MUN vs PTZ: Can Manchester United stay unbeaten in the Europa League this season?
Manchester United would be buoyed by their performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils became the first team to take points off the Premier League leaders this season and were the better side in the first half of the game.
United had to buckle down in the second half as Liverpool fought hard for the equaliser, but there were many positives for the home side.
However, travelling to Belgrade will be a tough task for the Red Devils who should see several changes in their team.
Partizan, for their part, are unbeaten in the Europa League, just like United, and have four points from their opening two games.
The Serbians feature several players with Premier League experience such as Zoran Tosic and Lazar Markovic.
They also have Umar Sadiq who scored a brace in their 2-1 win over Astana in the Europa League group stage.
Tosic even played for United in 2009, and the home side have lost just two games in their league so far.
United should see a change in the goalkeeping department with Sergio Romero replacing David de Gea while some other youngsters could start for them (h/t ManchesterUnited.com).
Match details
- Europa League 2019/20
- Partizan Belgrade vs Manchester United
- Thursday 24 October, 2019 – 10:25 PM IST
- Venue – Partizan Stadium
Stats
- Partizan and United have met twice before in the European Cup with the Serbians with both sides holding a win at home
- United are unbeaten in their last 13 Europa League matches
- The Red Devils have also kept a clean sheet in their last 3 Europa League games
- Sadiq has scored eight goals from 17 appearances for Partizan this season
- Partizan have lost just one home game from nine clashes in this campaign
Dream 11 Fantasy tips and Predictions
United would have been the favourites for this clash on another day, but their form has been far from great this season.
The Red Devils were able to put up a spirited display against Liverpool, however, several first-team stars could be rested for this trip.
Partizan are not easy opponents at home either and they could spring a surprise.
Dream 11 requires a team to feature at least four players from each side, and choosing the right ones could help in getting a huge points haul.
Goalkeeper
Romero might be the better goalkeeper on display but sticking with Vladimir Stojkovic could be a smart move.
The Partizan keeper has English experience and could thwart United’s chances of getting goals.
Defenders
Strahinja Pavlovic has been one of the most consistent players for the home side and should feature in the defence.
Harry Maguire might be rested for this clash and picking Marcos Rojo could be the smart move. The Argentine was decent in the draw against Liverpool and could see Brandon Williams also start.
Luke Shaw is a doubt for this game (h/t ManchesterUnited.com) and the youngster could get some points playing as the left-back.
Midfielders
Markovic could have been an option for this clash but the former Liverpool man is out till the end of the year.
Tosic didn’t have too many great memories when playing for United, but he could have a point to prove to his ex-employers.
There should be three United midfielders in the ranks with Juan Mata, Fred and Andreas Pereira in the mix.
Mata didn’t face Liverpool and could start for the Red Devils while the two Brazilians did well against the Reds.
Strikers
Sadiq has to be one of the selections for this game given his form for Partizan this season.
United could hand a start to Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial on Thursday.
The Frenchman came off the bench against Liverpool while Greenwood was left on the bench.
Captain and Vice-captain
The captain for this tie should be Martial with Sadiq acting as the vice-captain.
Prediction
This should be a cagey affair given that United had to battle hard for the point against Liverpool. Travelling to Belgrade will also take a toll and the game should end in a scored draw.
Disclaimer
Selections, fantasy tips and predictions are based on historical data related to the team. It is advisable to conduct additional research close to the game for more accurate team news and player availability.
Several factors were taken to build this team, however, individuals should have their own ideas for player selection as this piece only provides some guidelines.
Image credits: Getty, AFP, Bongarts, (Dream 11 for team line-up)
