Europa League Final Preview: Tottenham & Man Utd Predicted XIs
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to square off in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night, with both clubs desperately seeking to salvage their seasons. The match, which will be held in Bilbao, has drawn large crowds of traveling fans from both sides, with supporters soaking in the pre-match atmosphere in the Basque city as the countdown to kick-off begins.
This final represents more than just a shot at European silverware—it is an opportunity for redemption for two of England’s biggest clubs. Tottenham, led by Ange Postecoglou, and Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, have endured disappointing domestic campaigns. With both teams languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table—Tottenham in 17th place and Manchester United just one position above in 16th—their focus in recent months has clearly shifted towards Europe. Now, with only one match standing between them and glory, the pressure is immense. For both managers, this final could serve as a defining moment.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Tottenham’s preparations for the final have been hampered by an unfortunate spate of injuries. Ange Postecoglou will have to make do without several key players, particularly in midfield and attack. Playmaker James Maddison is sidelined due to a knee injury, and fellow midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski are also ruled out. This leaves a significant creative void in Spurs’ lineup.
Additionally, Timo Werner, who was beginning to find his rhythm in attack, will also miss the match due to a thigh injury. Young striker Dane Scarlett remains unavailable as well, although he has rarely featured in the senior squad. Radu Dragusin, another notable absentee, is nursing a knee injury and is not expected to return until late in the year.
Postecoglou provided a brief update in his pre-match press conference, stating: “Pretty much the same as last week. Lucas isn’t available. Pape is fine.” This suggests that Pape Matar Sarr, who had previously been a concern, is ready to play, offering a boost to Tottenham’s midfield options.
Tottenham’s Full Injury List and Return Dates:
- Radu Dragusin (Knee) – Expected return: December 6, 2025
- Dejan Kulusevski (Knee) – Expected return: August 30, 2025
- Dane Scarlett (Groin) – Expected return: July 14, 2025
- James Maddison (Knee) – Expected return: June 23, 2025
- Timo Werner (Thigh) – Expected return: June 23, 2025
- Lucas Bergvall (Ankle) – Expected return: June 9, 2025
Predicted Tottenham Lineup
Despite the injury woes, Tottenham are expected to field a relatively strong starting XI, particularly in defense and attack. Postecoglou may opt for the following lineup:
Predicted Starting XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Predicted Bench:
Kinsky (GK), Danso (DEF), Davies (DEF), Spence (DEF), Reguillon (DEF), Gray (MID), Odobert (FWD), Tel (FWD), Richarlison (FWD).
Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, who both featured in the recent Premier League match, could drop to the bench to make way for more experienced attackers. Spurs’ front line may consist of Heung-min Son, Brennan Johnson, and Dominic Solanke, offering pace, creativity, and finishing prowess.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United also face injury headaches ahead of the final. Defensive stalwarts Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have both been on the sidelines recently. While Yoro might return in time for the final, de Ligt has officially been ruled out. Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed: “De Ligt is out.” However, he offered hope regarding other players: “They [Zirkzee and Martinez] recovered quite well. They pushed. Of course, we respect the feeling of the player but we pushed a little bit. They can help us win the game.”
Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez are two of United’s most important players, but their involvement will depend on late fitness tests. Martinez has traveled with the squad, hinting that he could play a part from the bench, even if not fit enough to start. Diogo Dalot is another name on the doubtful list, although he too made the trip to Bilbao.
Manchester United’s Full Injury List and Return Dates:
- Lisandro Martinez (Knee) – Expected return: January 1, 2026
- Joshua Zirkzee (Thigh) – Expected return: June 2, 2025
- Matthijs de Ligt (Knee) – Expected return: May 25, 2025
- Leny Yoro (Ankle) – Expected return: May 25, 2025
- Jonny Evans (Other) – Expected return: May 25, 2025
- Diogo Dalot (Calf) – Expected return: May 25, 2025
Predicted Manchester United Lineup
With De Ligt ruled out and Martinez unlikely to start, Amorim may turn to Leny Yoro to bolster his defense. Despite his youth, Yoro has shown promise and could line up alongside Maguire and Lindelof in a three-man defense.
Predicted Starting XI:
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Predicted Bench:
Bayindir (GK), Shaw (DEF), Heaven (DEF), Dalot (DEF), Collyer (MID), Mainoo (MID), Mount (MID), Garnacho (FWD), Zirkzee (FWD).
Notably, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw—two high-profile players with hefty wage packages at Old Trafford—may be omitted from the starting lineup in what would be a controversial decision. Both have battled injury and inconsistency this season, and Amorim may opt for players who are match-sharp and in better physical condition.
Final Outlook
With both sides enduring underwhelming league seasons, the Europa League final offers a much-needed chance for redemption. A victory could bring European glory, inject momentum into next season, and potentially ease the scrutiny on Postecoglou and Amorim. However, failure could have severe ramifications, especially considering how dependent both clubs now are on this competition to salvage their campaigns.
The stage is set in Bilbao. With injuries on both sides and high stakes on the line, Wednesday night’s final promises to be a dramatic, tense, and potentially season-defining clash between two English giants desperately in search of success.
Europa League Final Preview: Tottenham & Man Utd Predicted XIs