Tottenham have been backed by TNT Sports pundits to progress further in the Europa League than Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The two clubs have endured difficult seasons as they sit level on 33 points in the bottom half of the table. They have also been knocked out of both domestic competitions, although Ange Postecoglou's side did enjoy a run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup before they were thrashed by Liverpool.

As a result, the hopes of both clubs either winning a trophy or qualifying for Europe next season, rest on their progress in the Europa League, not least because it would guarantee a spot in next season's Champions League, despite their dismal league form. The former will take on La Liga side Real Sociedad in the round of 16, while Spurs are gearing up for a tie against Dutch opposition AZ Alkmaar.

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Other European giants, including Roma, Fenerbahce, Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt are also still in the competition, but pundits Ally McCoist and Joe Cole have backed Spurs to go all the way despite their injury struggles this season. Speaking on Tuesday's Agree or Disagree UEFA Special episode, McCoist said: "I think Spurs will go further [than United].

"I think Spurs could win it. If they get key players back, they'll get a boost. I think they can win it."

Cole, who represented West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool during his playing days, agreed, adding: "I do as well."

Peter Crouch was slightly less optimistic about Spurs' chances of lifting the trophy, but did back them to go deeper in the competition than United. "I've done a lot of their games this year and I think there is the hurdle of not having won things for a long time," he said. "I don't believe they can win it, but I think they can get further than United."

Despite his United loyalties, even Rio Ferdinand agreed Spurs have greater hopes than his former club. "I'm going to agree with you," he concluded. "Spurs will go further, if I use my head [over my heart]."