Europa League: Manchester United, Fenerbahce and others vying for the trophy

Can Erik Ten Hag lead Manchester United to another Europa League glory or will Jose Mourinho win his third title in the competition's history with Fenerbahce? 

The 2024-2025 Europa League season kicks off this week with a host of big clubs vying for the second-biggest trophy in European club football. 

After the Champions League kicked off proceedings last week, it’s time for the Europa League to take centre stage. 

However, this is a change to this year’s Europa League as there is a new format this season, just like the Champions League. 

Understanding the new Europa League 

The new Europa League has the same format as the Champions League. The group stage is no longer a thing, with the league phase replacing it. 

Also, the number of teams participating in this competition has increased from 32 teams in the group stage to 36 in the league phase. 

Each team will play eight games, four at home and four away. Also, each team will play two teams from Pot 1, Pot 2, Pot 3 and Pot 4, meaning no team is guaranteed an easy fixture. 

The top eight teams in the league will qualify directly for the round of 16, while teams that finish in 9th to 24th place will play a two-legged playoff tie for a place in the round of 16. 

Teams that finish outside the top 24 will exit the competition. One thing to note is that there is no Conference League safe haven for teams outside the top 24, meaning no more European football for them.

Also, teams from the Champions League will not be able to drop into the Europa League with this new format, meaning there will be a new champion as Atalanta will not be able to defend their trophy due to their presence in the Champions League.

Who will win the Europa League? 

As per odds from Housebets, Tottenham Hotspur are the favourites to win the competition, priced at 5.00 to win their first ever European trophy. 

Ange Postecoglou’s men narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season, but will be eager to show their mettle in the Europa League. 

Given the quality of the teams, Spurs possess one of the best teams in the competition and will fancy their chances. 

However, their lack of European pedigree in Europe could count against them. Just behind Spurs are Manchester United, who are priced at 6.50 to win the competition. 

United won the competition under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and lost the final in 2021 to Villarreal via penalties. 

With the league unlikely this season, the Europa League is a perfect opportunity for Man Utd to win some silverware. 

They have arguably the best squad in the competition and will definitely fancy their chance to come through against anybody in a two-legged tie. 

However, with United, they can be hot and cold. Also, the lack of fear factor around them means teams will also fancy their chances against Erik Ten Hag’s men. 

AS Roma comes next after Manchester United, with the Italian side priced at 9.00 odds to go all the way. 

Roma have been successful in the competition in recent years, reaching the final in 2022 and the semi-final last year. 

In addition, they also won the Conference League in 2021 under Jose Mourinho, who led them to the final in 2022. 

Although Roma have made a below-par start to the new season, they know how to navigate their way around Europe. 

Also, they possess a squad good enough to challenge some of the best teams in this year’s competition. 

Meanwhile, speaking about Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician will be seeking a third Europa League trophy as manager when his Fenerbahce side begin their campaign. 

Although his stock may not be high anymore, you can never disregard a Mourinho side in a cup competition. 

Fenerbahce are not among the favourites, but they could be a dark horse. The Turkish giants are priced at a massive 26.00 to win the title, while their rival Galatasaray are priced at 17.00 to win the trophy. 

How can I bet on the Europa League at Housebets?

Betting on the Europa League at Housebets is easy. All you need to do is fund your Housebets account. 

After depositing into your account, go to the Sports section on the site and <u>click on the Europa League to bet on all the games.&nbsp;</u>

How do I deposit to fund my Europa League bets at Housebets?&nbsp;

It’s easy and simple as long as you follow the simple steps below:&nbsp;

<li>Go to <u>Housebets.com</u></li><li>Log in to your account or sign up if you don't have an account</li><li>Click on Wallet</li><li>Click on Deposit</li><li>Click here to view and select your preferred Cryptocurrency</li><li>Choose your preferred Cryptocurrency and network</li><li>Copy the Wallet address or scan the QR code and transfer from your wallet.</li><li>Coins will be deposited automatically after 6 network confirmations.</li>

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Housebets has some of the best offers on the site and amazing bonuses including a 200% welcome bonus and a chance to pre-mine $1M of tokens. Also, you get to enjoy easy transactions. You can deposit into your account with any preferred currency of your choice with a fast payout option on winnings.&nbsp;

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