Lyon vs Spurs, Metalist vs Newcastle, Chelsea vs Prague & Liverpool vs Zenit: Europa League Open Thread

Today’s a massive day for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and, to a lesser degree, Newcastle United as all four Premier League teams play the second leg of their Round of 32 tie in the Europa League.

The first two matches to kick off today are Lyon versus Spurs and Metalist against Newcastle United. Alan Pardew is focusing his resources on the Premier League, so the Toon will be fielding a slightly weaker line-up than usual today after their 0-0 first leg against Metalist.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading 2-1 on aggregate against Lyon, but will face a stern test against the French powerhouse. Hopefully none of the violence that happened overnight will spill in to the stadium today.

In the last two Europa League matches of the day involving Premier League matches, Liverpool takes on Zenit St Petersburg. The Reds lost the first leg 2-0 in Russia, and will face a difficult test to try to beat the Russian Premier League side. Chelsea, meanwhile, will take their 1-0 aggregate lead to Stamford Bridge where they’ll be playing in much warmer conditions that the freezing match in Prague last week. Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic will be rested for today’s match.

Tottenham Hotspur starting XI: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto, Dembele, Parker, Lennon, Bale, Holtby, Adebayor

Newcastle United starting XI: Krul; Haïdara, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Simpson; Marveaux, Cabaye, Anita, Sissoko; Cissé, Shola Ameobi.

The away goal rule will come into effect if the clubs are tied on aggregate after today’s matches. If the away goal count for both teams is the same, the clubs will play thirty minutes of extra time. The away goals rule is then applied at the end of extra time. If it’s still tied, the match will go to penalty kicks.

Before, during or after today’s Europa League matches, follow along with the conversations in the comments section below.