⚽ Can ChatGPT Predict the Europa League Final?

Tonight, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head in the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final—a match that could define their entire season.
But before the first whistle blows… what if we asked ChatGPT to predict how it all plays out?
That’s exactly what we did with ChatGPT o3.
Using up-to-date stats, tactical insights, and a touch of AI wizardry, we challenged ChatGPT to call the score, the goalscorers, possession stats, and even the man of the match. No vague guesses—just a detailed, data-backed forecast built with the same tech that's changing how we write, code, and now… talk football.
So—can AI really rival pundits and pre-match panels?
Scroll down for the full prediction. Let’s see if ChatGPT knows ball.
The Full Prediction
ChatGPTo3 Deep research
Below is a reasoned forecast for tonight’s UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao, drawing on the latest injury news, predicted XIs, form guides and head-to-head data. Of course football is gloriously unpredictable, so treat this as an informed hypothesis rather than certainty!
Snapshot prediction (TL;DR)
Tottenham Hotspur to edge Manchester United 2 – 1.
- Goals*: Heung-Min Son (15′), Bruno Fernandes (pen 34′), Richarlison (68′).
- Possession*: Spurs 54 % / United 46 %.
- Key flashpoints*: early Spurs opener, VAR-reviewed United penalty, late defensive siege plus a possible red card after 90′.
- Man of the Match*: Heung-Min Son – driving Tottenham’s press and decisive on the break.
1. Context & recent form
- Both clubs have endured poor league campaigns (United 16th, Spurs 17th) but can rescue their season and claim a Champions League berth tonight.
- Spurs are unbeaten in the last six meetings with United, winning four and drawing one.
- Domestic form is shaky for both: Spurs have one win in 11 league matches, United one win in ten.
2. Likely line-ups
Tottenham (4-3-3) | Manchester United (3-4-2-1) |
---|---|
Vicario | Onana |
Porro – Romero – van de Ven – Udogie | Lindelöf – Maguire – Yoro |
Bissouma – Bentancur – Sarr | Mazraoui – Ugarte – Casemiro – Dorgu |
Johnson – Solanke – Son | Amad – Fernandes |
Højlund |
Sources: CBS Sports, OneFootball & Standard predicted XIs
Key absentees: Spurs are without Kulusevski and Maddison; United miss Martínez and (almost certainly) De Ligt despite a late fitness test.
3. Tactical match-up & possession
- Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs average ~57 % possession in the league, using aggressive full-backs and a high press.
- Ruben Amorim’s United sit nearer 50 %, preferring quick vertical transitions via Fernandes and Højlund.
- Expect Spurs to dominate the ball in spells (projected 54 %), but United to threaten in transition, especially if Amad or Garnacho are introduced from the bench.
4. Predicted key events timeline
Minute | Scenario | Rationale |
---|---|---|
15′ | Son goal – sweeps in Porro’s low cross after a Spurs overload on United’s left. | Spurs often start fast; United’s back three can be exposed wide. CBSSports.com |
30–35′ | VAR check – Romero handball. Fernandes converts the penalty. | Zwayer has issued 5.8 cards / match in Europe this season and doesn’t shy from big calls. The Sun |
60′ | De Ligt (if he starts) tires; Solanke on for Richarlison if Spurs chase a goal. | Fitness doubts over De Ligt; Solanke impact sub all season. GoalCBSSports.com |
68′ | Richarlison goal – headed finish from a Bentancur corner. | Spurs have scored 7 of their last 15 Europa League goals from set pieces. SI |
90 + 2′ | Potential red card (Casemiro) after a tactical foul halting Son. | Casemiro leads United for yellow cards; Zwayer’s card average high. The Sun |
5. Projected match statistics
Metric | Spurs | United |
---|---|---|
Possession | 54 % | 46 % |
Shots (on target) | 15 (6) | 12 (4) |
Expected Goals (xG) | 2.1 | 1.3 |
Corners | 6 | 4 |
Cards | 2Y | 3Y + 1R |
Numbers are extrapolated from each side’s season averages on FBref and WhoScored.
6. Man of the Match
Heung-Min Son
- Captain, top scorer (24 goals in all competitions) and focal point in counters and set-pieces.
- Exploits space behind Dorgu/Mazraoui and Lindelöf.
- Has scored in two of the last three meetings.
Final score prediction
Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1 Manchester United
Spurs end their 17-year trophy drought, Son lifts the trophy, and United’s turbulent season finishes with valiant disappointment.
All data and news checked on 21 May 2025; football can always spring surprises – enjoy the match!