Ranking the top five favourites to win UEFA Europa League 2022-23

A few big names have dropped into the competition from the Champions League.

The Europa League is the second most popular and prestigious European club tournament. The group stage of the competition is still going on, but we can draw certain conclusions already. However, keeping in mind that eight teams will be arriving at this tournament from the Champions League, it’s time to take a closer look at the top five contenders.

5. Ajax

After Erik ten hag's departure from ajax and losing some key players from the starting 11 from the last season, Ajax had a disappointing campaign in the champions league and they lost 6-1, 4-1 to Napoli. Even though they will be a strong contender to win the Europa League as they still have a lot of quality in their squad and can challenge some big clubs in the Europa league to win the tournament,

4. Manchester United

Manchester United is another key contender to win this competition. If they do, it will be their second Europa League title, having won the first after beating Ajax 2-0 in the final of the 2016-17 season under José Mourinho. The Red Devils have won four and lost one match in the Europa League so far and are currently placed 2nd in their group with 12 points, just behind Real Sociedad. If they win with a 2+ goal margin against Real Sociedad in the final group fixture, they will qualify for the knockouts straightaway.

3. Real Sociedad

Sitting at the top of the table with 15 points and unbeaten in the Europa League (so far) is Real Sociedad. They are in 4th place in LaLiga. While they can surprise any unwary club, the Basque side has demonstrated a tendency to collapse in recent seasons, as seen in their previous two league seasons. Still, we can count on them as they are capable of winning the title.

2. FC Barcelona

After a disappointing campaign in the Champions League in five matches, they were only able to register a win and a draw, facing three defeats. The Catalans will look to bounce back in the Europa League as they had an amazing transfer market in the summer and they have one of the best squads in the Europa League. They are currently placed 2nd in the LaLiga, just behind their arch-rivals Real Madrid.

1. Arsenal

Out of all the clubs starting in the Europa League from the group stage, Arsenal appears to be the most serious candidate to take the cup. The team, led by Mikel Arteta, has evolved year after year, and while they would have preferred to be in the Champions League after losing that ticket in the last few rounds of last season’s Premier League, they will look at this tournament as their best chance to lift their first European trophy. Their solid start in the English league indicates that they have a good chance of doing so.