Real Sociedad welcome Manchester United to Anoeta Stadium in a crunch concluding Group E clash in 2022-23 UEFA Europa League.
Victory would see Real Sociedad top Group E and qualify for the Round of 16, whilst Man Utd must win by a two-goal margin to secure top spot and avoid the Knockout Play-Offs.
Team News
Alex Sola could feature for Real Sociedad if he is declared match-fit as he continues to recover from a knee injury, which has kept him out of their last six matches.
Takefusa Kubo (shoulder), David Silva, Ander Barrenetxea, Aihen Munoz (all thigh), Mikel Oyarzabal and Umar Sadiq (both knee) are all ruled out.
Man Utd could welcome Victor Lindelof back into contention after he missed Sunday’s win over West Ham due to illness.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (muscle) and Antony (knock) could also be in contention for starts.
Anthony Martial (back) is a doubt but Raphael Varane (muscle), Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams (both unspecified) and Mason Greenwood (personal) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Real Sociedad have won just one of five previous meetings against Man Utd in all competitions (W1, D2, L2).
- Man Utd are unbeaten in two previous visits to Real Sociedad in all competitions (W1, D1), in which they kept clean sheets in both trips.
- Real Sociedad have scored just one goal in five previous meetings against Man Utd in all competitions.
- Alexander Sørloth has scored once in each of Sociedad’s two previous home matches in this group.
- Marcus Rashford has scored more goals than any other Utd player in this group, having found the net on three occasions.
Prediction
Despite a slip in form across their last three matches, Real Sociedad were still able to comfortably get the job done against Omonia with a clinical win last week, which has put their knockout fate into their own hands in terms of whether they receive a Play-Off bye or not.
Man Utd meanwhile should probably be slightly disappointed to have not scored more than once in an otherwise clinical win over West Ham on Sunday, due to wasteful end product which can’t be repeated here if they want to win by two goals or more to secure a pass to Round of 16 and top the group.
That scenario might therefore suit Sociedad because they know that all pressure will be on Man Utd to go and find two goals, whereas they just need to avoid losing by two goals or more in order to top the group so can afford to relax slightly if wish and go defensive to frustrate their visitors.
Tactics and the first goal will therefore be absolutely vital because if the hosts can get in front, it will be difficult for Utd to top the group otherwise things could get spicy if Utd take an early lead and can continue play with the same quality as saw on Sunday but with better end product.
Either way this game is going to be a dull encounter if Sociedad decide to shut up shop and frustrate Utd or a corker if Utd come out fighting and force an early goal, yet the hosts haven’t beaten Utd at home in two previous clashes so I think the visitors could well have the edge.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United
Result: Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United
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