Decision Changes Europa Final Picture For Man Utd, Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur now look set to be on a level playing field compared to Manchester United ahead of a potential Europa League final.

Spurs and United are overwhelming favourites to both reach the Europa League final from their current positions in their respective semi-final ties.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have a 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt as they travel to Norway for the second leg on Thursday night. Man United have a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club as they host the Spanish outfit in midweek in their semi-final second leg.

If both Spurs and United reach the Europa League final they would then meet in the showpiece fixture in Bilbao on Wednesday, May 21.

But now neither Spurs nor United have an advantage or disadvantage going into the potential final matchup later this month.

It has been confirmed by the Premier League that Tottenham’s clash against Aston Villa is set to be moved from Sunday, May 18 to Friday, May 16 with a 7.30pm kick-off at Villa Park.

This means that Spurs’ clash would kick off on the same day as Man United travel to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which also takes place on May 16.

Previously, Man United would have had 48 more hours than Tottenham to prepare for the Europa League final, which would be the subsequent fixture for both clubs.

Thanks to the rescheduling by the Premier League, Spurs will have the same amount of time to prepare for the Europa League final against United, provided both clubs get past their respective opponents in the semi-final.

Postecoglou is expected to be without several key players for the semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt.

James Maddison missed the draw with West Ham with a knee injury, but Dominic Solanke could return after not featuring in the trip to the London Stadium. Son Heung-Min, Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin also missed the stalemate with the Hammers due to injury.

football.london