This Wednesday, Manchester United (-118) will take on Villarreal (+350) in the UEFA Europa League Finals for a chance at European glory and an automatic bid into next year’s Champions League. This year’s UEL Finals will take place at the Gdansk Stadium in Poland.
Manchester United, who have been the favorites to win this tournament since the group stage, have undoubtedly battled through a more difficult path to reach this final. United beat Real Sociedad, Granada, Milan, and then Roma in the semifinals. By contrast, Villarreal defeated Salzburg, Dynamo Kyiv, Dinamo Zagreb, and then a struggling Arsenal in the semifinals. It can be considered a lucky break for Villarreal, who are competing in their first Europa League and first ever European final. European power, Manchester United last won the UEL in 2017.
Historical data is of little use in deciding the winner in this match. The two sides have met just four times in their storied histories with all four matches ending in a draw. Instead, we look closer at how the two sides performed this season. Solskjaer’s United have lost only five matches in 2021, with only one loss coming to a club outside of England. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Villarreal have struggled mightily this season, falling to seventh in their domestic league table. Since they have missed out on a UCL or UEL spot through league play, Villareal will need to win this match to gain a UCL birth. If they fail, Villarreal will find themselves in the newly formed Europa Conference League.
In the end, we like the bigger club, Manchester United, to claim victory in this match and only their second Europa League title. The odds are not so bad, but there are plenty more interesting ways to bet this one. Of course, we can’t be giving that all away here. For all of our plays in this match, make sure to check out our Premium Picks post!