The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between Real Sociedad (Spain) and Manchester United (England) will take place on March 6 at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián. Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
The Spaniards couldn't avoid additional playoff matches as they finished only 13th in the general stage of the Europa League. In February, the team played two matches against Midtjylland, defeating the Danes in both encounters (2-1 and 5-2). Notably, the Basques have won 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament. Interestingly, the club has reached the Round of 16 in a European competition for the third consecutive season but has never advanced beyond this stage.
- Real Sociedad's uncompromising series in the Europa League stands at nine matches (6 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 8 of the last 10 games of the San Sebastián team in this tournament.
- The Spaniards have scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Alejandro Remiro – Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Aihen Muñoz, Igor Zubeldia – Brais Méndez, Luka Sučić, Jon Ander Olasagasti – Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Defenders Álvaro Odriozola and Jon Pacheco, as well as midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, will miss the match due to injuries.
Manchester United
The Red Devils had a less than ideal start to the general stage, drawing three times in the opening rounds. However, the English side then transformed and secured five consecutive victories. With 18 points, the club finished in third place and avoided playoff matches. Notably, Manchester United did not lose a single match in the main stage of the Europa League. The last time the club reached the playoffs of this tournament was two years ago, when they made it to the quarter-finals.
- The English side has scored at least two goals in their last five matches in this European competition.
- Manchester United has lost only once in their last 19 Europa League matches (13 wins and 5 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of the last 8 matches of the Red Devils in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (5-4-1)
Altay Bayındır – Tyrell Malacia, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot – Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes – Rasmus Højlund.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, defenders Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, midfielders Toby Collyer and Mason Mount, as well as forwards Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, are out of the game.
Referee
Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United
Both clubs are underperforming in their domestic leagues this season. Interestingly, the teams have garnered approximately the same number of points in La Liga and the Premier League and are unlikely to secure a spot in European competition zones, so they will aim to save their season with a strong performance in the Europa League. The opponents are roughly equal in class and level of play, so they will be focused on achieving positive results on their home turf.
Real Sociedad has won their last four home matches in this European competition. Additionally, the Basques have a solid home record in La Liga, where they have lost only once in their last seven matches, securing five wins and one draw. Manchester United has failed to win three of their last five away matches in the Europa League, defeating only modest teams like Viktoria Plzeň and FCSB. Meanwhile, in the Premier League, the Red Devils have won just twice in their last 11 away matches.
Therefore, I expect the home team to win the first encounter. My prediction: Real Sociedad to win
