One of the favourites for this season's Europa League play their opening match on Thursday when Fiorentina host Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira in Group E.

The Italian side are unbeaten in Serie A this season thanks to two victories and a draw from their first three fixtures.

The Viola came close to winning the tournament when it was the UEFA Cup back in 1990, but they were beaten by Juventus in the final.

Meanwhile, Pacos dropped down to the competition over the summer when they were beaten 8-3 on aggregate by Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League playoffs.

The big injury news is that Mario Gomez misses out for the home side after suffering knee ligament damage on the weekend, while Juan Cuadrado is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.

Pacos are likely to field Manchester United striker Bebe, who is currently on a season-long loan from the Premier League champions.

Recent form

Fiorentina: LWWLWD

Pacos: LLLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Fiorentina: Neto; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Joaquin, Aquilani, Valero, Pasqual; Lakovenko, Ambrosini, Rossi

Pacos: Degra; Tony, Arnolin, Ricardo, Ribeiro; Leao, Jose, Oliveira, Lopes; Seri, Bebe

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Previews by email