Last season, both Newcastle and Manchester United were battling it out for a spot in the top four and the lucrative Champions League qualification it brings with it. Both teams were successful, with the Red Devils finishing third and the Magpies fourth, but this season has been somewhat more disappointing. Rather than going toe-to-toe for a spot at the most elite dining table in European club football, the pair are instead looking to secure the second Europa League spot, with the other almost certainly set to be claimed by either Spurs or Aston Villa.
Europa League: A Consolation Prize?
Admittedly, next to its much more attractive UCL counterpart, a spot in Europe’s second-tier tournament can appear somewhat of a consolation prize. However, in recent years, the competition has garnered much more respect and several elite clubs have featured in it. Last season, the Red Devils clashed with Barcelona in the knockout round playoffs, a repeat of both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
This season, Premier League contenders Liverpool and newly minted Champions of Germany Bayer Leverkusen both feature. Following the Reds’ shock 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace coupled with Arsenal’s stunning 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, Premier League online betting sites now make reigning champions Manchester City the odds on 2/5 favourites for the title this season.
As such, Jurgen Klopp knows that the Europa League represents his best chance at a second piece of silverware this term. A shock 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarterfinal against Atalanta has prompted websites that allow one to bet on football games to push the Reds all the way out to 12/1 to lift the trophy this term. The Maverick German boss will be doing his utmost to ensure that his side completes yet another miraculous turnaround. Should they manage to do exactly that, then that will only add more prestige to the competition, making it anything but a consolation prize.
Plus, the Magpies would have snapped your hand off for a spot in the top six back in September. Back then, three defeats in their first four games left them way down in 14th in the league table, leaving their heroics of the previous campaign a distant memory. Now, if they can go on to secure European football next term, they will be content with the turnaround and have a genuine opportunity to lift European silverware next season.
So, Who Will Come Out on Top?
Well, at present it looks like the tide has shifted in favour of the Geordies. Eddie Howe’s men have won three of their last four games including a 4-0 drubbing of Champions League contenders Tottenham in their most recent fixture at St. James’ Park. Add to that the fact that they don’t have to face any of the top three while their counterparts must face off with Arsenal, and it’s clear to see why the bookies have made them the favourites.
However, the Red Devils will welcome Bruno Guimarães and Co. to Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season in a clash that could decide who gets that sixth and final qualifying spot. But should Erik Ten Hag’s side lose that, then they will have a second bite at the cherry in the FA Cup. They will face off against Coventry City in the semifinals at Wembley and if they go all the way and lift the trophy then it will be them who qualifies for the Europa League, regardless of who finishes sixth.
