Prediction: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: bet365
European football is back in our lives once again as Manchester United and Club Brugge prepare to do battle at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League. Both have been on quite the journey in Europe already this season and with quite a few rounds left to go for either if they’re serious about making it to the final, you could argue the hard part has only just begun. After drawing in Belgium last week, it’s time to see whether or not either side can step up and make a statement.
Manchester United
Don’t look now, but it seems as if there’s a resurgence going on at Manchester United after an uncertain few months under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. While they’ve still got a long way to go before they can dub themselves a top club within the ranks of English football, a six-game unbeaten run featuring wins over Manchester City and Chelsea is something to smile about. Whether or not they can maintain this consistency is a different matter altogether.
Team News
Pogba, Rashford and Grant have all been ruled out due to injury with Tuanzebe set to be assessed prior to the game. McTominay is expected to start after returning from his time on the shelf whereas Williams, Bailly and Romero are all tipped to feature.
Club Brugge
Club Brugge have already enjoyed a few highlight reel moments in Europe this season but knocking Manchester United out of the Europa League on their own turf would surely top the lot. They’ve got the quality in their ranks necessary to do some damage to United at the back, and they’re one of the strongest sides left in the competition from a defensive standpoint. If they score early and set up shop, Ole’s men could be in trouble against the leaders of the Belgian First Division.
Team News
Diatta is out through injury whereas Eder Balanta is suspended for this game, which should allow for Vormer to replace him. Vanaken also returned from injury in the first leg and should feature again here.
Factors to Consider
- In the first leg over in Belgium, the two sides drew 1-1.
- Manchester United have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
- Club Brugge have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
- Manchester United have scored 13 goals and conceded one in their last six games.
- Club Brugge have scored five goals and conceded two in their last six games.
Conclusion
This game isn’t going to win all too many awards when it comes to excitement, but we do think it’ll be interesting to see how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer approaches it following the first leg. We think neither team is going to create all too many opportunities, as has been the case as of late for both with their strong defensive records and minimal goalscoring, but we do believe United will score late in the game to secure their place in the round of 16 of the Europa League.
Prediction: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
