Real Betis vs Manchester United | 2022/23 EL

Let’s take a look at the team news as Manchester United travel to Spain on Thursday to face Real Betis in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.

Manchester United recorded an impressive 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the first leg at Old Trafford last Thursday. Although Ayoze Perez cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opener, the Red Devils dominated the second half, scoring three more goals through Antony, Bruno Fernandes, and Wout Weghorst, giving them a considerable advantage.

Manchester United, Real Betis — Image Obtained via MEN

Los Verdiblancos have a poor record against Premier League sides in European competitions, having won only one out of six encounters, with four losses and a solitary draw. Moreover, Thursday’s game will be a tough one for the Spanish side as the visitors will be coming in with a three-goal lead.

While Ten Hag’s men may have lost their chance of finishing in the top-two in the Premier League, they can still progress further in the Europa League. The Red Devils have never been knocked out of the Europa League Round of 16 after winning the first-leg.

Injury/Suspension List:

Marcel Sabitzer sustained an injury that ruled him out of the match against Betis last Thursday as well as the subsequent 0-0 draw against Southampton on Sunday. The on-loan Bayern Munich player is expected to sit out the upcoming game against Real Betis, given the dominant lead Manchester United have in the tie, as well as Casemiro’s impending suspension in domestic matches.

Alejandro Garnacho was substituted during the Southampton game following a harsh tackle by Kyle Walker-Peters. The club confirmed that the Argentinian winger has suffered an ankle injury and will miss the Europa League second-leg fixture as well as Sunday’s FA Cup Quarter-final game against Fulham.

The Red Devils are still missing Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, along with Anthony Martial who has not featured for the team since scoring as a substitute against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup in early February. Although the French forward is back in training having recovered from his hip issue, he is unlikely to be risked, given his constant injury issues this season.

The La Liga side suffered a double blow at Old Trafford last week, with centre-back Luiz Felipe completing the full 90 minutes but leaving the field with a hamstring discomfort, and he may not return until after the international break. Victor Ruiz is expected to fill in for him. Felipe is just one of three players who will be unavailable for the Green and Whites.

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini suffered a major setback as key attacker Nabil Fekir has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. In addition, midfielder Juan Cruz is unlikely to play due to a muscular issue. However, Sergio Canales’s full recovery from injury could see him in the starting XI.

Real Betis Form:

DLDWW

Manchester United Form:

DWLWW

Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1):

David de Gea (GK); Diogo Dalot (RB), Raphael Varane (CB), Lisandro Martinez (CB), Tyrell Malacia (LB); Casemiro (CM), Fred (CM); Jadon Sancho (RW), Marcus Rashford (LW), Bruno Fernandes (CAM); Wout Weghorst (ST).

Real Betis Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Claudio Bravo (GK); Youssouf Sabaly (RB), German Alejo Pezzella (CB), Victor Ruiz (CB), Abner Vinicius (LB); Guido Rodriguez (CM), William Carvalho (CM); Luiz Henrique (RW), Juanmi (LW), Joaquin (CAM); Ayoze Perez (ST).

Predicted Score:

Real Betis 2-1 Manchester United

Real Betis have not progressed beyond the Round of 16 in the Europa League’s current format, and it doesn’t look like the narrative is going to change in their favour come Thursday. Erik ten Hag’s side staged an impressive victory over the Spanish club, placing them closer to securing a spot in the quarter-finals.

As Manchester United already have a comfortable three-goal lead to defend, it’s unlikely that they will go all-out in the second leg against Real Betis. With several players nursing injuries, the Dutchman may opt for a cautious approach and avoid taking unnecessary risks in Spain.

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