Yahoo Movies Manchester United vs Real Sociedad confirmed line-ups: Team news ahead of Europa League fixture
Manchester United are back in Europa League action tonight when they welcome Real Sociedad for the return leg of their round of 32 tie.
With a commanding 4-0 aggregate advantage from the first leg, where Bruno Fernandes shone once again, the Red Devils will only have to avoid a disaster to qualify for the last 16 in a competition which may present their best chance of silverware this year.
The Red Devils have recaptured some impressive form having eased past Newcastle United 3-1 last weekend, and with their ample advantage tonight, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer may look to prioritise the Chelsea match this weekend and therefore rotate his squad.
La Real bounced back from their humbling at the hands of United by dispatching Alaves by the same scoreline, with youngster Alexander Isak grabbing a hat-trick.
The promising Swede has now scored nine times in his last six La Liga appearances and will be one to watch for the home side here.
READ MORE: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: Injured trio not ready to return as Paul Pogba steps up recovery
La Real’s coach Imanol Alguacil insists the Basque club want to repair some of the damage to their pride after the first leg: “I have to say it could be almost impossible to go through but I believe that my team can compete. I think we can clean our image, win the game and learn from what happened in Turin.
“We really have to be down to earth and know who we are facing. It’s the best Man United in the last 10 years. They’re really world class physically and quality-wise they’re really good. We know how difficult it is to cause nerves in Man United even if we score that first goal. But we want to be competitive.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game:
When is the match?
The game kicks off at 8pm on Thursday 25 February.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2, coverage starts at 19:15 GMT. Subscribers can also stream the match via the BT Sport app.
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What is the team news?
Paul Pogba and Phil Jones are definitely out for this game, while Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek are yet to be given the go ahead following various injuries.
Solskjaer is likely not to risk the trio, and so could give starts to Dean Henderson, Brandon Williams, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata this week.
Harry Maguire is only one yellow card away from suspension and will probably be given a rest this week to give both Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe a run-out in defence.
The Manchester United boss has also confirmed that Amad and Shola Shoretire will both be in the squad for Thursday, but neither youngster is likely to start.
La Real are without two defenders for the second leg as Robin Le Normand is banned following a string of bookings, while Joseba Zaluda suffered a hamstring injury last time out against United.
Zaluda is likely to be replaced at right back by Andoni Gorosabel, while 21-year-old Modibo Sagnan will probably take Normand’s place.
Confirmed line-up
Manchester United XI: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Telles, Fred, Matic, Greenwood, Fernandes (c), James, Martial
Real Sociedad XI: tbc
Odds
Manchester United – 4/5
Draw – 11/4
Real Sociedad – 16/5
Prediction
United have little motivation beyond competition for places and personal pride, given the tie is effectively over, with La Real desperate to restore some pride here. So we’ll go for a draw on the night with both teams to register. Manchester United 1-1 Real Sociedad.
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