Prediction: Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s Champions League hanging firmly in the balance on Tuesday night, Manchester United will welcome Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have come under real scrutiny for their woeful second-half display against City in that 4-1 drumming earlier in the month, the Reds certainly came roaring back last weekend. In what was being billed as a real must-win contest in the top-four chase, Ralf Rangnick’s men managed to snatch an action-packed 3-2 win against Tottenham. Desperate to try and build off of that result when they turn their attention back to European duties, the former RB Leipzig boss will still know that his squad were lucky to have grabbed a late 1-1 draw out in Madrid a fortnight ago. Making it clear that he is calling on the Premier League giants to find some stability, Rangnick will undoubtedly be calling on a certain Cristiano Ronaldo to spearhead their charge at Old Trafford. Despite enduring what was a worrying rut, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made more history last weekend as he bagged a hat-trick against Spurs.

Team News

Missing out against Tottenham over the weekend, the trio of Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are expected to make their return on Tuesday night.

Bagging that late equalizer out in Spain a fortnight ago, Anthony Elanga will be hoping for a start here.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have also shown their own inconstancies this season, the defending Spanish champions are enjoying what has become a welcomed purple patch. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they claimed a deserved 2-1 win against Cadiz on home soil, Head Coach Diego Simeone should find the mood in his camp at a high. Largely impressing at the Wanda Metropolitano a fortnight ago, despite having to settle for a late 1-1 draw, the Colchoneros are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all formats. In fact, winning each of their previous four La Liga outings on the spin, Tuesday’s guests also have one attacking talisman enjoying a real free-scoring run. Finding the net against United in the first-leg and also getting on the scoresheet against Cadiz last time out, Joao Feliz has bagged five goals in as many appearances.

Team News

Angel Correa should get the nod to partner Felix up top, meaning the duo of Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Welcoming back skipper Koke against Cadiz last weekend, the Spanish international will start in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at the Wanda Metropolitano a fortnight ago, Tuesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 draw.
• Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Tottenham last weekend was just their third victory from their last nine matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, the Premier League giants have seen four of their last five outings finish with both teams finding the net.
• Atletico striker Joao Felix has bagged five goals in as many appearances, including a strike against United in the first-leg.
• The Spanish champions are unbeaten in their last five matchups across all formats, recording four wins.

Conclusion

With both sides playing out that 1-1 draw in Spain a fortnight ago, a spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s Champions League is really hanging in the balance. With Manchester United making an action-packed return to winning ways over the weekend with a 3-2 victory against Tottenham, neutrals from across Europe will be hoping for a similar lively affair on Tuesday night. Coming up against an Atletico Madrid side who are enjoying quite the La Liga purple patch, there is no doubt that the midweek hosts will know that they face another tough task at Old Trafford. It should be noted, with Rangnick’s side seeing four of their last five outings finish with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Unibet