Verdict: Real Sociedad draw no bet
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Europa League action on Thursday evening, Manchester United will travel to the Basque Country when they meet Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad
Starting with the hosts, while Real Sociedad might have extended on their Europa League adventure last month as they clinched a thrilling 7-3 aggregate win against Danish giants Midtjylland, Imanol Alguacil’s side have struggled to find any kind of recent stability. Putting in a nightmare display last weekend as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Barcelona, the Basque-based outfit have also shown some recent defensive issues. Getting their Copa del Rey semi-final campaign underway with a 1-0 loss at home against Real Madrid on February 26th, Sociedad have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, winning five of their last six showdowns at the Reale Arena, some in Alguacil’s camp could be smelling the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage here.
Real Sociedad Team News
While Artiz Elustondo might have been shown a straight red card away at Barcelona last weekend, the 30-year-old is free to feature on Thursday evening. Likewise, serving their own respective one-match suspensions in Catalonia, Takefusa Kubo and West Ham loanee Nayef Aguerd should be handed an immediate recall.
Heavily linked with a Premier League switch, Spanish international Martin Zubimendi will play a leading role in the middle of the park. Handed a full rest away at Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, attacking talisman Mikel Oyarzabal will spearhead Alguacil’s attack.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, suffering penalties heartbreak at home against Fulham last weekend as they watched their FA Cup adventure come to an end, Manchester United are enduring what has been a public crisis. While Ruben Amorim might have only arrived at Old Trafford back in November, the former Sporting Lisbon boss already has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Getting February underway with a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, the Red Devils have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Firmly sat in the bottom-half of the Premier League table, Amorim’s downbeat squad have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues away from Old Trafford. In fact, Man United have won just two of their last eight matchups outside of Manchester within 90 minutes.
Manchester United Team News
Dealing with what has become an injury crisis, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Johnny Evans and Robbie Mainoo. Likewise, Amorim’s squad have already confirmed that Amad Diallo is not expected to feature over the remainder of the season after sustaining a long-term ankle injury.
However, while January recruit Patrick Drogu might be serving a domestic suspension, the former Lecce defender should be handed a full recall here. Impressing off the bench against Fulham over the weekend, 17-year-old Chidozie Obi is pushing for a full Manchester United debut in Spain.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Sociedad and Manchester United last met back in November 2022, the Red Devils collected a 1-0 victory at the Reale Arena.
- Amorim’s squad have recorded just two wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- Real Sociedad have registered just a sole clean sheet from their last seven matchups across all formats.
- Man United have won just a pair of their last eight appearances away from Old Trafford within 90 minutes.
- Sociedad have won five of their previous six showdowns in the Basque Country.
Conclusion
While Manchester United might have snatched a 1-0 victory when they travelled to the Basque Country for a Europa League showdown back in November 2022, Amorim’s downbeat squad face what should be another rugged test here. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end at home against Fulham last weekend, Thursday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their extended issues away from Old Trafford. With Sociedad winning five of their previous six showdowns on home soil, the Spanish outfit will be confident of claiming an essential first-leg advantage in midweek.
Verdict: Real Sociedad draw no bet
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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