Manchester Clubs Dominate Europa League Betting

They may not want to even be in the competition but Manchester City and Manchester United have immediately been installed at the head of the betting for the Europa League.

Punters will have to try and second guess just how much effort the two clubs will put into winning the competition. Both should still be in contention for Premier League honours and with Sunday games following Thursday night match days, will they put full sides out in Europe?

Whichever one gets knocked out of the FA Cup might have a greater incentive to pursue the Europa League target; on face value City have the greater depth to cope with multiple targets as they have few injury worries, compared to a mounting list over at Old Trafford.

City's shadow squad sometimes looks almost as powerful as their first eleven. David Silva and Sergio Aguero are likely to be rested for league action but nearly all the other outfield members of Roberto Mancini's squad could be selected for either Thursday or Sunday action.

United's approach will be coloured by how stretched the squad is. Sir Alex Ferguson will probably hope to finesse a way to the last eight and then take matters more seriously- by that stage, it should be clear if City are runnng away with the title.

He has the advantage that, for now, United fans will back a strategy to prioritise the league. The Europa may take on more significance if no other pot is available. but for the moment City seem to be the sounder bet.

Manchester City                  5/1

Manchester United              13/2

Athetico Madrid                   14/1

Valencia                              14/1

Schalke                               16/1

Atletico Bilbao                      16/1

Porto                                   16/1

20/1  Bar

Prices from Bet 365