Manchester United v Sociedad predictions: Red Devils to extend winning sequence

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester United v Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 8pm Thursday

Best bet

Manchester United
2pts 4-6 general

Team news

Manchester United
Facundo Pellistri (ankle), Brandon Williams (unspecified) and Anthony Martial (Achilles) are injured.

Sociedad
Robin Le Normand (foot) is expected to join Mikel Oyarzabal and Carlos Fernandez on the sidelines.

Match preview

Four successive Manchester United victories have transformed the mood around Old Trafford and the feelgood factor can be maintained with an opening Europa League success at home to Real Sociedad.

Erik ten Hag recognises the importance of the Europa League, which offers an opportunity to secure a major trophy alongside the safety net of a potential route back into the Champions League.

However, Ten Hag has a deep squad at his disposal and could make a host of changes and still send out a side packed with experience and talent.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro are just two of the players hoping for a place in the starting line-up and a much-changed United eleven should still be too strong for Sociedad, who are highly likely to be United's main rivals for top spot in Group E.

Moldovan champions FC Sheriff and Cypriot outfit Omonia Nicosia are the other opposition in a soft section which shouldn't pose too much of a challenge for Ten Hag's expensively assembled squad.

However, United would rather get early points on the board and they will be keen to maintain the positive vibe which had to be hard-earned in the wake of last month's 4-0 drubbing at Brentford.

Sociedad, who are ninth in La Liga, are up against a confident opponent and they approach the match without injured Spanish international attacker Mikel Oyarzabal.

Classy veteran David Silva will offer the away side some creativity but they have lacked a cutting edge since Alexander Isak's sale to Newcastle and may struggle to prevent United from reeling off a fifth straight success.

Key stat

Manchester United have won their last four fixtures.

Inside info

Manchester United

Penalty taker Cristiano Ronaldo
Assist ace Bruno Fernandes
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Fred

Sociedad

Penalty taker Umar Sadiq
Assist ace David Silva
Set-piece aerial threat Umar Sadiq
Card magnet Igor Zubeldia

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