Top five favourites to win UEFA Europa League 2024-25

Few of the Premier League giants are also part of the competition.

The European second-tier club football tournament, UEFA Europa League, is underway with match day 1 fixtures being played out as of now. The 2024-25 season is witnessing the 54th season of the tournament. But, this season is special. For the first time, a 36-team league phase format has been introduced to replace the 32-team group stage format followed for decades.

This new format gifts more matches, ensuring more thrill and fun. This format will also ensure the survival of the fittest. Only the team that plays the most consistent football, after staying fit will be able to reach the knockout rounds. After that, the same usual format is applicable such as the previous seasons. The final is on May 21, 2025, in Bilbao, Spain.

On that note, let’s have a look at the best five teams who have the potential to win this season’s trophy:

Five favourites to win Europa League 2024-25:

5. FC Porto

Remember the moment when FC Porto, a small-budget club from Portugal surprised the world by beating all the stalwarts of European club football to clinch the UEFA Champions League in 2003-2004? They can achieve another European glory this time. The side has clinched the Champions League and Europa League twice each in their history, and now they have a chance to make it three Europa Leagues.

Coached by young Vitor Bruno, the side is looking challenging in the domestic league, with a young squad full of potential, aging just over 25 on average. The side also hails some popular names like goalie Diogo Costa, Nico Gonzalez, and Alan Varela.

4. Tottenham Hotspur

It’s been ages since Tottenham Hotspur won any major trophy. The last continental trophy they clinched was the Europa League (then UEFA Cup) in 1983-84. This season can finally be their chance after decades. 

Tottenham Hotspur, being managed by Ange Postecoglou and captained by none other than Son Heung-min are undoubtedly one of the most highly-rated sides, which every participating club will reckon with. The side has also been drawn to easy opponents in the league phase. If they overcome their habit of choking in tough moments, a trophy can be assured.

3. AFC Ajax

Dutch giants Ajax are always a side filled with the best young talents. This time too, the 24.3 average aged side can shock the heavyweights. They have many talented, pacy youngsters to turn their side as the dark horses of the tournament.

Coached by the 35-year-old Francesco Farioli, the club will expect some fresh tactics to be imposed, which can further make their young side more equipped. Ajax do have some tough opponents in their league phase like Besiktas, Real Sociedad, and Lazio, but a direct qualification to the next round should be easy too.

2. Manchester United

Probably the biggest team in the UEFA Europa League this season, Manchester United are also undoubtedly one of the favourites to clinch it. The club won the cup sometime back in 2016-17, and now they will be looking to repeat the heroic yet again.

Manchester United worked really hard in the summer transfer window. They secured most of Erik ten Hag’s big-money targets, like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui. Now, it’s time to deliver.

The side is fierce in every position and just needs to stay in good form and be consistent to add this silverware. The Red Devils not being the winners will be a big disappointment.

1. Athletic Club Bilbao

Bilbao are one of the most lethal sides to face in LaLiga this season. The club are playing consistently good football under the guidance of genius tactician Ernesto Valverde. They have long been under the shadow of giants like Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Sevilla FC.

But, in this tournament, none of the stalwarts are playing, so they have a clear ground here. Of course, clubs with higher value like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are playing, but they are not in good form.

Athletic Club Bilbao under a strong coach and in-form stars like Nico Williams and Inaki Williams are excelling in the league. They will look to replicate their performance here and clinch their first-ever European honour.

They might have a low market value, compared to some clubs in the tournament, but their gameplay, determination, and consistency, aligned with their passion make them the favourites to emerge champions of the UEFA Europa League 2024-25.

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