Prediction: Manchester United vs Sevilla

Verdict: Manchester United win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to pick up a Europa League first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Manchester United will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have marked their return from the international break with a 2-0 loss away at Newcastle, Erik ten Hag’s side have certainly proven that result was nothing more than a minor blip. Ending their six-year wait to lift a piece of silverware back in February as they were crowned EFL Cup champions at Wembley, the former Ajax boss has seen his side gain plenty of plaudits this season. Cruising their way to a top-four return, the Premier League giants also picked up some perfect momentum over the weekend. Last seen a few days ago claiming a routine 2-0 win at home against relegation scrappers Everton, Manchester United have lost just one of their last seven appearances across all formats. Likewise, extending on their Europa League adventure last month thanks to a 5-1 aggregate romp against Real Betis, ten Hag will be calling on a repeat display here.

Team News

In what looks set to be a major blow for Manchester United on Thursday night, Marcus Rashford is expected to miss out here after limping off against Everton last weekend. Likewise, ten Hag is also sweating over the fitness of England international Luke Shaw.

However, while ex-Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro might have missed United’s last four domestic appearances through suspension, the Brazilian ace will make his return in midweek. Returning from a long-term injury issue last week, Christian Eriksen should get more minutes under his belt.

Sevilla

As for the visitors, although Sevilla might have dragged themselves away from a looming relegation scrap, it is no secret that Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men have shown a string of extended issues this season. Last seen over the weekend suffering a real collapse on home soil as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo, Los Nervionenses have now recorded just a single win from their last four appearances across all competitions. Heading into the fortnight interval with a nightmare display away at Getafe as they slumped to a 2-0 loss, Sevilla will be more than aware that they face a huge challenge on Thursday night. Although Mendilibar’s side might have edged their way past Fenerbache last month thanks to a nervy 2-1 aggregate victory, the Spanish side have gained a reputation for their continued problems on the road. In fact, the midweek guests have claimed just a single win from any of their last eight contests away from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Team News

While both Pape Gueye and Marcos Acuna might have been shown their own respective red cards against Celta Vigo last weekend, the duo are available to feature at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Although Alex Telles might have made a season-long loan switch from Manchester United, the full-back is eligible to feature against his parent club here. However, Los Nervionenses will travel to Manchester without Jesus Corona and Spanish midfielder Joan Jordan.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met in the Europa League semi-finals back in August 2020, Sevilla picked up a 2-1 victory.
• However, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a single victory from any of their last eight straight appearances away from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
• Including a 2-0 victory against Everton last weekend, Manchester United have won four of their last five matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, the Premier League giants have not suffered a single defeat at Old Trafford since back on September 8th.
• The Red Devils have conceded just one goal at Old Trafford in over 400 minutes of action.

Conclusion

Breezing their way to a routine 2-0 victory at home against Everton last weekend, Manchester United should be confident of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here. Only continuing to shine at Old Trafford and not suffering a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past seven months, ten Hag’s side should be excited by Sevilla’s arrival on Thursday night. With Los Nervionenses remarkably winning just one of their last eight away fixtures, the midweek guests should be bracing themselves for a huge challenge here. With United looking to take a major step towards the Europa League semi-finals, we are backing a fairly routine home win at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Manchester United win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet