Manchester United face a tough test of their Europa League title credentials as they visit Austrian unknowns, LASK at the Linzer Stadion.
Taking place behind closed doors due to the on-going Coronavirus pandemic, United are looking to continue an improved run in form as they look to avoid a shock defeat.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesPhilip Wiesinger and Petar Fliipovic are suspended for LASK after respectively picking up a red and third yellow card in their last Europa match.
Husein Balic (muscle) is a doubt but Marvin Potzmann and Thomas Goiginger are ruled out with knee injuries.
Manchester United have no fresh injury concerns to report as Paul Pogba nears a return from a foot injury, although the Frenchman is unlikely to be risked until the second leg next Thursday.
Lee Grant (unspecified), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (fitness) and Marcus Rashford (back) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- This is the first ever meeting between LASK and Manchester United in all competitions.
- LASK are facing English opposition for the very first time.
- United are unbeaten in four previous trips to Austria (W3, D1).
- LASK have conceded just once in four Europa League home matches this season.
- Two of Utd’s three away Europa League goals this season have come from Anthony Martial, with the Red Devils yet to score after half-time on the road in Europe.
Prediction
Taking place behind closed doors, Man Utd have to start well with their high energy performances of recent matches, otherwise LASK will settle into this game nicely and try to make life difficult for Utd’s attack.
This could therefore be very well a case of cat and mouse in terms of sussing one another out, although I am going for an away win if Utd continue to put their best goal scoring boots forward.
Prediction: LASK 1-2 Manchester United
Result: LASK 0-5 Manchester United