AMSTERDAM – With three Americans set to kick off Europa League round of 32 action, we're here to break down the first leg match-ups. All times are ET.
Anderlecht vs. Ajax
Thursday, 1 pm on DirecTV
American: Sacha Kljestan (AND)
The former Chivas USA man—who has a goal, an assist and a yellow card in six European matches thus far—has been coming off the bench lately. A year ago, the Mauves got the better of Ajax in Europa League group play, winning in Amsterdam after rescuing a home draw near time. Anderlecht currently have five straight wins and six consecutive clean sheets at Constant Vanden Stock. They also managed to hang onto their stars over winter, while the Amsterdammers are searching for new identity after waving goodbye to ace Luis Suárez. Both sides will be fully fit for the opener.
[inline_node:325994]Rubin Kazan vs. FC Twente
Thursday, 7 am on DirecTV
American: Oguchi Onyewu (TWE)
Having scored a goal in 10 UEFA Cup tilts with Standard Liège, Onyewu should get his first taste of Europa League play by holding the unusual station of left back for the Tukkers. The teams have never met, and the type of first impression will be hard to predict as Rubin Kazan are only midway through their Russian preseason prep. The start time for this one was moved up six hours to avoid extreme cold as the game-time temperature is expected to be double digits below zero. Twente will arrive without strike star Marc Janko, Nicky Kuiper and Dwight Tiendalli, while the home side is sweating the availability of star man Eduardo.
Rangers vs. Sporting Lisbon
Thursday 3 pm on DirecTV
American: Maurice Edu ('Gers)
Rangers have won 35 of the 45 games in which Edu has appeared for them and he should play some part in this opener. He scored once in four Champions League contest earlier in the campaign, but now is now in for his first Europa League grudge match. In their previous cup ties, Rangers bounced the Lions from the 2008 UEFA Cup quarters and ousted them in a Cup Winners' Cup rally miracle in 1973. Each team is without a midfield ace; the Light Blues are missing Lee McCulloch, while the visitors are short Jaime Valdés. Sporting have also leaked seven goals in the last three games amid internal management distractions.
