Real Sociedad vs Man Utd preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions

MANCHESTER UNITED kick-start their Europa League knockout campaign against Spanish heavyweights Real Sociedad.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Real Sociedad vs Man Utd preview

Manchester United meet Spanish opposition Real Sociedad in what could be their most important fixture of the campaign.

Yes, the Europa League represents United’s final shot at winning silverware this season.

But it’s also their only realistic opportunity to achieve Champions League football next season, while their summer transfer plans hinge on European participation.

They head to San Sebastian as 5/2 underdogs, and that’s no huge surprise given they sit 14th in the Premier League table with just one victory in their last four.

Their FA Cup defeat wouldn’t have helped either with the Red Devils playing over 120 minutes before losing to Fulham on penalties.

But Europe has proven something of a safe haven for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their eight Europa League matches this season (W5 D3), while they’ve lost just one of their last eight away games against Spanish opposition in Europe (W5 D2).

There are more good omens for the visitors, who’ve not lost the first leg in any of their last ten competition two-legged ties and have won their last four Europa League round of 16 ties.

But Real Sociedad represent a real challenge, despite sitting ninth in the Spanish division.

Sociedad defeated Danish champions Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate in the knockout play-offs and have won their last four Europa League home matches.

However, their last outing against Barcelona didn’t go to plan when losing 4-0 and failing to register a single shot.

They’ve also never beaten an English side on home soil in Europe (D1 L3), failing to score in each of the last three matches (all against Manchester United).

Real Sociedad have also failed to progress from any of their previous four last 16 ties in major European competition.

Real Sociedad vs Man Utd preview betting odds

Real Sociedad 8/7 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Draw 11/5 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE

Man Utd 14/5 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Real Sociedad vs Man Utd preview betting tips and predictions

Home win

Real Sociedad may have lost their last two matches, but those were up against Spanish juggernauts Real Madrid and Barcelona.

They actually had more shots on target and a similar xG than Real Madrid in their 1-0 loss, while they played with 10 men for 75+ minutes in their 4-0 defeat at Barcelona.

Before that, they’d lost just once on home turf in their last 13 matches (W11, D1), scoring 26 goals and registering an impressive nine clean sheets.

An injury-ravaged Manchester United should find it difficult to bypass Sociedad’s intense pressing game in what should be a low-scoring win for the hosts.

Real Sociedad to win at 11/10 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE

Carded

Martin Zubimendi isn’t shy of a booking or two and he’s our pick to be shown a card on Thursday evening at 23/10 with William Hill.

Zubimendi, 26, has picked up eight cautions in 35 appearances for Real Sociedad this season – including three in seven Europa League displays.

The midfielder ranks 14th for most fouls committed in La Liga this season with 36 in 25 matches – at an average of 1.5 per match.

Martin Zubimendi to be carded at 15/8 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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