Real Sociedad vs Manchester United predictions: Hosts fancied to add to United’s woes
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- Real Sociedad have won five of their last six games in the Europa League
- Manchester United have won just two of their last six fixtures
- Recommended bet: Real Sociedad to win
Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup on penalties by Fulham at the weekend, meaning that the Europa League is their only remaining chance of picking up silverware in what has been a disappointing campaign for the Red Devils.
They visit Real Sociedad in the first leg of this Europa League round of 16 tie with the Spanish side also hoping to keep alive their hopes of continental glory.
Team news
Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Mason Mount and Altay Bayindir are all confirmed absentees for United, while Harry Maguire is a major doubt after limping off against Fulham at the weekend.
Patrick Dorgu’s suspension does not apply to Europe, so he is available for selection, but young striker Chido Obi is ineligible.
For Real Sociedad, Takefusa Kubo and Sheraldo Becker return from suspension, but Luka Sucic looks set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Mikel Oyarzabal is pushing to be fit for this game after remaining on the bench against Barcelona at the weekend.
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The stats
Both teams have scored in four of Manchester United's last five games, while Real Sociedad's last four matches in all competitions have produced 15 goals.
Seven of the home team’s last nine Europa League games have gone over 2.5 goals and they have won four of their last five home matches in this competition.
This will be the seventh competitive meeting between these two sides and first since United claimed a 1-0 win in San Sebastian during the 2021-22 Europa League group stage.
Prediction
Real Sociedad’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend looks bad on paper, but they had to play more than 70 minutes with 10 men against one of the best attacking teams in the world so can be forgiven for such a result.
Their domestic form has not been amazing this term, but that does mean that they are focussing on the Europa League as their best chance of silverware and are fancied to win this first leg against Manchester United.
The Red Devils are plagued by injuries, especially in defensive areas, and were beaten on penalties by Fulham at the weekend in the FA Cup.
Sociedad have won five of their last six European games and can exploit a United side that have been struggling to compete all season.
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