Off-colour Milan to have something to cling onto
Manchester United will be high in confidence for the visit of an out of form AC Milan in the first leg of their Europa League knockout clash. The Red Devils ended City's massive winning streak at the weekend whilst also keeping a clean sheet at the Etihad, whereas their Italian opponents for Thursday evening also won by the same margin at Verona. Nevertheless, Stefano Pioli's men have had a mixed 2021 in all competitions thus far, squeaking through to this encounter only on the away goals rule, and are missing some big players. This should however make for a more open game than it perhaps might have been otherwise. Read our preview here:
The pen(alty) is mightier than the sword
The derby with their better rivals got off to the best possible start with yet another spot-kick awarded and then dispatched by main man Bruno Fernandes. Whatever the reader's opinion is on the sheer amount they win, the fact remains that the Portuguese playmaker is ruthless when it comes to converting them, and United will have the pace on Thursday in the forward line to twist Milan's defenders around uncomfortably. Anthony Martial is expected to lead from the front, and will likely have Mason Greenwood and Dan James flanking him. It remains to be seen whether Luke Shaw will be fit enough to attempt to add to his goalscoring exploits against the Italian giants, but if not, Alex Telles should come in, making the left wing a very attack-minded area.
Dalot can you go?
Pioli must make do without the following for their trip: Mario Mandžukić, Daniele Bonera, Brahim Díaz, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Ante Rebić, and last but certainly not least, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Any side in the world missing all of those attacking talents (with the notable exception of centre back Bonera) is bound to suffer on the pitch, and it goes a long way to demonstrating why I Rossoneri are distinctly second favourites with the bookies for the encounter. Nevertheless, they are still a threat to United, and many of the aforementioned players' replacements will be looking to impress their head coach sufficiently enough to warrant continued consideration when they return. There is also the added twist of United loanee Diogo Dalot being eligible to play for his temporary club; the young Portuguese full-back has been particularly sparkling in the Europa League, laying on several assists. His forays forward are likely to blunt Aaron Wan-Bissaka's own efficacy outside the defensive third of the hosts.
Fred the Red
Equally key will be the performances of United's double pivot in midfield. They managed especially well against City, strangling their intricate passing in between the lines. Whilst Milan won't have anyone as creative as Kevin De Bruyne in their attack, they will still need to smother space in the middle of the park without giving away too many fouls. Both teams are more than capable of utilising set pieces to maximum effect, and with that in mind, betway are offering odds of 2.80 for over 3.5 goals on the night.
