Prediction: Manchester United vs Real Betis

Verdict: Real Betis to score over 0.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to find an immediate boost on Thursday night when they turn their attention back to Europa League duties, Manchester United will welcome Real Betis to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a history-making collapse away at bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend, there is no doubt that Manchester United are seeking an immediate response. Eventually getting hit with a woeful 7-0 drumming at Anfield, Erik ten Hag made it clear that there will be an inquest behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Although the Premier League giants might have ended their six-year wait to lift a piece of silverware on February 26th as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Newcastle in this season’s EFL Cup, United do have the feel of a side seeking a much-needed boost. With ten Hag publically stating that he will not accept his side taking their foot off the pedal, the Red Devils most prove that Sunday’s infamous defeat on Merseyside was nothing more than a minor blip. Extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they claimed a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory against Spanish icons Barcelona, the former Ajax boss will be demanding a repeat display on Thursday night.

Team News

Suffering that woeful 7-0 drumming at Anfield last weekend, ten Hag is expected to make a string of changes here. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho should be handed a full recall on Thursday night. Causing a real controversy with his behaviour on Merseyside, Bruno Fernandes could be taken out of the limelight in midweek.

Still dealing with long-term injury issues, Manchester United will be without the trio of Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen here.

Real Betis

As for the visitors, while Real Betis might make the trip to Old Trafford tipped as a real underdog contender, the Spanish outfit could be smelling the chance to spring a major Europa League upset. Although Manuel Pellegrini’s side might have eventually missed out on the chance to clinch a famous top-four finish last season, Los Verdiblancos are desperate to go one-step further this time around. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across Spain on either side of the World Cup’s winter break, the former West Ham boss has seen his side collect 10 points from their last four La Liga outings. Likewise, putting in another gritty display over the weekend as they snatched a 0-0 stalemate at home against reigning European champions Real Madrid, Pellegrini’s side have also gained a reputation for their success on the road. Last seen on their travels picking up a 3-2 victory against Elche, Thursday’s guests have won five of their last six contests away from the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Team News

In what is a huge blow for Real Betis, Pellegrini has confirmed that Nabil Fekir will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Likewise, Los Verdiblancos will also be without Juan Cruz when they travel to Old Trafford on Thursday night.

However, despite picking up a knock in last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Real Madrid, Sergio Canales is expected to feature here after returning to training.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sunday’s 7-0 drumming at Anfield brought an end to Manchester United’s 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
• However, the Premier League giants have not suffered a single defeat at Old Trafford since way back on September 8th.
• Real Betis have collected 10 points from their previous four consecutive La Liga appearances.
• Likewise, Los Verdiblancos have won five of their last six away fixtures across all competitions.
• Marcus Rashford has scored four Europa League goals this season – no player in this year’s tournament has recorded more strikes.

Conclusion

Crashing back down to earth last weekend as they were hit with a stunning 7-0 loss at the hands of historic rivals Liverpool, Manchester United know that they must find an immediate response here. However, although Thursday’s hosts might be tipped as a standout pick to extend on their Europa League adventure this month, ten Hag’s side should face another tough test here. With Real Betis enjoying yet another extended domestic flurry, Los Verdiblancos could be smelling the chance to collect a heavyweight scalp. Gaining a reputation for their success on the road and winning five of their last six matchups outside of Andalusia, Betis could be looking to test a fragile United defence at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Real Betis to score over 0.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet