Europa League action returns on Thursday evening and the main focus will be on Porto v Manchester United.
The Red Devils travel to Portugal in desperate need of a win – or, frankly, anything resembling some sort of collective performance – following their horror show against Tottenham at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag is under immense pressure and a heavy defeat against Porto could see him face the axe. Fresh off their debut on last week, Twitter (that’s X for the dweebs out there) tipsters @FootyAccums are back again looking to help you pocket some pennies.
Porto v Man Utd Tips
Correct score: Porto 3-1 Manchester United
WHEN: Thursday 3rd of October, 8pm
WHERE: Estadio Do Dragao, Porto, Portugal
TV: TNT Sports 2
Porto’s Europa League campaign began with an unexpected 3-2 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, despite the Norwegian side being reduced to ten men. United’s unconvincing performances against Crystal Palace, FC Twente and Spurs have cast doubt over their ability to challenge for silverware this season.
Their last meeting, which took place in the 2009 Champions League quarter-finals, saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a wonder goal that remains etched in the memory of fans. United won 3-2 on aggregate and would go on to be runners-up in this competition at the end of that campaign.
Porto Team News
Ivan Marcano and Zaidu Sanusi remain long-term absentees for the Dragons.
Expected Porto XI: Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Eustaquio, Varela; Pepe, Gonzalez, Galeno; Omorodion
Man Utd Team News
Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are doubts after sustaining injuries against Tottenham. Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee.
Expected United XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Rashford, Zirikzee
Form Guide
Porto have enjoyed a strong start to their domestic campaign, with their only defeat coming against reigning champions Sporting Lisbon. Their attacking prowess has been evident, scoring 16 goals and conceding a mere three in their opening seven league games.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are in dire need of a turnaround if they hope to salvage their season. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed on numerous occasions, and they face a stern test against a potent Porto attack.
In their recent home fixture, Porto thrashed Arouca 4-0 with goals from Samuel Omorodion, Nico Gonzalez, Galeno, and Deniz Gul. United, meanwhile, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in their last away outing at Palace, spurning several chances to secure a much-needed victory.
Porto v Man Utd betting tips
Despite past encounters favouring the Red Devils, United currently find themselves in a vulnerable state under Erik ten Hag. Sunday’s defeat was the second time this season they have conceded three or more goals in a single game, mirroring a similar defensive fragility displayed against Liverpool.
Their away form provides little reason for optimism, having secured just one victory on their travels, which came against Southampton. In stark contrast, Porto have been a force to be reckoned with at home, boasting an impressive unbeaten run of eight games at the Estadio Do Dragao, excluding cup finals. They’ve won all four of their last home games, conceding just once and netting an impressive 11 times.
While history suggests a challenging match for Porto, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four meetings against the Premier League side, the Red Devils’ current inconsistencies cannot be ignored. Considering their instability and Porto’s formidable home record, we anticipate a victory for the Portuguese side that could further exacerbate the pressure on Erik ten Hag. Our prediction: Porto 3-1 Manchester United.
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Porto v Man Utd Betting Tips
Correct score: Porto 3-1 Manchester United
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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