UEFA have tried their best to improve the reputation of Europa League, European club football’s secondary competition. Rival English fans used to taunt one another with chants of “Thursday night, Chanel Five” but the Europa League is gradually improving.
Yes, it is an incredibly long tournament – especially for clubs who have to qualify – and there is a great deal of travelling involved which has an adverse effect on league form and, perhaps worst of all, clubs who finish third in the Champions League groups get parachuted into the competition after the group stage, but the quality of the clubs involved and the prize of a Champions League spot means the Europa League is increasingly well regarded.
A quick look at the top of the betting market shows how good this year’s competition could be. Dortmund are the 9/1 favourites with Bet365, Tottenham and Liverpool are both rated as 16/1 shots with BetVictor. The likes of Napoli, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao and Schalke are all in within a shot according to the bookies.
Europa League Contenders
- Borussia Dortmund – The Jurgen Klopp era at Dortmund could have ended on a sour note given the team’s poor start to the season but they managed to finish seventh and book a place in the Europa League. Dortmund retain some very good players and if Thomas Tuchel can rejuvenate them their Champions League experience will stand them in good stead for the demanding campaign ahead.
- Liverpool – Some bookies have gone as short as 11/1 that Liverpool win in Europe once again but the best price available is Betfred’s 16/1. There are big questions over Brendan Rodgers still, but if he can get the team looking more like the 2013/14 Liverpool and less like the side that flattered to deceive last season, they have the talent and the experience to go further than last term when they were knocked out in the round of 32.
- Tottenham – Spurs also exited at the round of 32 last time around so know exactly the demands of this competition. Mauricio Pochettino will have his focus on the Premier League where they want to push on into the top four but they have a big squad, and a good youth setup which will help them get through the arduous group stage. At 16/1 with Ladbrokes they have a chance but they look a touch short.
- Villarreal – The Yellow Submarine fell at the round of 16 last season to eventual winners Sevilla. They went on a great run of form in La Liga last season which saw them finish sixth so they could have another crack in Europe. Marcelino is an impressive manager and the exciting squad he has at his disposal means they could be a great outside bet at 20/1 with BetVictor.
Sevilla have shown that if taking the Europa League seriously can end with success then it is well worth it. If Dortmund take a similar approach to the competition there is no reason why they can’t go all the way. Their fans will stick with them and they have enough quality to deal with the Champions League teams who enter later on. Back them to win at 9/1 with BetVictor, although the success of Spanish sides means that Villarreal could also be in with a real shout.