Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 18 February 2021
Kick-Off at 17.55 UK/ 18:55 CET
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin.
There will be fireworks when Real Sociedad and Manchester United face each other in the Europa League last 32, first leg at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
😍 We're back! Round of 32 is here...
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 18, 2021
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The game will be played on a neutral location, and it is no wonder the bookies see Man Utd as favourites to win the first leg.
Since Willian Jose left the club in the January transfer window, talented Swedish attacker Isak will lead the line for the hosts.
The likes of Moya, Sangalli, and Sola are all likely to miss the game with injuries, while experienced midfielder David Silva has overcome his injury.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, failed to turn their dominance into victory in a 1-1 draw with WBA.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troops are enjoying a very successful season, but seeing that the Norwegian tactician could opt to rest several first-team regulars in Thursday’s clash, share of spoils is on the cards. Paul Pogba should be the only absentee in the away team.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Head-to-head
Teams Real Sociedad Manchester United played so far 2 matches.
Real Sociedad won 0 direct matches. Manchester United won 1 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 0.50 goals per Match.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction
Real Sociedad in actual season average scored 1.43 goals per match. In 12 (75.00%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 6 (37.50%) matches in season 2021 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Manchester United average scored 2.05 goals per match in season 2021. In 14 (77.78%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 13 (72.22%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Team News:
As mentioned, Oyarzabal returned from injury to play 79 minutes in Sunday's win at Getafe, and the highly-rated 23-year-old should line up on the left-hand side once again here.
The Red Devils will likely be coming up against a familiar face on the opposite flank in the form of Adnan Januzaj, but he is yet to open his Europa League account for the campaign and could find his spot under threat from Portu.
Luca Sangalli and Miguel Angel Moya remain injured for the 'home' side, who could also opt to bring Robin Le Normand back into the heart of defence.
Man United's Pogba continues to recuperate following a hamstring injury, and the Frenchman has now been ruled out for the rest of the month.
Changes would not go amiss for the visitors amid their below-par form of late, with Mason Greenwood - who recently extended his stay with the club until 2025 - potentially demoting Anthony Martial to the bench out wide.
Dean Henderson was only given a chance in one of United's Champions League matches - their 2-1 defeat at Basaksehir - but he has a chance of featuring this week, while Alex Telles could be brought in given his wealth of experience on the continental stage.
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Gorosabel, Le Normand, Elustondo, Monreal; Zubeldia, Merino, Silva; Januzaj, Isak, Oyarzabal
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Bailly, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani