It has been a damaging week for Man United, as the Red Devils were handed their heaviest-ever defeat in the Premier League over the weekend. However, all attention switches back to the Europa League on Thursday, as United will be looking to take a step into the last eight.
The Red Devils will have home advantage for the first leg of their round of 16 clash against Real Betis, with the Spanish side looking to end a run of four defeats in six against English opposition. You can find the latest Europa League odds and our Manchester United vs Betis prediction here.
Manchester United vs. Real Betis Matchup Information
Manchester United vs Real Betis
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 9, 2023. 3:00 PM ET.
How To Watch: Paramount+
Recent Scores
Before making a Manchester United vs Betis prediction, it is important to consider that this will be the first meeting between the sides on the Europa League schedule. United has come up against eleven different teams from Spain, while Betis has lost four of their last six previous encounters with English clubs.
However, this is the La Liga side’s first showdown with a Premier League side since holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League in November 2005. But, Betis has won just one of their last six matches against teams from England.
Manchester United vs. Real Betis Analysis
Manchester United
The Red Devils are handed a reality check in dramatic fashion in their previous Premier League game. The Red Devils were hammered 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield, meaning that Erik ten Hag will need to regroup his side ahead of this last 16 first leg. United has already shown excellent progression under the Dutchman this term, with their long trophy drought coming to an end in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle a few weeks ago.
United’s biggest win under ten Hag came in the previous round of this competition, as the Red Devils battled back from 1-0 down against La Liga leaders Barcelona to claim a 2-1 win. Fred and Antony scored the goals in that excellent victory. Despite finishing second in their Europa League standings before Christmas, the Red Devils remain one of the leading favorites to win the competition this term.
Their record in knockout soccer is excellent, as the Red Devils haven’t lost an opening leg in their previous eight across the Champions League and Europa League. In knockout games at Old Trafford, United has lost just once in eleven opening legs at the Theatre of Dreams. However, that defeat did come against Spanish opposition eleven years to the day of this fixture against Betis.
Real Betis
Real Betis has already shown excellent quality in the competition this season, as they topped their Europa League table before Christmas, finishing six points clear of Italian giants AS Roma. The Spanish club won five of the six matches that they played, including recording victories in all three matches that they played away from home.
The Europa League stats show them to have one of the best defensive records in the competition this term, as they have allowed just four goals so far. Their domestic form has also been reliable in recent weeks, winning two of their last three. In their most recent fixture, they held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw on Sunday.
However, Betis doesn’t boast the same impressive record at this stage of the competition, as they have won just one of their last seven knockout matches. But, Manuel Pellegrini does have previous experience against the Red Devils in Europe, having led his teams to four straight 0-0 draws against United. A goalless draw will be seen as a very positive result by this Real Betis roster on Thursday.
Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
- Man United: -250
- Real Betis: +700
- Draw: +350
Handicap
- Man United (-1): +110
- Real Betis (+1): +175
Over/Under
Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-138) Under 2.5 (+110)
Manchester United vs. Real Betis Betting Pick and Prediction
Recent domestic form needs to be taken into account before making a Manchester United vs Real Betis prediction this week. However, United’s dominance in European first legs at Old Trafford is exceptionally hard to ignore, and we will be putting their 7-0 loss against Liverpool down to a freak result.
The Red Devils will be looking to show that their previous result was a blip, which means that we could see the Manchester United score being a high number this week. We expect a strong response from ten Hag’s side, and the spread market could offer the most value.
So for our Manchester United vs Betis prediction, go with United to win!
- Pick 1: Manchester United (-1) +110
- Pick 2: Over 2.5 Goals (-138)
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