MAN UNITED should justify their favourites' tag to win the Europa League tonight.
The Stockholm final is a contrast of styles – clinical but dull United versus an attacking and exhilarating Ajax.
Neutrals will be pulling for the dazzling Dutch but Jose Mourinho is certain to come up with a plan that negates their quality and ambition as he aims to qualify for the Champions League.
Mourinho's style doesn't please the eye but usually gets the job done and he rarely loses finals. He's won 11 out of 13 – and the two defeats came after 90 minutes.
United are missing several key players including Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic but have enough experience to frustrate a side whose average age was 22 in their semi-final defeat of Lyon.
There's more at stake for United and I can see them winning 1-0 or 2-1 in normal time. They are a best 17-20 at betfair while the Dutch will attract backers at 4-1 with Marathonbet. A draw pays 5-2 at McBookie.
On the way to Stockholm all Ajax's best results came at home and there is a question mark over how well the kids travel losing away to Copenhagen, Schalke and Lyon.
Peter Bosz's side boast exciting forwards such as Bertrand Traore and Kasper Dolberg but it could be a more experienced player in Davy Klaasen who gives the defence more trouble.
The Dutchman has netted 16 times this season and is 5-1 at bet365 to net at any time.
United have young guns of their own and the most likely scorer is Marcus Rashford. In the knockout stages he scored at home to Anderlecht and hit the winner at Celta Vigo.
Rashford is 17-10 at Ladbrokes to score and 11-2 with Skybet to break the deadlock.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has also been a key performer in Europe and is 21-20 at bet365 to net at anytime.
Most people expect Ajax to score but I'm not sure. Eleven of United's last 13 have gone under 2.5 goals so consider that at 13-10 with betfair.
Bets to Consider
Man United
Rashford to score
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
I think a big odds small stake RAB for fun is the best way forward in this game. Then sit back and enjoy. If you like watching Utd drag the game down lol.
The btts, 4+ corners, 20+ booking points per team has been good this year @ 11/2
Mind think this is a gift but @ 1/2 the price reflects it: man Utd 1+ goal and 4+ corners.
Mkhitarian to score, Utd win, klassen and Herrera to be booked @ 33/1
Mkhitarian is utds joint top goal scorer in this comp with the Slat, who’s not playing. Herrera and klassen are joint top with 5 cards each in the disciplinary table.
Can’t see past a tight Utd win.
Will split my stake across these three bets for a bit of interest
To follow on from Mr F and Desy, here are some Europa League stats that might help with some request-a-bets
Mkhitarian – 5 goals (4 in the prem)
Rashford – 2 goals (5 in prem)
Pogba – 2 goals (5 in prem)
Dolberg – 6 goals (16 in league)
Younes – 4 goals (3 in league)
Traore – 4 goals (9 in league)
Klaassen – 2 goals (14 in league)
Herrera – 5 cards
Pogba – 2 cards
Fellaini – 1 card (9 cards in prem)
Klaassen – 5 cards (6 in league)
Sanchez – 4 cards
Veltman – 4 cards (6 in league)
Sinkgraven – 3 cards
Schone – 3 cards
Viergever – 3 cards
Will be on Desy’s Mkhitarian to score, Utd win, klassen and Herrera to be booked @ 33/1, looks a great bet on the stats.
Fixerman, I still haven’t had my free bet from Skybet following the last golf competition, do you know when I should receive it?
Admin deal with those so can you email them a reminder please.
Have you got an email address for admin please?
It’s on the home page.