Europa League Odds: Who Will Win the Europa League?

Which Teams Are Still in the Europa League?

There are four teams remaining in the Europa League. This year’s list isn’t as illustrious as some previous years, which have often featured teams relegated from the Champions League given a second chance. However, each team has earned its place - here are the contenders.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa currently sit 5th in the English Premier League, and are likely to already have secured Champions League football for next season. On paper, Villa are a strong choice to become Europa League champions, but first they will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s success in the Europa League this season comes in contrast to their domestic fortunes. They sit near the bottom of the Premier League, although their win over Chelsea on Monday night puts them much closer to safety from relegation.

Forest have come through an impressive quarter-final victory over Porto to be where they are now, and with their survival in the EPL being almost assured, they will feel more able to focus on this grand prize.

Freiburg

Freiburg are 7th in the Bundesliga, 14 points away from the qualifying spots even for the Europa Conference League. This means that next season, either Freiburg will not play in Europe at all, or will play in the lofty heights of the Champions League.

With little else to play for in the Bundesliga, Freiburg will be absolutely focused on the Europa League trophy at this point. They have had a relatively clean path to the semi-finals, but will need to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sporting Braga to make it to the final.

Sporting Braga

Like Freiburg, Sporting Braga have little to compete for in their domestic league at this stage. With two games to play, they are all but fully secure in the Primeira Liga’s qualifying spot for the Europa Conference League, with Sporting CP far ahead of them. They are also 5 points clear of their nearest competitors. This means they will still have one eye on securing their league position but are likely to prioritise the Europa League at this stage.

Europa League Semi-Finals

The match-ups in the semi-finals are interesting. Freiburg and Braga are in a similar position with little to play for domestically. Meanwhile, the all-English semi-final features teams at opposite ends of their domestic table and relatively safe positions.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

There is an argument that it would be better for Nottingham Forest to not win the Europa League. They are unlikely to be competitive in the Champions League, and with next season being another potential relegation struggle, the additional games may just present an opportunity for increased squad tiredness and injury.

However, it’s unlikely the club is thinking that way. Winning a major European trophy is always worth it, and with a 1-0 advantage going into the away leg, they will try to capitalise on Villa’s relatively poor recent form and take it to the finals.

Aston Villa, having almost qualified for the Champions League already, will aim to establish themselves as deserving participants in the highest echelon of European football. A Europa League win would back up a solid Premier League position for Unai Emery’s team and deliver some high-quality silverware to their trophy cabinet. Expect a bitter fight at Villa Park.

Freiburg vs Sporting Braga

On paper, Sporting Braga are in a stronger position. They are the bookies’ favourites to win the tie overall and carry a 2-1 advantage into the away leg. However, Freiburg will fancy their chances of at least taking the game to extra time at their home stadium, and the teams are fairly level in terms of ability. This one is anyone’s game and should be a very exciting tie.

Who Is the Bookies’ Favourite to Win?

Bookies have the English teams almost level as favourites to win, with some giving the edge to Villa, and some favouring Forest after they earned a home-leg advantage. Whichever team progresses from that semi-final is likely to be the favourite to win the tournament.

Verdict on the Europa League Winner

Despite being behind in the tie, Aston Villa must surely be the favourites to win the Europa League. Their squad boasts the most talent, and their domestic achievements this season are the most impressive. However, all four teams have good reason to fancy their chances. It’s going to be a thrilling finish.