*Group 9*: Fiorentina v Belenenses

Fiorentina v Belenenses

UEFA Europa League

OK.

So a quick reminder of where we are exactly:

Group Nine..........Pld.......pts
Basel.......................5........10
Fiorentina.................5.........7
Lech Poland...............5.........5
Belenenses................5.........5


Anyone can still qualify.

Basel have already qualified.

A relatively satisfying start to the week sees us go well into the Christmas period with a European match to tie up the group stage of the Europa League. Competition in Europe is a big deal for us, it gives us a status that is important to this club because we had been out of the loop for far too long for far too long a time. It also gives us a presence and credibility from a continental standpoint. However, with Serie A title chances at an all time high, the team selection provides Paulo Sousa with some difficult choices. Difficult choices have led to various draws.

Funnily enough, a draw will be enough to see us through but a win will give us a confidence boot (not that we really need it) ten points and some prize money, much of which we have missed out on.

Paolo Sousa will be hoping to do the double over Belenenses after having beaten them 0-4 in the away match in Lisbon. He will know the team well and being aware of the possible permutations, will prepare accordingly.

Let's see how it goes.

Fiorentina 3-4-2-1:

Sepe

Astori - Gonzalo - Tomovic

Bernadeschi - Vecino - Badelj - Pasqual

Valero - Illicic

Rossi


Caeiro

Sturgeon - Silva - Pinto - Kuca

Dias

Geraldes - Tonel - Brandao - Ferreira

Ventura

Belenenses 4-1-4-1:

This match is at 8:05pm / 9:05pm.

3:05pm Boston. 7:05am Melbourne and 11:05pm Bahrain.

Live on BT Sport Extra.

*Group 9*: Fiorentina v Belenenses