2016-17 UEFA Europa League Final Betting Tips
Stockholm is in the midst of Europa League frenzy as Wednesday night awaits the final clash between Ajax and Manchester United. With the English giants pinning their entire season on this match, it promises to be a fascinating encounter.
All eggs in Europa basket!
Jose Mourinho has prioritized Europa League over finishing fourth in the Premier League. Having finished sixth in the just finished season, the Red Devils have pinned their entire hopes on this single game. It is more than silverware on offer for the Old Trafford side as the winners qualify for Champions League next season.
Having already won the EFL Cup, Mourinho knows that another trophy will increase his stature within the club management. A loss though would annul any gains made over the season – however little they were. Quite a predicament for the self-anointed ‘Chosen One’! There is the financial angle to the game with a rough estimate pegging it to be worth 70 million pounds for Manchester United.
Mourinho will not have the services of suspended defender Eric Bailly while long-term absentees Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo will not be involved.
Youthful exuberance of Ajax
The Dutch giants have ended the Dutch Eredivisie season in second spot. This means that they have already pocketed a spot in the Champions League play-offs. However, with a group stage spot on offer for the winners, Peter Bosz’s side would like to bring back their glory days.
After years of trophy drought and hurt, Ajax is back to playing ‘total football’. There is a belief in the club that the work done by Bosz and the club legends like Edwin van der Sar, Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp is finally bearing fruit.
This youthful side has already wowed neutrals with their play and should once again be the talking point. They will miss the services of suspended Nick Viergever in defence but otherwise there are no injury concerns.
History
This is one trophy that is missing from United’s cabinet and as they would like to portray ‘the missing piece’ in their trophy puzzle. The three-time Champions League winner has last won in Europe in 2007-08 season.
Ajax’s last UEFA Cup win was in 1992 while the last of their four Champions League victories came in 1995. The priority is on putting Ajax back on the European map and this season they have achieved that!
Picks
In another era, this would have been a Champions League final but both these European giants have a lot of catching to do. With the Champions League riches on offer, both sides would want to end victorious. Manchester United at odds of $1.91 (bet365) are everyone’s favorite. Do not count Ajax out who may end up victorious – odds at $4.75 (bet365).
TIP: Manchester United to win – $1.91 at bet365
Watch out for the teen sensation Kasper Dolberg who often draws comparisons with Zlatan. At odds of 3.3 (Ladbrokes), he is a good value to score anytime.
TIP: Dolberg to score anytime – $3.30 at Ladbrokes
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NOTE: TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
