Real Sociedad have seven points from four La Liga matches following a draw with Atletico Madrid at the weekend. They fell to RB Leipzig at the playoff knockout stage of the Europa League last season, following a round of 32 exit at the hands of Manchester United in 2020-21.
These teams also met in the 2013-14 Champions League group stage, with just one goal scored across 180 minutes.
Winner: Manchester United
Erik ten Hag is expected to ring the changes for Thursday’s match with Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luke Shaw in line to start. Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez were taken off against Arsenal with minor injuries and will probably sit this one out.
This fixture is a test of how much Ten Hag has been able to change other than personnel. It is no coincidence that United’s results have improved since Maguire, Ronaldo and Shaw were dropped.
While Ronaldo’s attitude is worth keeping an eye on, the Red Devils’ renewed confidence should carry over to the Europa League. They have the quality to beat this Sociedad team, who lost 4-1 to Barcelona just a couple of weeks ago.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
The attacking talent is still there for United to trouble Sociedad even with major changes, but the defence is a greater problem. Ten Hag could name a completely different back five.
In general, the defence hasn’t been as solid as the goals conceded have suggested. United have allowed 3.9 expected goals against over their last three league matches.
Sociedad might have only netted four times in La Liga so far, but they will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet at Old Trafford.
To Be Shown A Card: Fred
Fred is set to return to the XI for this one. The Brazilian is a regular in the referee’s notebook, receiving five yellows in each of the last two league seasons (despite starting no more than 27 matches). He received two cautions in six Europa League starts in 2020-21.
Even well past his peak years, Sociedad’s David Silva is a masterful dribbler capable of drawing fouls from aggressive tacklers like Fred. Whether in trouble for persistent fouling or taking a tactical foul to stop a break, Fred is a likely booking candidate on Thursday night.
All odds are subject to change