Real Betis vs Man Utd Prediction: Europa League Match on 16.03.2023

Real Betis will host Man Utd at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on Thursday at 17:45 GMT for the second leg of their round-of-16 clash.

     

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Key Highlights

Real Betis’ Run of Form

Manuel Pellegrini and his Real Betis charges have been in good form in recent matches. Before the clash away to Villarreal, Betis had won three drawn once, an unbeaten run that saw them bolster their top-four chances. They are 5th on the La Liga table, just three points behind a stuttering Real Sociedad in fourth.

However, this run in La Liga could not help them from falling to a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford in the first leg of their tie against Manchester United.

Betis were outplayed by their English opponents, who kept 53% possession of the ball and had 25 shots to their 6, with 13 of them on target to their paltry 2. Pellegrini will seek to leverage their recent form and confidence to stage a massive come-back against Man Utd on Thursday.

Manchester United’s Ascendancy

Erik Ten Hag’s side have bounced back well from their 7-0 demolition at Anfield. They held their composure and character to triumph 4-1 in the first leg of this tie and will be looking to complete the job on Thursday in Spain.

After the 4-1 first-leg win over their Thursday opponents, Real Betis, the gaffer praised the character of his team and especially Bruno Fernandes, who faced criticism for his performances at Anfield.

Man Utd will look to reprise their run of form before the clash at Anfield, which saw them win the Carabao Cup too. 

The Dutch tactician will have to manage his side’s load as the games come thick and fast; he will have to balance the Europa league matches with the visit of Southampton and the FA Cup Quarter Finals clash at home to Fulham.

Injury Report

Real Betis

Real Betis will be without attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir. The 29-year-old midfielder is nursing a cruciate ligament rupture he suffered on February 23, 2023. The attacker is expected to be back available for selection by September 17, 2023.

The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection in a boost for manager Pellegrini as he bids to come back from 4-1 down in the second leg. 

Man Utd

Erik Ten Hag will be without long-term absentee Donny van de Beek, who is nursing a long-running knee injury he suffered in January 3, 2023. The Dutchman is expected to be back and available for selection by June 30, 2023.

Central midfielder Christian Eriksen continues his recovery from an ankle injury he picked up on January 29, 2023. The 31-year-old is expected to be back by April 30, 2023; this means he will be unavailable for the clash away to Betis on Thursday.

     

Man Utd will also be without center-forward Anthony Martial. The 27-year-old Frenchman has been nursing a hip injury since February 2, 2023. Having missed 10 matches already, and with no return date set, the Frenchman is ruled out of the clash against Betis in Spain. The game may also come too soon for winger Alejandro Garnacho who sufferred a knock in the stalemate against Southampton in the domestic league over the weekend. 

Possible Lineups

Real Betis

1. Bravo; Abner, L. Felipe, G. Pezzella, Y. Sabaly; W. Carvalho, G. Rodriguez; Juanmi, Joaquin, L. H; A. Perez

Man Utd

1. de Gea; D. Dalot, R. Varane, H. Maguire, T. Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, B. Fernandes, M. Rashford; W. Weghorst

Prediction

Real Betis will stick with their normal game approach based on possession, short quick passes, and a vertical emphasis in their passing. They will also use pressing and counter-pressing to win back the ball and pose pressure on the Man Utd defense.

Man Utd will also look to dominate the game. With a 4-1 lead, United will seek to avoid any exposure or give their opponents any encouragement.

Man Utd will win the match and progress to the next round of the Europa League.

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