Who will win Europa League?

THIS season’s Europa League is one of the most exciting yet as it features a number of giant teams who are in a rebuilding phase and looking to re-establish themselves as major forces in European football.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will not be winning Europe’s second-tier club competition after they crashed out following a penalty shootout defeat to Sporting Lisbon.

We look at the candidates to win the competition this season:

Sevilla

With relegation from La Liga being a possibility this season, winning the Europa League will probably not be on top of the priority list of Jorge Sampaoli’s side right now.

However, having won the tournament a record six times, Sevilla have to always be in the conversation about winning it again.

Roma

Roma coach Jose Mourinho claimed the first European trophy of his famous career 20 years ago when he led FC Porto to the Uefa Cup which was the previous incarnation of the Europa League. After unsuccessful spells in charge of the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the self-proclaimed “special one” is in the process of rebuilding his managerial career and re-establishing himself as an elite manager.

He led Roma to the first ever Europa Conference League last season and they will look very strong if he can follow that up by leading the Italian side to Europa League glory this season.

Juventus

Winning the Europa League this season can help Juve salvage some pride from what has been a frustrating season for them. The Old Lady were handed a 15-point deduction in January, and as things stand they are 10 points adrift of the top four in Italy. Thus, winning the Europa League this season probably presents them with their best opportunity of returning to the Champions League next season.

Massimiliano Allegri has attracted scepticism over whether he is the right man to rebuild the Old Lady into a major force in world football but winning the Europa League can silence some of the doubters.

Manchester United

Bar the recent 7-0 loss to Liverpool, this season has actually been a solid one for United. They look like they have re-established themselves as a side that can finish firmly in the top four while also challenging for all the trophies that they compete in.

United coach Erik ten Hag looks to have won the trust of the club’s fan base and if he wins the Europa League, he can further prove that his blueprint has them on the right path.