Manchester United is looking to inch closer to the Europa League title when they meet with Real Betis in the Round of 16. This is the first leg of the Round-of-16 of these two teams in the contest. Man United successfully qualified for the next round after a 4-3 win against Barcelona. This meeting is a knockout round playoff, as they finished with the same record in the group stage. As for Betis, they had a comfortable journey going to the knockout stage, after topping their group. They managed to win against Roma, HJK Helsinki, and Ludogorets, putting them atop of Group C. This meeting will be on March 10, 2023, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8), with Man United as hosts.
No one can set expectations for this match as this will only be the first time that these two teams will meet. However, the hosts are unbeaten in the first leg of their last eight European knockout stage match. They are hoping to continue that record as it will give them an early advantage going into this match. As for the visitors, they are not doing well against an English opponent in Europe. They only have one win against English opponents in Europe, while losing to four, and drawing one. They can gain confidence though that it seems like their manager knows the hosts well, going against them for four times in Europe.
Manchester United
Man United is coming from a brutal 7-0 loss against Liverpool on their last match, a shocking loss for everyone. Although going against Liverpool on the road is tough, their performance in that match came out unexpectedly. Prior to that loss, they are actually on a good run, defeating Barcelona in the contest. It was a 4-3 win for Man United that helped them to qualify for the Round-of-16. Additionally, they can get confidence from the fact that they won the EFL title this season. This squad is eager to inch closer to the title because they aims to end their six-year title drought. They remain hopeful to remain unbeaten in the first leg of their European knockout matches.
Donny van de Beek, and Christian Eriksen are still absent in this match, but they now have a fresh health concern. Casemiro is expected to be unavailable in this game, after being seen off on their last match due to an injury. He will be assessed ahead of this match, along with Victor Lindelof whom missed their last match.
Real Betis
This team is more confident coming into this game, following the result of their last match. On their last game, they held Real Madrid in a goalless draw. Due to this draw, they are now in a four-game unbeaten run, giving them confidence. Before that draw, they are actually in a run of three consecutive wins. Moreover, they are also doing well in Europa League, as they are able to be unbeaten this season. However, in their history, Betis have never progressed past the Round of 16 in the contest in this format. They are hopeful that they could finally progress in the contest, and continue their good momentum. After all, they are doing well on the road, losing only two of their last 12 away games across all contests.
Betis experienced a devastating blow, as Nabil Fekir will be out for the whole season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Juan Cruz is also an expected absentee in this match for a muscular problem.
Prediction:
Manchester United (2.5)
Odds: -0.83
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