Does this English duo have their eyes on the prize?

Does this English duo have their eyes on the prize?

Certainly, there are many football games left before this tournament reaches the latter stages. And sports betting fans could have a punt on any one of six or eight sides who could realistically triumph in Europe’s secondary club competition.

Yet, with a place in next season’s Champions League up for grabs, the carrot on offer for both Manchester United and Spurs is an attractive one. With United priced @ 4.50 to win the competition in May and Spurs tipped as outright winners @ 10.00, the betting odds need to be considered. Both sides go into their second leg ties on the back of FA Cup success.

United, who lead St Etienne 3-0 after a Zlatan Ibrahimovic hat-trick, can surely afford to rest some of their star names just four days before the League Cup Final. That the French side didn’t deserve to be on the wrong end of such a one-sided first leg scoreline will make them determined to restore some pride, but United are firmly in the driving seat.

Likewise, Spurs will be confident of progressing, despite trailing 1-0 as they welcome Gent to Wembley. Jeremy Perbet’s goal has given them the advantage, but will they be overawed or inspired by their visit to England’s national stadium?

With odds of 1×2 Gent @ 8.00, the former seems most likely. Indeed, it’s hard to see past Spurs – who are priced in Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.25.

But with the Europa League proving arguably a more taxing route to a Champions League spot than the remainder of the Premier League season, there will be some who feel Mauricio Pochettino should rest his stars rather than try and turn this around.

One thing is for sure, if this English duo have their eyes on the prize, then strong teams will figure in these second legs.

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