Manchester United and Tottenham come together in Bilbao on Wednesday evening in the Europa League final with both Rubem Amorim and Ange Postecoglou facing tricky decisions
Manchester United and Tottenham’s seasons boil down to just one game on Wednesday evening. The two Premier League rivals come face-to-face in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The winner will of course claim the much-desired silverware but also a crucial spot back in the Champions League. And given the rotten seasons that each have endured in the Premier League – United and Spurs sitting 16th and 17th respectively – that is even more important.
It would make the teams that both Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou pick to take to the pitch at San Mames even more crucial. So with a number of tricky decisions ahead of them, Mirror Football has attempted to predict what each of the managers will do:
Tottenham
Starting with Spurs, Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario looks sure to start in goal, while Pedro Porro is surely going to be the starting right-back given he was part of the North London side’s pre-match press conference.
After starting Ben Davies and Kevin Danso in the recent defeat to Aston Villa, both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven also look likely to return this weekend. Destiny Udogie has faced competition from Djed Spence this season but the former appears to have done enough to secure a starting spot.
Moving into midfield, Postecoglou has seen his options limited by injury. Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison will not play a part.
That should see a partnership of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield. Pape Matar Sarr was also a slight doubt but Postecoglou has confirmed that he is ready to return.
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Spurs’ attack also looks set to be dictated by injuries. Dejan Kulusevski and Timo Werner are both ruled out which means Spurs’ Europa League hero so far Brennan Johnson should start.
Dominic Solanke should regain his starting position from loanee Mathys Tel. Meanwhile, captain Son Heung-min will surely start.
Spurs predicted XI: (4-2-3-1) Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Bentancur, Son; Solanke
Man Utd
When it comes to the United team, Amorim also sees his options limited by injury. Andre Onana is one of those who is fit and being United’s number one option, is sure to start between the sticks.
Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are both missing so Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire should also be named on the teamsheet. Noussair Mazraoui should potentially round off the back three.
Moving to wing-back, Diogo Dalot should start ahead of Luke Shaw, with Patrick Dorgu stationed the other side. There’s then a tricky decision to make over midfield.
Mason Mount has shown some excellent form over recent weeks so could be considered but Casemiro’s experience might see him move to the front of the queue. He will likely partner Manuel Ugarte – the former PSG star having emerged as a key player over recent months.
Looking at attack, Bruno Fernandes will likely be the first name on the teamsheet after his starring performances this term. There is then a decision over who will support him.
Joshua Zirkzee has recovered even quicker than expected so could be an option but Amad should really be stationed behind their solitary number nine. Despite a tricky season, Rasmus Hojlund will surely be that man.
Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund
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