Europa League draw reaction: Everton look good and Celtic on for upset
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Everton’s status as dark horses to win the Europa League has been further enhanced by a favourable draw for the knockout stages of the competition that will see the Toffees take on Swiss side Young Boys.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Celtic look set for European Cup reunions of sorts and Tottenham face a tricky trip to Italy – here are all the British teams and their chances, assessed.
After picking up a credible five points on the road in the group phase, Everton will fancy their chances of weathering any kind of storm in Switzerland, despite the Young Boys’ dominance at home in this competition.
The Bern side won all three of their group games at Stade de Suisse but could struggle against an Everton side that topped a far trickier pool of teams and will be confident of completing the job when Young Boys visit Goodison Park for the return fixture.
Drawn against Besiktas – a team they previously hammered 8-0 in a record-breaking group stage victory in the Champions League a few years ago – Liverpool will fancy their chances of progressing, but they would be wise not to write off the Turkish giants just yet.
The Istanbul club finished top of their group ahead of Tottenham and with former Reds title-heartbreaker Demba Ba in-form and among their ranks, the Merseysiders could be in line for a difficult tie with the ever-intimidating trip to Turkey to come.
Pushed out to 16/1 to win the Europa League after failing to top their group ahead of Besiktas, Spurs have paid the price after being drawn against Fiorentina for the knockout phase of the competition.
The Italians have taken 10 points from the last 12 available in Serie A and are just three points off a Champions League qualification spot as we head towards Christmas and cruised through the group phase with some fine displays. Tottenham fans should be wary.
Drawn against Inter Milan in something tantamount to a dream tie for fans of the Bhoys this clash pits Celtic against the team they beat in the 1967 European Cup final and despite Inter’s seeming superiority, it’s the Scots who look the best pick to win.
On a fine run of form in the league and proving themselves to be no walkovers in the Europa League, Celtic will fancy their chances of seeing off an Inter side languishing in mid-table and likely to be doubly focused on improving their league form rather than any European endeavours.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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