2024-25 UEFA Europa League: League Phase – FCSB vs Man Utd

FCSB host Manchester United in a huge final league phase fixture in 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. 

Victory will see FCSB secure a top-eight finish and bypass the Round of 16, whilst Man Utd simply need to avoid defeat to secure a top-eight finish although defeat could be enough if results elsewhere swing in their favour.

 

Team News

FCSB will be without Mihai Lixandru (muscle), Darius Olaru (shoulder) and Octavian Popescu (knock).

Vlad Chiriches could return after he missed FCSB’s last three matches with a muscle injury.

Man Utd will have midfielder, Manuel Ugarte available for selection despite the Uruguayan having suffered a minor leg injury in their Premier League win at Fulham.

Jonny Evans (muscle), Mason Mount (leg) and Luke Shaw (unspecified) are still sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

FCSB host Man Utd at The National Arena on Thursday 3 October at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time), live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is FCSB’s first meeting against Man Utd in all competitions.
• Man Utd are making their first competitive visit to FCSB in any competition.
• FCSB have kept clean sheets in two of their three home games in the league phase (W2, D1).
• Rasmus Højlund has scored three goals in two of Utd’s three away games in the league phase (W1, D2), although the Red Devils failed to keep a single clean sheet in those three fixtures aboard.

 

Prediction 

Knowing that a top-eight spot is at stake and in strong home form with one loss since mid-August in all competitions, FCSB certainly can’t be underestimated as underdogs because they’re capable of causing issues – especially if their defence deliver a stubborn display.

Man Utd meanwhile certainly dug in defensively with a very lucky clinical attacking edge to beat Fulham in a game which could of gone differently if the Cottagers took their chances, so there is clearly still work to do because United’s performances aren’t pretty at the minute and have been lucky to win their last two games.

FCSB though will be a tough test and on current form, I can see Utd literally nicking a draw which would suit them but leave FCSB needing results to go their way.

Prediction: FCSB 1-1 Man Utd

Result: FCSB 0-2 Man Utd