Tottenham are one game away from perhaps their best and worst season in decades.

It's a strange contradiction, with the chance to win European silverware contrasting sharply with their horrendous form in the Premier League. Fortunately for , they will be facing a side on Wednesday evening with almost as bad domestic form in Manchester United.

Both teams had a far-from-ideal final preparation for the trip to Bilbao, with Spurs defeated by Aston Villa while Ruben Amorim's side fell to defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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It is the continuation of a trend in the Premier League for both sides, who are both set for their worst domestic season in a considerable amount of time. Ultimately, both managers could be in danger even if they lift the trophy at San Mames.

Ange Postecoglou, in particular, is in a precarious position. It has been thought for some time that the Europa League campaign is perhaps the only thing currently saving his job following an underwhelming season in which his squad has been stretched to its limits.

With so many injuries throughout the team, a number of players have been elevated beyond what their roles were initially planned to be this season. The likes of Archie Gray have played far more minutes than expected, most of which have come as a centre-back - a position he can play, though it is not his favoured one.

Then, there is Lucas Bergvall. The midfielder has entrenched himself in the first team this year following his arrival from Sweden last summer, in his first season at the highest of levels in Europe.

Bergvall picked up an ankle injury in training at the start of the month which looks to have ended his season prematurely. While Postecoglou has poured a dampener on any suggestion that the Swedish star could return to action for the clash against Manchester United, he did state that his player is doing everything he can to try and get back.

Having only turned 19 in February, one might have expected the young midfielder to have played a smaller part off the pitch. But that's not the case, according to the manager.

Following the defeat against Aston Villa, Postecoglou was asked about the return to action of Son Heung-min, and how important it was to have the club captain back. His answer, which included a mention of Bergvall, was telling.

"It's important," Postecoglou told reporters. "Especially when we've lost some key players in recent times. Madders is also one of the leaders, and Deki, and Lucas in the last three weeks.

"Now getting Sonny back at least gives us another experienced player. I think the last two or three fixtures our average age has been three or four years younger than the opposition. You can see that at times so just having another experienced player available is great for the team."

Bergvall being seen as one of the key players for Spurs speaks volumes, not just of how well the youngster has done this season but of how much he may be missed if he can't return in time for the clash at San Mames.