Europa League: big tests for these 5 African players

Aubameyang to help Marseille avoid the Europa League play-offs

Olympique de Marseille travel to England to face Brighton this Thursday, 14 December, on the final matchday of the Europa League group stage. Both sides have already qualified and are battling for the group's top spot, which brings direct qualification to the next round. The runners-up will have to go through the play-offs. The French club, who lead the group and need only a draw, want to avoid that extra step. To get there, Marseille are counting on their man of the moment: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

After scoring twice against Lorient last weekend in Ligue 1, the Gabonese striker has confirmed his good form. He has 7 goals and 3 assists in Marseille's last 4 games in all competitions. That form is showing in his side's results. Marseille are unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions, with 4 wins in a row. Gennaro Gattuso's men will look to take the 3 points to reassure themselves and keep riding the wave.

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Amine Gouri to steer Rennes safely home

The Algeria international is in the same position as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He must help his side hold on to top spot in their group to avoid the play-offs. Rennes are first and host Villarreal (2nd) this Thursday, 14 December. The Yellow Submarine are coming off a heavy home defeat to Real Sociedad and hope to bounce back in this game against the Rennes side. They also have the aim of qualifying directly by winning in France.

Stade Rennais, for their part, have lost their last two league games, against Marseille (2-0) and Monaco (1-2). This will be a chance to return to winning ways at home and secure qualification. Amine Gouri, who has not been very prolific this season (5 goals and 2 assists in 15 games in all competitions), faces the heavy task of leading his side towards that goal. It will also be a chance for him to shine and get a big confidence boost. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 GMT.

Read on the same subject: Europa Conference League: Gift Orban named player of the week

Mohammed Amoura, taking on mighty Liverpool

Union Saint-Gilloise host Liverpool on the final matchday of the Europa League group stage. Group leaders on 12 points, the Reds are already guaranteed to finish first. The battle for a play-off place is between the Belgian club (3rd, 5 points) and Toulouse FC (2nd, 8 points). That says it all about the task facing the Unionistes. They must not only beat the English side by more than two goals but also hope that Toulouse lose to the Austrian club LASK.

It is a task far from a foregone conclusion, even with an in-form scorer like Mohammed Amoura. The Algerian striker, with 12 goals in 17 games in all competitions, will have his work cut out against a quality, highly experienced defence. Virgil Van Dijk and co are the current Premier League leaders. The Fennec will have to produce his best performance to get past this team and hope to qualify.

Read on the same subject: Champions League: PSG thank Milan, Porto go through, Newcastle eliminated

Mohammed Kudus to set the record straight

After the hammering by Fulham (5-0) last weekend, West Ham will try to pick themselves up this Thursday, 14 December, against Freiburg in the Europa League. West Ham are level on points with the German club (12). Top spot is therefore still up for grabs.

Mohammed Kudus, unrecognisable against Fulham, will get the chance to make amends. With 4 starts in the competition this season, he already has 2 goals. The Ghana international has already won over the Hammers and can win them over even more by making the difference against Freiburg (20:00 GMT).

Logan Costa, keeping Toulouse alive

Toulouse FC face a perilous trip to Austria. The French club take on LASK to try to keep 2nd place in their group and reach the Europa League play-offs. With 8 points, Toulouse need only a draw. Logan Costa, the Toulouse defender, will therefore have to dig deep to keep his side alive. The Cape Verde international has played 4 of the French side's 5 Europa League games this season. He has established himself in the centre of Toulouse's defence. Qualifying for the play-offs would mean a great deal for this club.

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