Europa League: Playing at Old Trafford Might Overwhelm Omonia

Manchester United vs Omonia

Following their first-ever competitive meeting, Manchester United will head back home to Old Trafford to host Omonia for the reverse fixture of their Europa League group stage matchup this Thursday.

The visitors may have lost 3-2 to the Red Devils in a close contest last week, but they surely gave them a scare when they had the upper hand in the first half courtesy of Karim Ansarifard.

Erik ten Hag made changes in his starting XI during half-time and it paid off as Marcus Rashford had a brace and Anthony Martial added one more before Nikolas Panayiotou tallied the consolation goal for the Cypriot side.

Both teams are keen to grab this win as Manchester United are looking to put pressure on top seeded Real Sociedad, while Omonia wouldn’t want to finish winless after the group stage.

Talking Points

Manchester United back on the winning track

Following their brutal defeat against derby rivals Manchester City, United have bounced back with a couple of come-from-behind victories against Omonia and Everton.

They had no business losing to Omonia in Cyprus so beating them isn’t surprising. And then it was a memorable night at Merseyside for Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Victor Lindelof days later.

Antony became the first Manchester United player to score a goal in his first three league games, while Victor Lindelof made his 200^th cameo as a Red Devil and Cristiano Ronaldo notched his 700^th club goal.

Ronaldo was brought in earlier than usual after Anthony Martial limped off and he delivered No. 700 right before half-time to essentially seal the deal for the Red Devils. Victory for Manchester United has moved them up to fifth at the Premier League table.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now scored 26 goals since returning to Old Trafford last summer, extending his overall total at the club to 144. He also scored 450 at Real Madrid, 101 at Juventus, and five at Sporting.

With Anthony Martial likely to face another spell in the sidelines, Erik ten Hag might consider starting Ronaldo, or even Jadon Sancho up front alongside Marcus Rashford and Antony.

Nine goals conceded from their last three games across all competitions is a concern for the Red Devils, although injuries played a role in that.

Raphael Varane returned from his one-game absence in the closing stages during their victory against Everton. The Frenchman will rekindle his centre-half partnership with Lisandro Martinez, putting Victor Lindelof back on the bench.

Furthermore, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, and Donny van de Beek are the other notable injuries for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Omonia desperate for a win

Omonia are still without a single point because of their lacklustre Europa League 2022 results, so the best that they can do is to try and usurp Sheriff Tiraspol for a berth in the Europa Conference League.

Neil Lennon’s side recently lost 1-0 to AEL in the Cypriot First Division, which marked their fourth loss in their last five away games, so they’re not exactly confident heading into Old Trafford.

It doesn’t help them either that first choice goalkeeper Fabiano – who was one of their best players in the reverse fixture against the Red Devils – was taken off the pitch after 57 minutes versus AEL due to a shoulder knock.

With him doubtful to play, backup Konstantinos Panagi should take his place between the sticks.

History

Manchester United cannot afford to let their guard down since they’ve lost their last two home matches in Europe, against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. They’ve never lost three continental home games in a row.

Thursday marks Omonia’s third European away game after losing their last two against Arsenal (1994-95) and Manchester City (2008-09). Overall, Omonia are winless in 17 away games in major European competitions (D3, L14) and have only won twice in their last 36 road games at this level.

No Cypriot side has ever won away to a Premier League side in European competition (D2, L6).

Betting Tip 

The SBOTOP Europa League 2022 odds are stacked against the visitors as Manchester United are installed to win 1.10, while Omonia are priced at 10.50 and chances for a draw are at 8.50 in the 1X2 market.

The Red Devils are expected to put on a more spirited display since they’re playing at home. And because they’re now aware of what their visitors are capable of, they should be able to have a better start than they did last week.

 

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