Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s chances.

Southampton and West Ham have already been knocked out of The Europa League. The Saints lost 1-0 to Midtjylland which defeat costed them elimination from the tournament. The Hammers were defeated 3-4 on aggregate by Romanian Astra in the third preliminary round and finished with their participation.

Another two English teams (Liverpool and Tottenham) are competing in second best European club tournament – The Europa League. Both teams have won the Cup before. Actually, Tottenham is the first team to win this tournament in 1972 when The Spurs won 3-2 on aggregate the final against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Except this trophy, Tottenham have won The UEFA Cup in 1984. Another significant campaign for The Spurs was 1974 when they lost the final 2-4 to Feyenoord.

Liverpool are one title away from Sevilla’s record of 4 Europa League trophies. The Reds have won the Cup three times in their history. The last time they did it was in 2001 when in a memory match Liverpool beat 5-4 Spanish Alaves after extra time.

If this tournament has been underestimated by the bigger clubs so far; now the things have dramatically changed. The Europa League holder is given the right to take part in the group stage of The Champions League; so this is an extra reason for the clubs to fight for the trophy.

Spurs’ manager, Pochettino knows that it is almost impossible to finish in top 4 in the standings of The Premier League and this cup seems to be his chance to qualify for The Champions League. Tottenham started well, beating Qarabag by 3-1 at White Hart Lane. Even though they will have to play against Monaco and Anderlecht, in my opinion, they won’t have difficulties in qualifying for the next stage of the tournament and if they are lucky enough not to play against Borussia Dortmund, a team in a great form, they will have big chances to win the trophy.

On the other hand, Liverpool will also struggle in qualifying for The Champions League. The Reds will hardly reach the fourth place in the standings of The Premier League, because they will get ahead of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City; and it looks like the fifth place is most appropriate to Liverpool.

Liverpool won a point from the first match of the group stage, drawing 1-1 against Bordeaux. The other two Reds’ opponents in the group are Sion and Rubin Kazan. It doesn’t seem impossible, does it?

In conclusion, it looks like both English participants in The Europa League have serious chances in achieving the trophy. Now, there is no more underestimating; so surely Liverpool and Tottenham will give their best in the competition. Of course, a little piece of luck is needed when the lots is going to be drawn but this is not the most important thing. The most important fact is that both clubs have enough quality players in their squads and will be interesting to be seen how far they can reach in the cup.