury concerns heading into Thursday night’s game for Claude Puel’s side, with record signing Sofiane Boufal still awaiting his St Mary’s bow after injury has prevented him making his debut.
