Premier League looks to continue European dominance in 2021 in UEFA Europa League semifinals
If you remember back to the end of the 2019 season (BP, or before pandemic), the four teams in both UEFA European finals (Champions League and Europa League) were all from the Premier League.
It might happen again in 2021.
After Manchester City all but booked its trip to the Champions League Final yesterday, with Chelsea in good shape as well, two more English teams take to the pitches Thursday in the Europa League.
Since a January 27 loss, Manchester United has gone 21 unbeaten (13 wins eight draws), and has allowed just one goal in six Europa League matches this season. Roma has struggled of late, with just three wins from 11.
Roma likes to possess the ball, which should play right into the hands of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s counter-attacking Reds.
In the other game, Unai Emery gets a chance to take on his old team Arsenal. Emery is a Europa League specialist: he led Sevilla to three straight titles from 2014-2016, and even got Arsenal to the final in 2019, when the Gunners lost to Chelsea.
Villarreal is going to make this tie very tough for Arsenal, and I would not be surprised to see the Yellow Submarine win the tie (+120 to advance).
Check Fubo.TV for channel listings
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SEMIFINAL FIRST LEGS
Manchester United (-190) vs. Roma (+510), draw (+330), 3 p.m. EDT (Paramount+, UniMas, TUDN, and Fubo.TV)
Villarreal (+155) vs. Arsenal (+180), draw (+225), 3 p.m. EDT (Paramount+, Galavision, and Fubo.TV)
THE PICKS:
Manchester United -1 AH (-105)
Villarreal pick (-115)
BONUS PLUS MONEY PLAYS:
Manchester United win to nil yes (+165)
Edinson Cavani to score (+125)