Big Match Breakdown: Man Utd v Valencia
Published:
Odds, tips and preview for Champions League clash
After two successive defeats, Manchester United and Jose Mourinho really need a win against Valencia tonight.
The Spanish side aren’t in great form themselves. They’re currently 14th in La Liga. But they’ve got the talent to pour more misery on the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
You can catch the action live on BT Sport 2 at 8:00pm. And before it gets started, the Coral News Team have all the info for you…
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met five times since the turn of the century. United have only won one of those meetings, though the other four have all been drawn.
The most recent encounter was in December 2010, when Anderson cancelled out a Pablo Hernandez goal for the Premier League side.
Likely XIs
After the failed experiment with a back five against West Ham United, the hosts should revert to a 4-3-3 here.
But no United player seems safe from Mourinho’s wrath at present. Alexis Sanchez was dropped at the weekend. Who’ll be next? Anthony Martial may be the fall guy after a poor showing against the Hammers. Marcus Rashford could start, with Juan Mata coming in on the other flank.
Valencia boss Marcelinho almost has his entire squad at his disposal. That means Geoffrey Kondogbia returns in midfield, having missed their opening European game.
The presence of Goncalo Guedes and Carlos Soler on the flanks means Denis Cheryshev may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Key Battles
United still haven’t found a midfield formula that brings out the best of Paul Pogba regularly. If they’re not quite at it in the middle of the park, Dani Parejo and Kondogbia can really impose themselves on the game.
The centre-back pairing of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof isn’t entirely convincing either. They’ll have to be very alert against the dual threat of Michy Batshuayi and Rodrigo Moreno.
Rashford will have good memories of facing former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista though. The Brazilian will be looking for redemption after his personal horror show on Rashford’s Premier League debut in February 2016.
Match Odds
Despite their recent wobble, United are still 3/4 favourites. Valencia are out at 19/5, with the draw at 11/4.
But as United have failed to win any of their last three home games, Marcelinho’s side will feel they’re there for the taking. Valencia or Draw is 11/10.
However, with both sides struggling for form, it’s not likely to be a free-flowing game. Under 2.5 Goals is going for 19/20.
Romelu Lukaku didn’t have his shooting boots on at the weekend, but he’s the likeliest scorer at 21/10. The big striker is also 16/5 to open the scoring.
Valencia will be looking to Rodrigo at 5/2 anytime, while Batshuayi and Kevin Gameiro are both 13/5 to get on the scoresheet.
Click here for the latest Man Utd v Valencia odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
