Manchester United and Real Sociedad are battling it out for a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals. They're heading into the second leg at Old Trafford this Thursday, and it's all tied up at 1-1. Remember that first leg in Spain? Zirkzee scored first, but then Oyarzabal equalized with a penalty.
Now, United's been having a bit of a rough patch. Just a few days after that draw with Sociedad, they had another 1-1 draw, this time against Arsenal in the Premier League. Fernandes scored a brilliant free kick, though it caused a bit of debate, but Rice leveled things up in the second half.
Honestly, it's been a tough season for United domestically. They're way down the Premier League table, and they're not winning any domestic trophies. So, there's a lot of pressure on Ruben Amorim to win the Europa League if they want to get into the Champions League next season.
And it's not just the on-field stuff. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the co-owners, has been talking a lot about the club's finances, Amorim's impact, and even plans for a massive new stadium. But right now, the focus is on winning games.
Interestingly, United's been pretty strong at home in the Europa League, but they did lose to Real Sociedad back in 2022. That's something to keep in mind.
Real Sociedad's been struggling too. They've lost their last few domestic games, including a tough one against Sevilla. Like United, they might need to win the Europa League to get into the Champions League next year. They're pretty far down the La Liga table.
Their away form hasn't been great either, but they've done well at Old Trafford in the past. They've got a couple of good results there. They did win their last European away game though, so they have shown they can win on the road. They're really hoping to make it past the last 16 in a major European competition for the first time in a long time.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
For Manchester United, it's a bit of an injury list. Lisandro Martinez is out with his knee, Amad Diallo with an ankle issue, and Kobbie Mainoo's got a calf problem. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are both dealing with hamstring injuries. Jonny Evans has a muscle issue, and then Bayindir and Heaton have unspecified problems. Plus, Chido Obi-Martin is ineligible.
Now, there's some uncertainty about Leny Yoro. He had to come off at halftime in the Arsenal game with a foot injury, so he's questionable. Harry Maguire also picked up a knock, so he's a doubt too. But, there's some good news, hopefully Manuel Ugarte will be back after missing a few games.
Patrick Dorgu is available for the Europa League, even though he's suspended domestically, so he should be back at left-back. Amorim's got a decision to make up front: does he bring back Rasmus Hojlund, who hasn't been in top form, or stick with Eriksen and Garnacho behind Zirkzee?
Over at Real Sociedad, Jon Pacheco is still out with a muscle injury. And they've got some worries about Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu, who missed training earlier this week. They're both doubtful.
However, Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan are back in contention after recovering from their fitness issues. And Martin Zubimendi, their key midfielder, is ready to go after missing the first leg due to illness.
As for the starting lineup, Oyarzabal, Kubo, and Barrenetxea are expected to return to the attack after being on the bench against Sevilla. That means Oskarsson, Becker, and Sergio Gomez, who used to play for Manchester City, will probably be on the bench.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad
