Former Arsenal star and football pundit Paul Merson has weighed in on the favorites to win this season’s UEFA Europa League, identifying four standout teams while casting doubt on Manchester United’s ability to progress past Real Sociedad in the round of 16.
The knockout stage of the Europa League resumes tonight (Thursday), with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United among the English teams set to begin their last-16 ties. Spurs, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, will face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, while Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United square off against Spanish outfit Real Sociedad.
Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed his belief that Tottenham have a strong chance of going all the way in the competition and ending their 17-year wait for silverware. However, the former England international also pointed to three other clubs he believes could lift the trophy—Lyon, Athletic Bilbao, and Lazio.
Tottenham’s Hopes and the Challenge of AZ Alkmaar
Merson acknowledges that Tottenham have the quality to make a deep run in the competition but warns that their immediate focus should be on getting past AZ Alkmaar, a team he sees as a real threat.
“If you look at the Europa League, Tottenham, Lyon, Athletic Bilbao, and Lazio are the four teams I’d back to win it,” Merson said. “Tottenham have a chance, but a lot depends on their squad fitness. They need to make sure they don’t get knocked out early because AZ Alkmaar are no pushovers.”
The pundit went on to praise the Dutch side’s attacking prowess, referencing their recent electric performance against Galatasaray, which saw them overwhelm the Turkish giants with their speed and intensity.
“I watched AZ Alkmaar against Galatasaray in the second leg, and they were lightning quick going forward. They could have easily won the game outright, but Galatasaray were fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw,” Merson explained. “The pitch in Alkmaar is big, and that could work in their favor. It’s a tricky tie for Spurs, but over two legs, I’d still back them to progress.”
He also suggested that winning the Europa League and securing a Champions League spot would mark one of the best seasons in Tottenham’s history.
“If Tottenham go all the way and get into the Champions League, it would be their best season ever. That’s a massive incentive for them,” he added.
Beyond Tottenham, Merson identified Athletic Bilbao as a potential dark horse, though he noted that their upcoming tie against AS Roma presents a significant hurdle.
Merson Casts Doubt on Manchester United’s Europa League Prospects
While Tottenham feature prominently in Merson’s list of contenders, he does not believe Manchester United are in the same category. In fact, he believes their upcoming tie against Real Sociedad could see them eliminated.
“I don’t think Manchester United are among the favorites at all,” Merson said bluntly. “I watched them in the FA Cup recently, and apart from Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant goal, I can’t remember them having a single clear chance. They just huff and puff without much end product. It’s extraordinary.”
He went as far as to suggest that several Fulham players would walk into Manchester United’s current lineup, a damning indictment of the club’s struggles.
“This isn’t meant as disrespect to Fulham, but honestly, half their players would get into this United team. That says a lot,” he added.
As for their chances against Real Sociedad, Merson remains unconvinced that United have the quality to get the job done.
“I don’t know if Manchester United can beat Real Sociedad on Thursday. It’s a 50/50 tie—a coin flip. I just don’t see them winning it convincingly,” he concluded.
A Wide-Open Europa League Race
With the knockout rounds now in full swing, the Europa League remains highly competitive. While Tottenham, Lyon, Bilbao, and Lazio have been identified as frontrunners by Merson, the unpredictable nature of the competition means anything can happen. Manchester United, despite their struggles, will hope to prove him wrong, while Tottenham will look to navigate a tricky tie against AZ Alkmaar to keep their European dream alive.
As the first-leg matches unfold, all eyes will be on these contenders to see who takes a significant step towards Europa League glory.
“Even though I hate Spurs to the brim, I’d say the reality”- Biggest Spurs hater Paul Merson names Tottenham as his favourites to clinch Europa League trophy this season reveals ONE thing Ange Must do right to win the Europa and keep his outstanding record of winning a trophy in his 2nd season.
