World Soccer

FAVOURITES

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According to the bookmakers, the trophy is most likely to end up in North London, with both Arsenal and

Tottenham possessing impressive credential­s.

The Gunners have started well in Mikel Arteta’s first full season, with a commitment to play out from the back that is likely to improve as the season continues. They are also led by arguably the best goalscorer in the competitio­n, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In his last three Europa League campaigns, the 31-year-old has scored 19 goals, including eight when Arsenal reached the 2019 final.

In Spurs’ corner, they have Jose Mourinho, a manager with a 100 per cent winning record in this competitio­n. A champion in his two previous Europa League campaigns, first with Porto in 2002-03 and then again with

Manchester United in 2016-17, Mourinho has assembled a team far more to his suiting than when he first arrived: a front three of pace, strength and match-winning ability, a midfield destroyer in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and a well-organised defensive unit.

It could also be argued that the competitiv­eness of the Premier League gives English sides extra motivation to win this competitio­n: the Europa League could well be their best route into the Champions League.

Another side with their hearts set on a return to Champions League football is Milan. The Italian giants have been in impressive form under Stefano Pioli in 2020, picking up where they left off at the end of last season by winning their first three Serie A games of 2020-21 without conceding a goal in their quest to return to Italy’s top four.

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