Four Spanish sides in Europa League action

Four Spanish sides are in Europa League action on Thursday night with three playing at home, while Athletic Club Bilbao make the trip to France to play Olympique Marseilles.

Athletic make the trip after winning their qualifying group and will be confident against a side coached by Spaniard, Michel Gonzalez, but only midway in the French League.

Inaki Williams will return to add bite to the Athletic attack, while Iago Herrerin replaces Gorka Iraizoz in goal.

Valencia won their first league match since Gary Neville took over as coach at the weekend and will be confident of following that up with another win when Rapid Vienna visit the Mestalla Stadium.

Another win for Neville would go a long way to taking the pressure off after a difficult start at the club, although he will have to balance the need for points in Europe with that of rotating his squad ahead of the weekend league games.

Sevilla, like Valencia, go into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group before the New Year, although that allows Unai Emery's side to defend the title they have won for the past two years.

Sevilla should have few problems in getting past Norwegian side Molde, who also have the disadvantage of not playing competitive football in recent weeks. Fernando Llorente could be given a rare start by Sevilla, who worked hard before beating Las Palmas last weekend.

Villarreal could argue they have the toughest draw as they face Italian high-fliers Napoli, who include former Villarreal keeper, Pepe Reina in their side, as well as former Real Madrid duo, Gonzalo Higuain and Josse Callejon.

Napoli have had a season typified by attacking open football, while Villarreal have enough of a cushion in fourth place in the Spanish league for coach Marcelino to think about playing his strongest starting 11 in what promises to be an exciting game. Endit