EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: Tottenham and Manchester United head to Bilbao for a match which won't just define their seasons but also have ripple effects for next term
It all comes down to this. Dire seasons in the Premier League will be forgotten on Wednesday as Tottenham and Manchester United do battle in Bilbao.
The clubs are 17th and 16th in the table respectively back home - yes, the first two places above the relegation zone - but it's been a different story on the continent. Injury-hit Spurs have got themselves to a second European final in six years, a game that could decide Ange Postecoglou's future.
Some would argue that the same goes for United. Ruben Amorim has gone through the opposite of a new manager bounce since being appointed in November and if the Red Devils can't bank the £100million that comes with winning the trophy - thanks to it including a ticket to the Champions League - his ambition of rebuilding United in his own image could become an impossible task.
Will Postecoglou deliver on his vow of always winning a trophy in his second season? Or will Amorim and his players continue to work their magic in Europe?
We asked the Mirror Football team for their predictions.
John Cross
The clash of the flops. We have to go all the way to Bilbao to watch two bang average teams thrash it out in the Europa League final. But let's be clear - the rules were there in the first place and the carrot of the Champions League is a huge incentive.
I've a feeling for Tottenham. What a crazy season for Ange Postecoglou. Spurs have suffered 21 defeats in the Premier League and yet I still think they look a better team with their better XI out than the rabble that is Manchester United at the moment.
What is Ruben Amorim doing? If you do not have players to play a system - don't play it! That will hurt them. Spurs are clearly missing players, can't field that strong XI but I think they will have just enough.
I would love to say it will be a thriller. But more like a comedy of errors. Neither are very good up front. But they are worse in defence. Tottenham to win an entertaining game.
Tottenham 3-2 Man Utd
Andy Dunn
The demeanour of this Ruben Amorim side in Europe this season - compared to the dismal domestic vibes it gives off - has been little short of remarkable. While this is a second-tier competition, Manchester United have disposed of some decent teams along the way and it could be argued their road to the final has been a little more challenging than the one negotiated by Ange Postecoglo's side.
And while Spurs have beaten United three times this season, Amorim's men have approached this competition with a positivity that has been painfully absent in the Premier League. Spurs will certainly feel they can get at their opposition but, in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, United showed they can be well-organised.
I don't see many goals in the contest but fancy Harry Maguire to seal an unlikely trophy for United from a set-piece.
Tottenham 0-1 Man Utd
Who'll win the Europa League final - Tottenham or Man Utd? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.
Mike Walters
Spurs have won all three meetings between the sides this season, so it stands to reason that they'll make it four in a row... right? Er, no. When you can't defend for toffee - and neither of these teams can defend a fish supper - logic doesn't come into it.
What is most distasteful about a major European final between the two worst teams in the Premier League is the scent of money. The winners will get their snouts in the Champions League trough next season, and they won't really deserve it.
With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, their two most creative players, on parade I would have given Spurs the edge. But their absence gives United to burgle a trophy from a season of unrelenting misery on the home front and, in fairness, they have managed to stay unbeaten in 14 games in Europe this season.
With absolutely no confidence, and with all the science of pinning the tail on a donkey blindfolded like that party game, I'm going for United to win the donkey derby.
Tottenham 1-2 Man Utd
David McDonnell
A Europa League final between the sides in 16th and 17th place in the Premier League is unlikely to be one to savour - but it is all about the result for Manchester United and Tottenham. How you play in a final is irrelevant.
All that matters for United and Spurs is getting their hands on the trophy - and with it a £100million ticket to the Champions League. United have players back from injury at the right time, in particular Amad and Mason Mount, both of whom have impressed since returning, giving Ruben Amorim more attacking options, as well as Luke Shaw, who brings experience to United's back three.
In contrast, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is missing key men James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, which is a major blow given the inspiration and influence both can provide. Against that backdrop, I expect United to edge the final, but with so much at stake for both teams in the all-or-nothing showdown, it is likely to be a tense, edgy encounter.
Tottenham 1-2 Man Utd
Neil McLeman
The Carabao Cup quarter-final between these two poor sides in December was like their seasons - full of errors and goals and entertainment for the neutral. And this Europa League final could be the same, although I take Ruben Amorin's side to come out on the right side of a seven-goal thriller this time.
There is no point either of these two teams trying to sit on any lead - they are just not good enough. It could be like a basketball match. Dejan Kulusevski was the Man of the Match at the Tottenham Stadium in that cup game and he will be badly missed by Spurs.
Bruno Fernandes should be the best player on the pitch and make the difference. And so Ange Postecoglou won't always win a trophy in his second season.
Tottenham 3-4 Man Utd
Jeremy Cross
The game labelled 'El Crapico' could come down to which team doesn't perform the worst. These two sides have so much at stake and it promises to be such a high-octane affair.
But while Spurs have beaten United three times already this season, it's hard to believe they can make it a fourth. And it cannot be overlooked that, considering what United have overcome to reach this final, it feels like their name is written on the trophy.
Spurs might have the better players, but United appear to have fate in their team.
Tottenham 2-3 Man Utd
Tom Victor
The last time Spurs took on English opponents in a European final, it didn't go to plan. Injury issues dominated the lead-up to the game, they fell behind early on and struggled to assert themselves in an eventual 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.
This year, injury issues have dominated the lead-up to the game, with Dejan Kulusevski in particular a big loss. If Manchester United take an early lead, we could have a painful example of history repeating itself.
Optimists in north London will no-doubt point to Spurs getting the better of United on their previous meetings this season. However, what would be more tragicomic (I won't say 'Spursy') than winning three out of four but losing the one that matters.
If Ange Postecoglou's team want to win this game, their best bet may be repeating the chaos of the Carabao Cup meeting back in December. However, their opponents appear to be peaking at the perfect time in Europe and may well squeak to victory.
Tottenham 0-2 Man Utd