Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester United (13/20) vs Real Sociedad (9/2)
We are backing Manchester United half-time/full-time at odds of 6/4
When: Thursday 08 September 2022, Kick-off 20:00
Where: Old Trafford
On Thursday night, Manchester United hosts Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in gameweek one of the Europa League.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have recovered well from defeat in their opening two games of the season. In fact, Erik ten Hag’s team has now won their last four league matches in the English top-flight. Last time out, United recorded a 3-1 home win over previously unbeaten Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Everybody associated with the club will be keen for the positive momentum to continue in European competition. United’s last foray into the Europa League was in season 2020/21 when they reached the final. Unfortunately for the men from Manchester, they suffered penalty kick heartbreak at the hands of another Spanish team in Villarreal, after the game had finished 1-1 after normal and extra-time.
Despite making the final in 2021, the Red Devils have a mixed recent record in the Europa League, winning just four of their previous nine matches in the competition.
Anthony Martial remains on the sidelines for United, while Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez and Donny van de Beek are also fitness doubts.
Real Sociedad
La Real have enjoyed mixed fortunes in La Liga so far this season. Imanol Alguacil’s team has won two, drawn one and lost one of their four games in the Spanish top-flight in the current campaign.
Their games this season have been mostly low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four matches in the Spanish top-flight.
Like their opponents, Real Sociedad has a recent history with the Europa League, having featured regularly in the competition in recent seasons.
The side from San Sebastian suffered a 5-3 aggregate defeat in the knockout round play-off of the competition last season. A record of just two wins in their last 13 matches in the Europa League is certainly not a great one. La Real also faced United in the last 32 of the competition in season 2020/21, suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat.
Real Sociedad have been difficult to beat on their travels in the Europa League, losing just one of their previous eight matches away from home. However, five of their last seven away games in the Europa League have produced draws.
Real Sociedad are without Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Merquelanz through injury. Diego Rico and Carlo Fernandez are also fitness doubts. Summer signing Umar Sadiq should make his full debut after scoring from the bench last time out.
Conclusion
Things are really starting to take shape at Manchester United. The visitors have had mixed results in La Liga, but they were handed a fairly difficult early fixture list.
For our tips, we are going to back Manchester united half-time/full-time, as the Red Devils seem to have built some decent momentum. The other bet we are backing is over 2.5 goals scored simply because both teams’ attacks have looked dangerous in recent games.
Our Tips: We are backing Manchester United half-time/full-time at odds of 6/4 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365)
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Can either of these two teams claim victory on gameweek one of the Europa League?
