Manchester Utd – Sheriff Tiraspol : Preview & Prediction
Another late goal from Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea last Saturday, just after a stoppage-time UEFA Europa League (UEL) goal to beat Omonia Nicosia 1-0. Although the team is almost qualified for the playoffs, they will still look to beat Sheriff Tiraspol to keep their chances of topping the group ahead of Real Sociedad, who they lost to on the first matchday, but will meet again on the last matchday.
It seems likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club, but Raphaël Varane’s injury could be an even bigger blow to the team, especially considering that both home UEL matches were decided by one goal (G1, P1). The Frenchman helped go three straight home games without conceding a goal (G2, E1), so Erik ten Hag will not be too happy about his injury.
Any changes the coach has to make can be taken advantage of by Sheriff (G1, P3), as they need to win by at least two goals to keep their chances of finishing in the top two. Their European performance, compared to last year, has been somewhat disappointing, but they could still even finish in the UEFA Europa Conference League if they finish third in this group.
The Tiraspol side lead the Moldovan Super League, but have struggled in Europe and that is especially true away from home, where they have won only one of their last five matches (E2, P2) — and that victory came against bottom of the group, Omonia Nicosia. Their only precedent in England didn’t end very well, losing 2-1 to Spurs in the 2013/14 season.
Players to watch: Marcus Rashford’s last 11 goals for Manchester United came after the 50th min, while Rasheed Akanbi has registered three of his last four goals for Sheriff during the first half-hour of play.
Standout stat: After matchday four, United has seen 1.25 yellows per UEL game this season.
Manchester Utd – Sheriff Tiraspol : Betting Tips
UNDER 3.5 GOALS Odds: 1.85
