WHO will win the Europa League final

The Europa league is going to see a change in hand for the first time in four years
owing to the elimination of defending champions Sevilla who won have claimed the trophy for the past three years. Manchester United are set to lock horns with Ajax on Wednesday the 24th of May, 2017. In as much as it is going to be a battle of pride, it could define the Red Devils’ season in a bid to qualify for the Champions League- their one sure route. Both teams have won twice each in four meetings. We take a look at where the battle win be won on Wednesday.

COLUMN BY: OLANIYI DAMILOLA
damilolaolaniyi32@gmail.com

MANAGERIAL EGO

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The two clubs are two of the most decorated football clubs in the world with the two coaches ready to bring their immense talent to the fore. Mourinho has been in the game for long, despite failing to play professional football, he has made up for lost grounds by being one of the greatest coaches to have managed the game. He won the trophy while with Porto when it was still known as the UEFA Cup and at United in his first season; he has already claimed two trophies and adding the Europa League trophy to qualify for the Champions league next season colud paper up the crack of a season in which they have flattered to deceive.

On the other hand, Peter Bosz played the game at the highest level although he has not had much in terms of managerial success. Despite sealing promotion for the likes of Heracles and performing admirably at Maccabi tel Aviv, he is not really tested at the highest level. Eliminated at the group stage of the Champions league and coming second with only one point behind leaders Feyenoord in the Eredevisie, playing in the Europa League final could be said to be his greatest achievement yet. And with a young exciting side, Mourinho have a Coach who is trying to be reckoned with to fight for glory.

FIREPOWER

United have not been known for being a high scoring side this season as their tally of 23 goals in the tournament would suggest. Ajax have scored one more in 14 games. The trio of talented forwards- Danish Kasper Dolberg, Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traore and Amin Younes have scored a combined 14 goals with young Dane contributing six and four each from the others. They could line up the same way it has been for most part of the seasonin a 4-3-3 formation with the likes of 17 year-old Kluivert and Ziyech coming in handy. They have outscored the duo of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both with five each with the former all but confirmed to miss the final after suffering a knee injury that will rule him out for almost a year.

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 Ebullient Rashford is in line to replace the Swedish with Ajax’s defence line having to contend with some serious pace, he could be flagged by the likes of Mkhitaryan, Rooney, Mata and Martial. The midfield combo of Paul Pogba have contributed to their side’s goals this season too and could step up although scoring goals seem to be the team’s Hercules’ heel this season. Schone and Klaasen have also been there with the Ajax captain always the go-to man in the middle chipping in a few goals too.

DEFENCE

Mourinho will no doubt field a depleted defence against the Dutch side on Wednesday due to the suspension of their defence general, Eric Bailly. United have not been so lucky with injuries in their backline this season. Another who have been in a surprisingly good form this term – Marcos Rojo is set to miss the final due to injury. Deputies in the likes of Phil Jones and Daley Blind who could partner each other tomorrow have found form hard to come by despite early season promises, so is Chris Smalling.

Safe hands of Romero-mirror.co.uk

For the Dutch powerhouse though, the centre-back pairing of Viergner(suspended for the final) and Sanchez have been rock solid and consistent throughout the season nullifying threats and contributing at the other end of the pitch. 20-year old Jairo Riedewald will fight it out with Sinkgraven for a spot in the starting eleven. 17 year-old De Ligt is also an able deputy. In the goalkeeping department, Romero has been confirmed to start in goal ahead of De Gea much to rotation policy. It could be said that they are in safe hands after only conceding eight goals throughout the tourney with Ajax’s Onana conceding 15.

Stopping teams from scoring has been a major problem for Ajax and that could be their downfall although United are no much of predators too. We are likely to see goals from both sides as it promises to be a keenly contested final in Stockholm, a robust and questionable Mourinho tactics threatens that nonetheless.

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