Groningen - Marseille

Groningen earned their place in the group stages of the Europa League after lifting the KNVB Cup for the first time last season, and they have been rewarded with a group that features Marseille, Portuguese side Braga and Slovan Liberec of the Czech Republic. Marseille are undoubtedly the favourites for the group and they are the first visitors to the Euroborg on Thursday, bringing with them well known players such as former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, ex-Newcastle winger Remy Cabella and Dutch centre back Karim Rekik, along with young talents Mats Batshuayi and Lucas Ocampos. However coach Edwin van de Looi has called on his players not to fear the French side. Groningen have made a decent start to their Eredivisie campaign with two wins out of five which puts them in 9th place. They head into the game against Marseille on the back of their best performance as they saw off local rivals Heerenveen 3-1 at the Euroborg playing some excellent football. Marseille have stuttered so far in the French Ligue 1, but also warmed up for the game with a good win as they beat Bastia 4-1. They currently sit 11th in the table. Pick over 2.5 goals.