Will a British side win the Europa League?

[thetoffees]

Saw this Football blog previewing the Europa League (http://betting.betfair.com/football/uefa-cup/europa-league-betting-favourite-backers-beware-150909.html) and got me thinking whether an British side go all the way?

At the moment that means Celtic, Everton or Fulham (unless on of the big-four drop out of the Champions League - which I can't see happening!) with Rangers also a possibility should they fail to get out of the Champions League group.

On first look I think the two Scottish clubs are the ones most likely, Both have reached the UEFA Cup final in recent years and have more European experience, though Everton went on a great run two years ago, losing to Fiorentina on penalties in the last 16. With key players missing from a small squad, will they have enough players to cope with the extra games?

Fulham are new to the competition but have a improving team under Roy Hodgson - could they be a wild card?

[SportBoy333]

Celtic and Rangers are weaker now than they've ever been before. I would think Everton would be one of the favorites to win it. How Fulham does could largely depend on where they are in the EPL table.

[comme]

It'll depend mainly on how seriously they take it.

It takes about 17 games to win the competition, so if you want to win you have to take it seriously.

I would have thought one of the Russian or Ukrainian teams will be most likely, because when they come back from their winter break they tend to be fresher.

The German teams tend to take this competiton most seriously as well.

[barack_obampot]

If Rangers drop out of the Champions League (which sadly I think is very likely) then I think we have a decent chance of making the latter stages.

Celtic, dare I say it, have a good shot as well. As do the English clubs involved.

If a British team wins it then I think it will be one of the Premiership ones, as someone previously highlighted, Celtic and Rangers are as weak as they've been in years.

Would give my right nut to see Rangers win the Europa League, and would most definetly take a Europa League final appearance over the last 16 of the Champions League. Sadly it's unlikely, as we're skint and the squad is piss-poor, but we proved back in 07/08 that we can punch above our weight and beat so-called better teams.

Fulham, Everton and Celtic have an outside chance, but I think that Ajax, Valencia, Benfica, Shakhtar, Werder Bremen, Hamburg SV and Villarreal would be on the shortlist of contenders.

I'd like to see HSV win it, assuming Rangers don't drop down of course. ;)

[Tony Dellbird]

We're not setting the world alight this season so far, yet still beat AEK 4-0 at home, and have BATE tomorrow. I wouldn't bet against us though.

[campos232]

I don't think there's a chance that an English side will win the Europa League. Everton and Fulham need to focus on the League in order to qualify for Euroape again. With City almost certain of obtaining a European spot next season, either Everton or Fulham will find themselves on the outside looking in. I think we'll see Everton advance into the knockout round, but be put out at the first time of asking. Fulham won't make it out of the group stage.

I think Celtic or Rangers stand the best chance of a British side winning the tournament, as both are almost guaranteed of a European spot next season, and can put more emphasis on the Europa League, as the SPL is weaker than the BPL.

jason
www.nearpostblog.com (http://www.nearpostblog.com)

[BocaFan]

I don't think there's a chance that an English side will win the Europa League. Everton and Fulham need to focus on the League in order to qualify for Euroape again. With City almost certain of obtaining a European spot next season, either Everton or Fulham will find themselves on the outside looking in. I think we'll see Everton advance into the knockout round, but be put out at the first time of asking. Fulham won't make it out of the group stage.

I think Celtic or Rangers stand the best chance of a British side winning the tournament, as both are almost guaranteed of a European spot next season, and can put more emphasis on the Europa League, as the SPL is weaker than the BPL.

jason
www.nearpostblog.com (http://www.nearpostblog.com)

After watching the Rangers-Sevilla match I'd have to disagree.

Right now obviously Everton is more focussed on the league, but come March they may not have anything to play for domestically. So my money would be on Everton if I had to choose between the 4.

[zakinator]

Yes Man Utd will win europa league this year,not just because I barrack for them but for many other reasons.
Teams that have a chance to win:
Barcelona
Chelsea
Arsenal
Inter
Liverpool

[barack_obampot]

Yes Man Utd will win europa league this year,not just because I barrack for them but for many other reasons.
Teams that have a chance to win:
Barcelona
Chelsea
Arsenal
Inter
Liverpool




I think you're confusing Europa League with the CL.

[urbanstriker]

I think that if Everton had their full squad fit at the right times they have a good chance. The best chance of the British clubs

[Harry Boulton]

Erton have got the squad, but it's getting / keeping them all fit that's the problem.

They miss Arteta and he could have a major say on any success they acheive in the long and short term. They also seem to have consistant problems up-front as well. Saha is brilliant when he's fit and in form, but keeping him fit is tantamount to try to find Lord Lucan.

It all depends on how their season goes from here. Trying to get 4th will be high on their list, and may take precedance over any cup competition if it looks likely towards the end of the season.