Real Sociedad v Man Utd: Predictions, tips and bet builder as Reds compete in low-scoring clash

That was the club’s fourth meeting in two seasons, with the Reds having to settle for a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and going down 1-0.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Dan James handed them a 4-0 away win in 2021, but no one expects tonight to be that easy.

Both sides have scored in all of their European fixtures this season and Sociedad have been hard to beat away from home.

United travel to Spain with a lengthy injury list that could impact proceedings, but we’ve done our best to put together a bet builder.

 

Real Sociedad v Man Utd bet builder tips

Real Sociedad: Double chance - 2/9

Under 2.5 goals - 3/5

Oyarzabal 1+ shot on target - 1/2

 

Real Sociedad: Double chance

As much as the hosts are rightly favoured in the circumstances, United have shown some character in tough situations under Ruben Amorim.

That’s not to say they are any better, because they have problems, and they are ravaged by injury. But there’s a bit more fighting spirit when they’re in the trenches.

Man United fans may tell you promoted teams shouldn’t be giving them problems, but they found a way to win against Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton. Plus there were the results against Liverpool and Man City.

I don’t think anyone expects them to win against a team that’s in good form at home and have found the net in every Europa League fixture, but they may pinch a draw.

The hosts certainly won’t settle for a draw but we’ll keep our options open by avoiding backing them outright.

 

Under 2.5 goals

Five of six meetings between the sides have produced under 2.5 goals. There have been a trio of 1-0s, a pair of 0-0s, and a rogue 4-0 win for United.

The home side have failed to score on five occasions while the hosts have drawn three blanks. It’s not been a good fixture for both teams to score.

Although the Spaniards aren’t the only side with a good goalscoring record in the competition, as United have also scored in 100% of their games.

For all the good attacking talent on show, it’s worth noting that these are two of the best defences left in the competition.

 

Oyarzabal 1+ shot on target

Remember this name? Mikel Oyarzabal scored the goal that sent England home crying after the Euro 2024 final.

The Spanish marksman isn’t prolific, but he has cult status after 10 seasons in San Sebastian and he’s enjoyed himself in this competition.

He’s producing 1.72 shots per 90 minutes this season, 0.55 of which are testing the keeper, and United have struggled against centre forwards recently.

He’s been limited to 550 minutes in the Europa League but has made good use of his time on the pitch, firing off 20 shots and testing the goalkeeper 10 times.

We’ll round off Thursday’s acca with Oyarzabal to test the keeper.

 

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