The Europa League means many different things for many different people. For Andre Villas-Boas, it means a chance to win the tournament. For Brendan Rodgers, it’s a unnecessary distraction and a land mine where players can get injured. For Alan Pardew, it’s a chance to play footballers who normally don’t get first team action.

In a tournament that is loved by some, laughed at by others, today’s matches will give us a little bit of insight into where these teams are in terms of depth and playing ability. Liverpool needs the win to keep their morale up. Tottenham needs the win to show that a win against Reading wasn’t a fluke. And Newcastle needs a win to keep his B team players happy.

For viewers in the United States, here’s the TV schedule for today’s matches.

Before, during and after today’s matches, post your rants, raves, questions and observations in the comnents section below.