Europa League: Eye up this dishy 9/2 double on the semi-finals

Manchester United’s hopes of a place in the Champions League are on the line

Ajax and Manchester United went a long way to clearing the road to the Europa League final last week, but that’s not to say there isn’t a bump or even a massive pot hole waiting yet on the path to the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden.

Having finally chosen to bulldoze a highway to the Champions League via the Europa League, Man United boss Jose Mourinho has been in need of a hard hat over the criticism he and some of his stars have faced of late.

However, it will all be worth it if they end up in Europe’s premier competition and 1-0 away victory in Vigo has them in pole position to do just that. If United still have some work to do to get to the final, Dutch giants Ajax can almost clock off tonight, thanks to a 4-1 first leg victory over Lyon.

With two super semis down for decision, we decided to throw ourselves into the market and our research has led us to a delightful double that could be as satisfying as it was for Donald Trump to sack James Comey if it lands at 9/2 for our punters.

Let’s tell you how to grab it…

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Manchester United (1) v (0) Celta Vigo, 8.05pm, BT Sport 2

He may have a baby face, but a mature finish from Marcos Rashford last week has given The Red Devils a crucial 1-0 lead – with an away goal – ahead of their second leg with Celta Vigo at Old Trafford later.

Rashford may be quicker than a hiccup, but he’s starting to display a dead eye in front of goal and he can be found at 4/1 to net first again tonight.

Luckily for Mourinho’s men they meet a Celta team who seem to have lost their confidence in recent weeks. The Spaniards have been looked blanker than a Kardashian lately, failing to hit the back of the net in their last three and only scoring once in five matches.

Despite being down a few bodies defensively, we’re still tipping United to keep Celta out again tonight and secure a win to nil at 13/10. After all there’s nothing Jose loves more than parking the bus right?

Best bet: Man United to win to nil – 13/10

Lyon (1) v (4) Ajax, 8.05pm, BT Sport 3

If you were using the phrase ‘the horse has already bolted’ to describe this second leg, it would be more accurate to say ‘the nag is nearly past the winning post’ to be honest.

Ajax well and truly battered Lyon in Amsterdam as the French outfit surrendered to a 4-1 defeat. Mathieu Valbuena’s away goal has given them a slim glimmer of hope, but realistically there’s about much chance as Brexit being over turned as Lyon have of making the final here.

However, they have won eight of their last 10 at home, while Ajax have lost their last two away. So, backing the French side to win tonight at 8/13 might just be the right play.

We’re looking for a bit of extra value though and as Lyon have conceded at least one goal in their previous four home games, we’re fancying the 6/4 shot of Lyon to be victorious on the night with both teams scoring.

Best bet: Lyon to win with both teams scoring 6/4.

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* All prices correct at time of posting.