The Europa League playoffs start tonight, including interest of 7 British teams. Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City of England as well as 3 Scottish teams; Celtic, Dundee Utd and Motherwell. There is also New Saints, a representative of the Wales league.

Rapid Vienna v Aston Villa –  Villa travel to Austria with a weakened squad with injuries of Carew, Agbonlahor, Collins and Cuellar, as well as the suspended Dunne. However, Villa are favourites to progress, and will hope to take a decent result to Villa Park next week. The teams played last season which Rapid Vienna won with the tie on away goals, as it finished 2-2.

FC Timisoara v Manchester City –  Balotelli may make his first appearance for his new club as he replaced Roque Santa Cruz in the travelling squad. Joe Hart is expected to keep his place in goal, ahead of Shay Given. Manchester City’s opponents are unknown to many, but City should have no trouble in qualifying to the next round.

Liverpool v Trabzonspor – Only injury doubts for Liverpool is Javier Mascherano and Daniel Agger who suffered injures against Arsenal on Sunday. Liverpool are home for the first leg, but should fancy their chances of taking a comfortable lead into the second leg. Fernando Torres may start, as he starting to regain full fitness.

Celtic v Utrect – Celtic lost to Braga in the Champions League, leaving them to play their European football in this competition. Celtic are strong favourites of winning this game, and could end up going far in the tournament, if they improve on last year’s performances. Celtic will hope to put that defeat to Braga in the Champions League behind them.

Odense BK v Motherwell – The Scottish side haven’t got the glamorous tie they were hoping for, but in this match they should have an chance of progressing against the Denmark side.

Dundee UTD v AEK Athens – Dundee were glad to be faced against the experienced Greek team. Manager of Dundee Utd, has said he wishes to take advantage of the fact that AEK are still yet to start their season, giving Dundee more sharpness.

CSKA Sofia v New Saints – The home team here are strong favourites to qualify as the Welsh side are not giving much of a chance. However, the second leg is at home, and any acceptable result tonight will give them a slight chance in the return leg next week.