You just can't keep a big name down and this has been proven this season. Despite Manchester United and Tottenham experiencing one of their worst seasons in a generation, one of them could well be playing in next season's Champions League. It's something you couldn't make up, but football always knows how to surprise us. Manchester United are in 14th place and Tottenham are in 16th and the clubs have lost a staggering 34 games between them. In comparison the top two teams have lost 5. United and Tottenham have also conceded over 100 goals so what gives? Well the Europa League does and one would suspect that we will witness an all English final. Manchester United won their first leg at Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and will be super confident of going through at home. Tottenham's route is slightly more difficult, they beat Bodo Glimt 3-1, one wonders if not keeping a clean sheet will haunt them. Plus the 2nd leg is away from home. However, you'd expect Tottenham to score one or two goals in the next match.
An all English final would be mouthwatering and if this happens then it gives redemption to one team and one manager after such a nightmare to the season. Ruben Amorim has made no real statement but has shown some recent signs that United will get better under his leadership. But a Europa League win would surely kickstart this team. As for Ange Postecologu he has been under terrible pressure and may be set to be sacked even if he wins this trophy. Spurs' poor league form cannot be ignored. However the Australian has always insisted he wins a trophy in his second season with every club and he is giving himself every chance to keep that record going. And history repeats if the two teams do make the final, well at least for Tottenham and it may not be a good sign. The last time they reached a European final was in 2019, the final took place in Spain against a side wearing red in Liverpool and of course Tottenham lost. This final also takes place in Spain in Bilbao and is likely against a team wearing red. Anyway let's not jump too far ahead but an all English final does look on the cards.
To win the Europa League: Manchester United 1.83, Tottenham 2.20, Bodo Glimt 34.00, Athletic Bilbao 51.00
Arsenal learned this week just how tough the Champions League is. And perhaps we all learned that also. There are three European competitions of course but the gulf in class between the Champions League and the other competitions has been laid bare this season. In the Europa League Manchester United and Tottenham are set to participate in the final despite how poor both sides have been this season. The inconsistent Chelsea look to be cruising to the Europa Conference League final. But in the Champions League Arsenal can put five goals past Real Madrid and knock the serial winners out and yet could be knocked out themselves next week. Arsenal lost 1-0 at home to PSG and while the Gunners will have several good chances you'd expect in Paris, having to travel away from home, already losing, is a tough task to reach the final. In the other semi final Barcelona and Inter Milan treated us to a spectacular 3-3 draw with all goals being top drawer. For now anyone can win the trophy it is that close but we have been left with potentially a classic 2nd leg of games next week.
To win the Champions League: PSG 2.20, Barcelona 3.25, Inter Milan 5.00, Arsenal 8.00
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
