Sevilla vs Feyenoord Rotterdam preview - Aspas eager for Europa action

Sevilla striker Iago Aspas is relishing the prospect of playing in Thursday's Europa league Group G opener against Feyenoord.

The Spaniard joined the Europa League champions on a season-long loan from Liverpool in July and made his Sevilla debut in Sunday's 2-0 league triumph over Getafe.

"Last year I hardly had any playing time," Aspas said to www.sevillafc.es. "I've worked hard this summer and I'm very happy to have played.

"The fans were vital in helping us clinch three points against Getafe and they will no doubt help us on Thursday.

"We are eager to start the European competition and to defend the title.

"We know it will be a challenge, that we face a long journey but it's our dream."

Sevilla coach Unai Emery, whose side have taken seven points of a possible nine in La Liga, will be hoping the departure of star midfielder Ivan Rakitic to Barcelona this summer will not hinder his team too much.

The Croatia international was voted man of the match in the Europa League final that Sevilla won 4-2 on penalties over Benfica in Turin last season.

One player that also stole the limelight in that game was Portuguese goalkeeper Beto.

Beto, who saved two spot-kicks to hand Sevilla their third European title, is out with a hamstring injury while his understudy, Mariano Barbosa, is also unavailable with a thigh problem.

Reserve-team goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who started against Getafe, will play in goal against the Dutch outfit.

Rivals Feyenoord also know what it is to win this competition having won it twice in their history, their last in 2002.

Fred Rutten's side travel to the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium looking to halt an eight-match winless away run in Europe and in the process deny Sevilla a 50th win in continental competitions.

The Dutch will have to show a drastic improvement having endured a difficult start to the Eredivisie.

Feyenoord have mustered five points from their opening five league games and head into the encounter in Spain on the back of Saturday's 2-1 loss at Willem II.

The visitors will be without suspended striker Colin Kazim Richards while defender Khalid Boulahrouz is doubtful with a knee injury.