With qualification assured, Manchester United head to the Astana Arena knowing that victory over Astana could see them seal top spot in Group L.
They however would need AZ Alkmaar to not take full points against Partizan Belgrade later on Thursday evening, otherwise the top spot will go to the final group game between United and AZ.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesAstana will be without Firmin Mubele due to an on-going knee injury, although the rest of squad are available for selection.
Manchester United could name an inexperienced starting lineup, having opted to leave the majority of their first team players at home.
Luke Shaw could make his first appearance since late August after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Axel Tuanzebe, Jesse Lingard and Mason Greenwood are the three sole survivors from Sunday’s six goal thriller at Sheffield United, who feature in the travelling squad with the rest left behind to prepare for Sunday’s league game against Aston Villa.
Stat Attack
- Man Utd edged their only previous meeting with Astana back in September, through a strike from Mason Greenwood.
- This is Astana’s first ever home game against English opposition, although they are unbeaten in two home meetings against British opposition overall with both previous clashes coming against Celtic (W1, D1).
- Man Utd’s five Europa League goals have all come from strikers (Mason Greenwood & Anthony Martial x 2, Marcus Rashford x 1).
Prediction
After an eventful trip to Sheffield United on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the right decision to leave his first team at home because this offers a huge chance for United’s youngsters to gain experience and impress.
Astana will therefore fancy their chances of causing a surprise but Man Utd have been solid if unspectacular in this competition this season, so I am going for an away win.
Prediction: Astana 0-1 Manchester United
Result: Astana 2-1 Manchester United