Europa League Preview: Ajax v Man Utd, Team News, Line-Ups, Betting & Prediction

Manchester United will look to win the Europa League and book their place in the Champions League next season when they take on Ajax in Stockholm this evening. 

United finished a disappointing Premier League season in sixth position so their hopes of playing in Europe’s elite competition next season rest solely on tonight’s game as the winners will secure a place in the group stages of the Champions League.

The match has been overshadowed by the horrific scenes in Manchester on Monday night and security will be tight at the stadium this evening after UEFA confirmed the game will still go-ahead.

United are bidding to win the Europa League for the first time in the clubs history but they will face a tough task as Ajax are a talented young side who will be well-rested having not plated since May 14th.

The Dutch giants finished the Eredivisie campaign with a 3-1 win at Willem II and they fielded a team filled with youth players so the first team regulars will be fresh tonight.

Team News

Jose Mourinho will be hoping his key men are also in good shape after fielding a weakened side for Sunday’s final Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

Sergio Romero is set to return in goal having played in all the previous rounds of the competition while Antonio Valencia, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are pushing for recalls in defence.

Paul Pogba got 45 minutes under his belt on Sunday after missing the previous two matches following the death of his father and the French international should start this evening in midfield.

Marouane Fellaini trained yesterday after recovering from a minor hamstring problem while Chris Smalling should also be in contention despite carrying a toe injury.

Eric Bailly is suspended following his sending off against Celta Vigo in the semi finals while Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young remain out through injury.

Ajax will be without the suspended Nick Viergever while Daley Sinkgraven is still unavailable despite returning to training this week following a knee injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Ajax 1-2 Man Utd: It’s going to be a fascinating battle between Mourinho’s big-game experience and the innocent youth of the Ajax side. The Dutch outfit are packed with quality but this is going to be a huge test for the youngsters and I think United have the advantage. Mourinho is a winner and he knows how to grind out results when needed, so I’m backing the Red Devils to edge it 2-1 and bring home the trophy.

Betting Tips

United are best priced at 5/6 to win this game with the bookmakers but we can get new customers enhanced odds of 20/1 on the Reds – just click here or below to take advantage of these crazy odds [winnings as free bet, T&C’s apply].

Here are some other bets I like the look of for this match:

• Both teams to score at: EVS – a £10 bet would return £20
• Exact score of 2-1 United win at: 8/1 – a £10 bet would return £90
• Rashford to score first in a 2-1 United win at: 22/1 – a £10 bet would return £230