The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between Real Sociedad (Spain) and Manchester United (England) will take place on March 6 at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
The Spanish side couldn't avoid additional playoff matches as they finished only 13th in the overall Europa League stage. In February, the team played two matches against Midtjylland, defeating the Danish side in both encounters (2-1 and 5-2). Notably, the Basque club has won 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament. Interestingly, this is the third consecutive season the club has reached the Round of 16 in a European competition, but they have yet to progress beyond this stage.
- Real Sociedad has an uncompromising series in the Europa League, consisting of nine matches (6 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 8 of Real Sociedad's last 10 games in this tournament.
- The Spanish team has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Alejandro Remiro – Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Aihen Munoz, Igor Zubeldia – Brais Mendez, Luka Sucic, Jon Ander Olasagasti – Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Defenders Alvaro Odriozola and Jon Pacheco, as well as midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, will miss the match due to injuries.
Manchester United
The Red Devils had a somewhat shaky start in the overall stage, drawing three times in the opening rounds. However, the English side then transformed, securing five consecutive victories. Accumulating 18 points, the club finished third and avoided playoff matches. Notably, Manchester United did not lose a single match in the main stage of the Europa League. The last time the club reached the playoffs of this tournament was two years ago when they advanced to the quarter-finals.
- The English side has scored at least two goals in their last five matches in this European competition.
- Manchester United has lost only once in their last 19 Europa League encounters (13 wins and 5 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Manchester United's last 8 games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (5-4-1)
Altay Bayindir – Tyrell Malacia, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot – Toby Collier, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes – Rasmus Hojlund.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, midfielder Mason Mount, as well as forwards Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, are out of action.
Referee
Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United
Both clubs are underperforming in their domestic leagues this season. Interestingly, the teams have accumulated a similar number of points in La Liga and the Premier League, and they are unlikely to qualify for European competition spots, so they will aim to salvage their season with a strong performance in the Europa League. The opponents are roughly equal in class and level of play, so they will be focused on achieving a positive result on their home ground.
Real Sociedad has won their last four home matches in this European competition. In addition, the Basques have a solid home record in La Liga, where they have lost only once in their last seven matches, securing five wins and one draw. Manchester United, on the other hand, has failed to win three of their last five away matches in the Europa League, only defeating modest sides Viktoria Plzen and FCSB. In the Premier League, the Red Devils have won just twice in their last 11 away encounters.
Therefore, I expect only a home team victory in the first leg. My prediction – Real Sociedad to win
