Preview
Gdansk will host the Europa League final between English powerhouse Manchester United and Spanish dark horses Villarreal.
Manchester United take on Villarreal in Gdansk on Wednesday looking to win their first trophy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management.
It’s only four years since United lifted the trophy under Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho, and it would be their sixth major European trophy. The Spanish side, in contrast, are looking to win a first European prize other than the now defunct Intertoto Cup, which they claimed in 2003 and 2004.
The Red Devils are near to a European title, after many years of heartbreaks. And by the looks of things, they are the favorites – considering that their counterparts for the day are the seventh-placed team from the La Liga – the Yellow Submarines.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are in great form, and they had already ensured a top-four finish in the English top flight. For the reason, their main players have received adequate rest, and will arrive fresh to this continental final.
They are also determined to secure the trophy at any cost – as there’s high probability that arch-rivals Manchester City might lift the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery, the gaffer of Villarreal, is a name that’s probably written in golden ink in the history of the competition. His run of three straight Europa titles with Sevilla, another Spanish club, is a feat that might not be repeated this century.
He does not have the service of gritty players from Seville, but his experience is unparalleled in the tournament, and the Devils will not take him lightly if they are wise.
Take out Emery, and the Devils have this trophy in the bag. Anyhow, expect a fierce encounter this Wednesday between these two squads.
Form Guide: Villarreal
Villarreal go into the final following a 2-1 away loss to Real Madrid on the last day of La Liga. The Yellow Submarine were 1-0 to the good early on, but Real Madrid came back to make a valiant effort at wrestling away the league title from Atletico Madrid – which they did not in the end. The loss ended a two-match winning streak for Unai Emery’s team in La Liga. Villarreal have played 57 matches in all competitions ahead of the final. They will not play Champions League football – or Europa League football – next season, unless they win the final on Wednesday night in Gdansk.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Manchester United claimed a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers away. The victory came courtesy of a Juan Mata penalty – surprise, surprise. The Red Devils’ win ended a three-match winless streak going into the Europa League Final on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils go into the Europa League Final having played 60 matches in all competitions this season. They have qualified for the Champions League for next season thanks to a second-place finish in the Premier League.
How the match could go
It may make for an interesting final. These are two sides that like to use the ball. Villarreal and United are in the top 10 sides for pass completion at 85.3% and 85.8% respectively. The difference is how they score their goals. United have found the net from five counterattacks this season. No team has scored more. Meanwhile, a third of Villarreal’s goals have been from set-pieces or penalties. It simply points to the fact that United will likely dominate all the possession but it would eventually fall down to how well they can convert their chances.
Tip: Manchester United to win the Europa League
Manchester United go into the Europa League Final as heavy favourites according to leading sportsbooks. Much of the media will have also likely crowned them Europa League winners as well before kickoff on Wednesday night. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team have a lot of talent on the pitch, but Villarreal cannot be counted out. They are an excellent defensive team, although recent La Liga results don’t exactly show this. By the looks of things, expect Manchester United to have the upper hand. Count on them to deliver a continental title for their fans this Wednesday. The further motivation of ending the season on a title-winning note should see the English side edge their opponents. Bet365 have 1.85 odds, Bet9ja have 1.90 and 1xbet have 1.92.
Over 2.5 goals
History is actually against us for this tip but there’s always a first time. Four of the last meetings between both sides have ended in goalless draws but we believe it could be different this time around. Well, here’s why we think so. Five of Manchester United’s last six games in all competitions ended with over 2.5 goals scored. In the Europa League semifinal against Roma, the Red Devils conceded five goals. They tallied nine, but they allowed goals to a strong attacking Roma side. Villarreal cannot be taken lightly. The Yellow Submarine is a good side at both ends under Emery despite their seventh-place finish in La Liga. Villarreal put their eggs in the Europa League basket weeks ago. Three of Villarreal’s last four games in La Liga also finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Bet9ja and Bet365 have 2.00 odds while 1xbet have 2.15.
Both teams to score: Yes
Furthermore, Emery’s exciting crop have found the back of the net in 13 of their 14 Europa League games so far this term – with the goalless draw at the Emirates being the only exception. They are also unbeaten in the competition so far this term. In the same vein, United have scored in all but one of their eight Europa League encounters this term. The Red Devils have also conceded at least one goal in each of their last five outings and that plays well for this selection. Bet9ja have 1.81, Bet365 have 1.90 and 1xbet have 2.00.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Villarreal)
Gerard Moreno
Emery’s exciting crop have found the back of the net in 13 of their 14 Europa League games so far this term – with the goalless draw at the Emirates being the only exception – and Gerard Moreno has been at the heart of it all with six goals and four assists en route to Gdansk. The 29-year-old has been Villarreal’s most prolific player by far this term and he is the likely name to score for the Yellow Submarine if they would get on the score-sheet. Bet635 have 3.25 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 3.65.
Paco Alcacer
Despite Carlos Bacca’s recent spate of goals, a well-rested Paco Alcacer may be given the nod for the final. Not to forget that the Spaniard’s six goals scored in the Europa League this term makes him the joint top-scorer for Villarreal alongside Moreno in this competition. He also has proper experience to go with and Unai Emery could go with his compatriot for extra firepower upfront. Bet365 also have 3.25 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have it better at 4.25.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Manchester United)
Edinson Cavani
The in-form Uruguay forward has scored nine goals in his last 10 appearances for United – including a couple of braces against Roma at the semi-final stage and he is a tempting play at the aforementioned price to grab a goal in the Gdansk showpiece. At the age of 34, there appears no sign of his ability or passion diminishing, but one thing missing from his remarkable CV is a major European club trophy. Bet365 have 2.62 odds while Bet9ja have 2.75.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes could be the difference on Wednesday night between the teams. Fernandes has 28 goals with 17 assists in 57 matches in all competitions. He has been brilliant in the Europa League knockout stage. Fernandes has five goals and four assists in eight Europa League knockout stage matches. Bet365 also have 2.62 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 2.85.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
