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5 things to know about the Europa League

Manchester, England: The Europa League returns on Thursday with the first round of matches in the group stage. Here are five things to know about the continent's second-tier club competition this season:WINNERS TO COME FROM


SWANSEA'S SPANISH CONTINGENT



When Swansea travels to Valencia for arguably the standout match of the first round, it could end up being like a home match for the English Premier League team.


Swansea manager Michael Laudrup took the number of Spanish players in his squad to seven by signing Alejandro Pozuelo, Jose Canas and Jordi Amat in the offseason.

The only player in the club's Spanish contingent who won't be travelling to the Mestalla will be Pablo Hernandez, a former Valencia player, who misses out with a hamstring injury.