Tottenham vs Manchester United predictions: Winning experience can edge it for Red Devils
Tottenham and Manchester United have endured torrid domestic seasons, but the two struggling sides have the chance to salvage their campaigns when they meet in Bilbao for the Europa League final on Wednesday.
For Ange Postecoglou, this could be his final match in charge of Tottenham, no matter the outcome, while a trophy lift for Ruben Amorim may help to extend his lifespan at Old Trafford.
Team news
Tottenham’s injury list remains extensive, with Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Dane Scarlett ruled out through injury, while Antonin Kinsky, Timo Werner, Fraser Forster, and Sergio Reguilon are all ineligible, and Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr are doubts.
Lisandro Martinez is the only confirmed absentee for Manchester United, but Ruben Amorim has a host of doubts, with Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, and Jonny Evans all hoping to pass fitness tests and be involved on Wednesday.
The stats
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is the joint-top scorer in the Europa League this season.
Tottenham have lost on their last four cup final appearances, while United have won seven of their last 10 finals.
The Red Devils have scored 35 goals in 14 Europa League games this season.
Prediction
Tottenham have not lifted a major trophy since their 2007/08 League Cup triumph and the lack of winning experience in their ranks could play a defining role when they face Manchester United on Wednesday.
Neither of these sides head to Bilbao with the wind in their sails, but the Red Devils can look back on their navigation of a difficult run to the San Mames and perhaps draw a shred of confidence from it.
They have beaten Athletic Bilbao, Lyon and Real Sociedad in the last three rounds, while Tottenham’s only comparable opponent saw them scrape past Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.
Ruben Amorim, who led Sporting CP to the Portuguese Primeira Liga title last season, has plenty of players with big-game experience to call upon.
Andre Onana was part of the Ajax team that lost the 2017 Europa League final against Manchester United, while Casemiro is one of the most decorated players in European football and the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui have enjoyed success with PSG and Bayern Munich in recent years.
Of course, the Red Devils also lifted the FA Cup last season, and with form not on the side of either of these teams, that composure under the bright lights could prove key.
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