Who are the favourites to win the Europa League? | OneFootball

For years, the Europa League has often been overlooked in favour of its more illustrious Champions League sibling.

However, in recent times the tournament has become a genuine joy to watch on a Thursday night. And, with victory in the tournament securing a spot at the most elite dining table in European football, the stakes have never been higher.

This season, there have been some epic encounters. Galatasaray have been involved in goal-laden thrillers with IF Elfsborg, Spurs and Dynamo Kyiv, while Porto and Manchester United shared six goals in a dramatic draw at the Estádio do Dragão. Elsewhere, Latvian minnows RFS picked up a shocking 1-0 victory against heavyweights Ajax.

But as the knockout stages prepare to get underway, who do the bookies make the favourites to lift the trophy in Bilbao in May? Let’s take a look.

Who are the favourites to win the Europa League?

Manchester United

Despite their shaky form under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United remain unbeaten in the Europa League. After drawing their opening three games, the Red Devils reeled off five straight wins to book their place in the last 16.

The latest online sports betting odds currently make Amorim’s outfit the narrow 9/2 favourites to lift the trophy, but it would be hard to trust the Premier League side knowing just how inconsistent they have been this term.

Admittedly, they have beaten both Manchester City and Arsenal on the domestic stage in recent weeks. However, for every victory, there are crushing losses such defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. So far, they have managed to come through their Europa League obligations relatively unscathed, but whether that leads them to Bilbao remains to be seen.

Tottenham Hotspur

If Manchester United have struggled domestically, then Tottenham Hotspur have had a downright disaster. A dreadful dip in form has dragged Ange Postocoglu’s side towards the relegation dogfight, and they are currently just 10 points off the drop zone.

On the European stage, however, the North London side has found some solace. Despite missing a whopping 11 players through injury, Spurs finished fourth in the league phase. That has prompted the bookies to install them as a 5/1 contender for the title.

As injured options near returns, can Ange end the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy this season?

Athletic Bilbao

With their stunning San Mames Stadium hosting the Europa League final on May 21st, no team will be more motivated to win the competition than Athletic Bilbao. And unlike their English counterparts, they are actually in the midst of an impressive season.

With Spain’s Euro 2024 talisman Nico Williams firing on all cylinders, the Basque outfit are currently fourth in La Liga and are on the hunt for a return to the Champions League for the first time in a decade and just the second time since the turn of the millennium. Only Atletico Madrid have lost fewer games in Spain’s top flight.

Should The Lions fail to qualify for the tournament via league finish, then the Europa League will provide them with a second chance. And honestly, lifting the trophy in front of their adoring public is surely their preferred route.

Bilbao finished second in the league phase with leaders Lazio above them only on goal difference. They will be aiming to go much further than that, and the bookies make them a 7/1 contender for glory.

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