Prediction: Manchester United vs Valencia

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The Champions League returns to our screens this week, with a series of intriguing games ahead of us. One such encounter will see Manchester United taking on Valencia, and in truth, we aren’t really sure what to make of it – because it feels like there are a million different directions it can go in. The Red Devils are in desperate need of a big result and the same applies to Valencia, but regardless of their respective form domestically, everything goes out of the window when it comes to European competition.

Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is on his last legs as the manager of Manchester United Football Club, and that’s not exactly a secret. The club have been struggling to find any real consistency so far this season, and this is probably the biggest ‘high pressure’ situation they’re going to find themselves in – at least for the next few weeks. They’ve got the squad necessary to absolutely torch Valencia, but it’s all about the confident within the starting XI. One thing is for sure, this game is going to create some headlines one way or the other.

Team News

Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo are all out for United as their problems continue to mount up.

Valencia

There are often high expectations associated with Valencia as a club, and a lot of that can be put down to their reputation. For years now they’ve been located towards the top of the La Liga table, but haven’t been able to take that next step towards greatness. This season, in particular, they’ve struggled even more so than usual, and appear to be scrambling in their attempt to make some noise at this level. They’ve got some quality players, but it’s all about piecing it together.

Team News

Jose Gaya is expected to return to action, with Kevin Gameiro being tipped to partner Batshuayi as they attempt to punish United’s back line which has been poor this season.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
• Manchester United have three wins, two draws and one loss in their last six games.
• Valencia have one win, four draws and one loss in their last six games.
• United lead 2-1 in the overall head to head standings, with five draws.
• In their last meeting, the two sides drew 1-1 (December 2010).

Conclusion

Most of the time Manchester United are most dangerous when they’ve got their back against the wall, and we think that’s how things are going to play out in this one. United will likely treat this as a cup final and even if Valencia come at them from the word go, that’ll only serve to wake them up and remind them of what it is they need to do. The visitors will provide some resistance, but we believe a United win is a realistic prospect – and we’re going for a 2-0 result in this one.

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365