Betis-Manchester United is a Europa League round of 16 return match to be played on Thursday at 18:45: TV, line-ups, predictions.
Betis could do little in the face of Manchester United’s desire for redemption, eager to put the humiliation at Anfield Road behind them immediately. That dreadful 7-0 loss to Liverpool in the league is an indelible stain that will not be easily erased and will weigh heavily on the balance of a so far positive season.
Lack of experience at certain levels then did the rest and Manuel Pellegrini’s Andalusians held out for just one half on the imposing stage at Old Trafford. A 4-1 win allowed the Red Devils to mortgage qualification against an opponent who could have created them some problems, especially in the return match in Spain. A week ago, after finding the goal of the momentary equaliser with Ayoze Perez, the green-and-whites literally liquefied in the second half, unable to contain Rashford and his team-mates on the offensive level. In fact, Manchester United ran rampant, sending all their strikers into the goal: Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Weghorst were also on the scoresheet. The chances of a rematch are close to zero: since the 2009-10 season in the Europa League, only one team (Valencia) has managed to come back from three goals down. This is not the first time Erik ten Hag’s men have travelled to the Iberian peninsula this season: on both occasions they were unbeaten, beating Real Sociedad and drawing with Barcelona.
An almost impossible remuntada
After the roaring success of the first leg, Manchester United were forced into a draw (0-0) by Southampton, last in the Premier League table. A game heavily affected by Casemiro’s sending-off in the first half
Joaquin
The Red Devils saw their third place threatened by Tottenham, who had played one more match than them. The Andalusians also drew at the La Liga weekend, settling for a 1-1 draw at the home of Villarreal, a direct contender for a European place. For Betis, it was the second draw in a row after the one at home against Real Madrid. Pezzella and his team-mates remain fifth, -3 from fourth place. Pellegrini will most likely have to do without former Lazio man Luiz Felipe, who will be replaced by Victor Ruiz. Fekir and Juan Cruz are also absent. United will have a competitive line-up with all their best men up front. Garnacho, who went off on crutches after the Southampton match, will be absent, as will the long-term sufferers van de Beek and Eriksen, while Sabitzer and Lindelof are in doubt.
The Prediction
Betis have no choice. They must try to break the deadlock in the first few minutes, although they run the risk of being caught on the counter-attack by Manchester United players, who are waiting for nothing else. An eventful match is therefore on the horizon, as in the first leg, with both teams scoring more than two goals in total.
Betis-Manchester United’s likely line-up
- BETIS (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Victor Ruiz, Miranda; William Carvalho, Guido Rodriguez; Canales, Ayoze Perez, Juanmi; Borja Iglesias.
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
