Bale: Tottenham “Deserve” Europa League Title

Gareth Bale and Rio Ferdinand will answer questions from fans in a TNT Sports Q&A ahead of the UEFA Europa League final. Former Spurs star Bale is backing his former club for glory in Bilbao, while Ferdinand expects the trophy to be taken back to Old Trafford as both clubs look to finish a disappointing season with unexpected success.

Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale is backing his former club to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy in Bilbao, saying they “deserve” to pick up their first piece of silverware in almost two decades.

Ange Postecoglou’s side take on Manchester United in the final at Estadio de San Mames, and you can watch the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Ahead of Wednesday’s final, Bale and regular TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand will be answering your questions on our live matchday blog from 17:00 UK time, so make sure you join us for that. The pair will then be part of the live coverage from 18:00.

Will the UEFA Europa League final have VAR, extra time and penalties?

It has been a difficult season domestically for both Tottenham and United, with the clubs occupying the two places above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Although their top-flight status is guaranteed with one game of the season remaining, it has been a far from satisfactory campaign, and victory in Europe can provide a glimmer of success in what has been a gloomy period at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Old Trafford.

Asked who is more desperate for Europa League glory, Bale said: “I think Tottenham will definitely benefit more. It’s been a long period of time since we won. And yeah, I think we deserve it.”

Asked for his prediction, he added: “Tottenham will win the Europa League final. I think it’ll be a tight game, but I think 2-1 Tottenham.”

Ferdinand was not quite as confident in his response to the question, knowing the result will have major consequences for both clubs.

“I don’t think you can split who will benefit more. I think they’ve got different reasons for wanting to win.

“Obviously, Spurs haven’t won a trophy for many years, and for every fan that gets into an argument, their inability to win trophies is one of the first jabs that they get. So that’ll be a great monkey off their back.

“But for Man Utd, obviously the Champions League, the recruitment of players and what it could do for morale as well… after a terrible, shocking season, in terms of Premier League form, it could be a massive, massive boost.”

Asked for an outright prediction, Ferdinand said: “Man United will win 3-1. Bruno Fernandes will play a part in a couple of goals. Casimiro will be my bet for the first goal.”

Tntsports.co.uk