Credit: Imago

Kyrenia Shipillis

Mon 19 May 2025 11:00, UK

Tottenham supporters will be feeling the nerves as the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United fast approaches.

Since booking their spot in the Europa League final, which will take place at the Estadio de San Mamés on Wednesday (21 May), Tottenham have suffered back-to-back defeats, most recently losing 2-0 against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Friday (16 May).

Now 17th in the Premier League with only one match still to be played, Spurs will be fully focused on the Europa League.

It is already clear that Ange Postecoglou’s mind has been fixed on Wednesday’s confrontation, having rested several key players in the last two league confrontations and with his future and an opportunity for Tottenham to add to their trophy cabinet at stake, the Europa League final is set to be a historic affair.

Preview

It has been a disappointing season for Spurs in the Premier League, which could result in, even if he were to win against United, Postecoglou’s departure from the North London club.

The Lilywhites are expected to finish 17th in the league, and even if they were to win their final game of the season against Brighton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (25 May), Postecoglou’s side can only climb as high as 14th.

As a result, the Europa League final is the last opportunity for Tottenham to qualify for European football next season by booking a one-way ticket straight to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase.

While a departure is on the cards for Postecoglou, regardless, the sheer emotional aspect of the Australian leading Tottenham to the sixth European final in their history cannot be understated.

In fact, if the dream were to become reality, with Spurs supporters and the North London club forever in debt to him, despite what reports may say, few would be surprised if Postecoglou was granted permission to lead his side in Europe next season.

Team news

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison will both miss the final next week, and while supporters desperately want to see Lucas Bergvall make an appearance, he is a major doubt.

Pape Matar Sarr could also be considered a doubt after heading straight down the tunnel with a member of the medical staff at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Dane Scarlett is unavailable after recently undergoing surgery, while Radu Drăgușin remains a long-term absentee.

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot are working hard to return in time for the final in Bilbao. Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are both doubts, while Lisandro Martínez is a long-term absentee.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Amad, Fernandes, Hoijlund.

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Odobert, Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Form guide (all competitions)

Man United: WLWLL

Tottenham: WDWLL

Supercomputer prediction

According to Opta‘s supercomputer, Spurs are the favourites to win the Cup with a 37.5 per cent chance of victory.

In comparison, United have been given a 35.2 per cent chance of coming out on top. The probability of a draw is at 27.3 per cent, which could mean extra time and even penalties.