Having spent the past fortnight on the road, Manchester United return to Old Trafford as they take on Partizan Belgrade in a crucial Europa League clash.
After moving top of Group L with victory over Partizan in their last European outing, Man Utd can take a huge step towards qualifying for the knockouts with victory.
Partizan meanwhile could reclaim top spot with a win coupled with anything less than three points for AZ Alkmaar at Astana.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesVictor Lindelof is ruled out for Manchester United with a knock, despite starting against Bournemouth with the injury.
Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah meanwhile are back in training after lengthy knee injuries, although the pair won’t be risked until after the international break.
Axel Tuanzebe (hip), Luke Shaw (hamstring), Diogo Dalot (groin) and Paul Pogba (ankle) remain sidelined alongside Nemanja Matic and Angel Gomes, whose injuries remain undisclosed.
Partizan have a near full squad available as Lazar Markovic remains their only absentee with an abductor injury.
Stat Attack
- Manchester United have won two of their three previous meetings with Partizan Belgrade, including a 1-0 home win in April 1966.
- Utd’s wins both came in their last two meetings with Partizan and by single goal results.
- Partizan are unbeaten in three of their four European away games this season (W2, D1, L1), only losing to Yeni Malatyaspor in the second leg of their Third Qualifying Round tie.
Prediction
After spending two weeks on the road, United will be glad to finally get back to Old Trafford with just the one defeat which isn’t bad given their shaky away form.
I therefore am expecting to see a decent showing in front of the home faithful because this is a chance to continue their positive goal-scoring home form, although Partizan have fared well on the road this season despite losing their last two domestic away trips.
We therefore should see another competitive clash but home advantage should help Utd over the line.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Partizan Belgrade
Result: Manchester United 3-0 Partizan Belgrade