Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United: Europa League Final Tips

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have had dismal seasons. However, both have a chance to achieve salvation in the Europa League final. For one, it is a chance of redemption, though the other will be left with regret.

Ben's Bets for Tottenham vs. Manchester United

At the time of writing this, the lineups were not available to us, so I have tried to make some assumptions about the lineup, whilst only tipping players I think will start. It is worth stating here that I would not advise placing any bets until the lineups are out for both teams.

This game is really difficult to call, so my picks cover a few bases, though all can still and (hopefully) will come in. We are unsure how both will attack the game, which is why I've tried to avoid game-setting dependent things, like corners.

So, feel free to use my tips, or stray slightly with them when making your own selections. But let's dive into my reasoning.

Both Teams to Be Carded 2+ Times

Fixtures between these two have regularly been quite heated, and considering what is on the line here, I can see there being a few over-excited players who might throw in a questionable challenge or two.

Additionally, seeing a few tactical fouls and cards being taken would not be a surprise in a fixture of this magnitude.

Furthermore, this selection has landed in two of the last four games between the two clubs, and I cannot see past it happening again here - if you don't believe this will be the case, you can get Evens on Bet365 for the reverse.

Bruno Fernandes to Score or Assist

No one has carried a club on his back in the past few years like Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United. When things are bad, the Portuguese is normally the one to provide, and I can see this being the case here.

As the captain, he will be at the heart of the Red Devils' action, proven by the fact that he has the most goals and assists in this competition for either team. Talk about being pivotal to your team.

If United need inspiration at any given point, it will be him who provides it, or at least starts it, I think. So, I'm perfectly happy to take the price here of just above evens.

Tottenham Hotspur to Score First

It would not be a surprise to see this happen, considering Tottenham have actually been ahead first in four of the last five games. However, I am well aware that a final could cause a slightly more calm approach to things.

In the Premier League, the stakes are high, of course. However, with the money, reputation, and above all, a trophy on the line, the stakes are massively raised. The stats point favourably, with Spurs scoring in 64% of their Europa League first halves, and I am quite confident here.

Bruno Fernandes and Dom Solanke to Have 1+ Shot on Target Each

I like this pick for two reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, 2/1 on the two biggest threats for both teams to have a shot on target feels like a steal.

Bruno has had the most shots on target in this fixture, with 14 in 13 games, which is already quite a nice start. However, Solanke has had nine in 12, though his average per 90 is actually higher at 1.16.

Then, the price is superboosted by Midnite - a very good bookie to join - so there is value in signing up for the bookmaker here and using this selection, perhaps.

Manuel Ugarte to Be Carded

My final choice here is for Manuel Ugarte to be booked, which offers us some nice value at the 2/1 mark.

The Uruguayan midfielder was booked in the first meeting of these two sides in the Premier League, whilst making two fouls in the other game, just avoiding a card. So, he should certainly be involved here again.

It would not surprise me if either of the sides' holding midfielders were carded, if not both, so I'm pretty content to get on board.