Spurs rated to fare the best of Britain’s Europa League trio
Published:History: This is Spurs’ fourth consecutive stint in Uefa’s B-competition. However, they are yet to progress beyond the quarter finals in that time.
Expectations: Having been placed as the outright favourites, Spurs are clearly well-fancied for glory and with the winners receiving a spot in next season’s Champions League, it’s likely the club expects the same.
Likelihood: Group C is eminently winnable, but the knockout stages are always a lottery with the introduction of the Champions League failures.
If they can avoid them for as long as possible, a trophy could be on the cards, otherwise it’s another quarter-finals trip at best.
History: Like their Merseyside rivals, this is Everton’s first bout of Uefa competition for four years, after their trip to the first knockout round in 2009/10.
That season was the last of a four-in-five stretch in Europe for the Toffees where the round of 16 was their best result.
Expectations: Managing what is not the largest squad on the Premier League circuit through a two-games-a-week schedule could be a stern test for Everton.
Especially as Roberto Martinez has been refreshingly forthright in his ambitions to do well in Europe.
Likelihood: Drawn with Wolfsburg and Lille in Group H, Everton have a far tougher first task in the competition than Tottenham, as their chunky 6/4 odds to win it suggest.
A lack of experience at this level means falling at the first hurdle is probable.
History: There’s only been one season since 1991/92 where Celtic fans have been without European football. Both of their previous flirtations with the Europa League ended with a group-stage exit though.
Expectations: If the Hoops had made a more solid start to their campaign perhaps the Europa League would have held a higher standing.
But with life under Ronny Deila off to a bumpy start, in which they’ve lost four times in all competitions and sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership, it’s unlikely Celtic will look to shorten their odds.
Likelihood: A round-of-32 finish should be seen as a positive given the start Celtic have had.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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