Tottenham and Manchester United are set to clash in the UEFA Europa League final at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday. Spurs are seeking their first European trophy since 1984 and their first major silverware since the 2008 League Cup. Manchester United, meanwhile, aims to replicate their 2017 success in what marks the second all-English final of the Europa League era. The victors will secure a spot in next season`s UEFA Champions League. This match is crucial for both clubs, as disappointing domestic league campaigns meant neither qualified for European competition through their Premier League standing. The Europa League title represents their final opportunity to play European football next season.
How to Watch the Europa League Final
Here is essential information for tuning into the match:
- Location: San Mames — Bilbao, Spain
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Odds: Tottenham +188; Draw +223; Man United +143
Road to the Final
Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach the final. Based on reports, Ange Postecoglou`s Tottenham overcame Bodo/Glimt with a decisive 5-1 aggregate victory (3-1 at home, 2-0 away). Manchester United progressed after a dominant 7-1 aggregate win against Athletic Club, securing a 3-0 first-leg victory at the same San Mames venue before a 4-1 win at Old Trafford with goals from Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur XI: Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son.
Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui; Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund.
Player to Watch
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United — The Portuguese midfielder is highlighted as a key player for Manchester United. He has been instrumental, contributing seven goals and five assists in 13 Europa League appearances. As captain, he notably scored two goals in the crucial first-leg semifinal against Athletic Club at the San Mames, the same stadium hosting the final.
Storyline to Watch
A significant narrative surrounding the final is the potential impact on the managers` futures, particularly Ange Postecoglou. The outcome is anticipated to be a crucial factor in determining the Australian head coach`s future at Tottenham. While his departure seems likely if Spurs lose, a historic victory securing the club`s first trophy since 2008 could potentially alter this scenario.
Prediction
Predicting the winner is difficult, but Manchester United are considered slight favorites. A possible outcome predicted is Manchester United 3, Tottenham 2.
