Europe UEFA Europa League Last 16, Second Leg (16.03)

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Betis vs Manchester United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Betis:
Bravo; Sabaly, Pezzella, Ruiz, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Canales, Perez, Juanmi; Iglesias

Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

Betis welcome Manchester United to the Benito Villamarin Stadium for Thursday's last-16 second leg. The Red Devils have big advantage as they won 4:1 at Old Trafford last week. It was the perfect response to their Anfield embarrassment four days earlier. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with his 26th goal of the season in the sixth minute after Fernandes' cross had been diverted into his path. Ten Hag's men created lot of good opportunities, but Betis keeper Claudio Bravo twice denied Rashford, Fernandes had a shot blocked and Weghorst's near-post effort was deflected wide even though he didn't get a corner. However, Betis were clinical in 32nd minute when Ayoze Perez equalized the result. Nevertheless, Manchester United dominated the game during the second half, scoring three goals. Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst have all found the back of the net and United put themselves in a strong position to reach the last eight.

Betis were very in the group stage, registering five victories and one draw. However, the actual form isn't at desired level. They shared the points on the last two matches in La Liga, but considering the draws came against Real Madrid and Villarreal, I believe coach Manuel Pellegrini could be satisfied with the results. He has big injury issues at the moment. Key player Nabil Fekir will miss the remaining part of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. His absence is a huge handicap, Fekir is simply irreplaceable. Centre-back Luiz Felipe is rated as doubtful due to hamstring discomfort. He could be out until after the international break, so Victor Ruiz is ready to deputize. Juan Cruz is also sidelined, but William Carvalho is back and he is expected to start from the first minute. Sergio Canaless has return to full fitness.

Manchester United played a good season, but some results are frustrating. The high 4:0 defeat at Brentford was almost forgotten by the fans, when another humiliation happened some 10 days ago. And this time it was extremely painful as they lost 7:0 to Liverpool. It's the team worst league defeat since 1931. They remained third in the Premier League, but Tottenham are just two points behind. Manager Erik Ten Hag came under pressure, although his position is safe at the moment. The Dutchman is still without long-term absentees Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, while three more players are rated as doubtful. Alejandro Garnacho left Old Trafford on crutches at the weekend due to ankle injury and it is not confirmed the severity of problem. Victor Lindelof (illness) and Marcel Sabitzer (knock) are both doubtful due to illness and knock injury respectively.

Betis vs Manchester United Prediction:

Manchester United have gone unbeaten in their last four trips to Spain. The Red Devils have a three-goal advantage from the first leg and they simply need to avoid a big collapse to secure the quarter-finals. Ten Hag surely remember visits to Brentford (lost 4:0) and Liverpool (lost 7:0). It is clear United players will give the maximum. Betis are without key player Fekir due to injury and I don't think they are able to avoid another defeat.

Betis vs Manchester United Pick: Manchester United to win @ 2.00 with Pinnacle