Manchester Utd vs PAOK prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-06 20:00.
[p]Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim stint in charge of Manchester United may have started in entertaining fashion with a 5-2 win over Leicester, but normal service was resumed in a lifeless 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. The 12 points they’ve managed after ten league games is their worst such total since 1986/87, coincidentally the season Alex Ferguson arrived to take over as manager in November.[/p]
[p]While that may be a good omen for incoming boss RĂşben Amorim, Van Nistelrooy is tasked with injecting life into their faltering UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign before Amorim’s impending arrival. United have drawn all three of their matches in this competition – surrendering the lead in each – to extend their winless run on the continent to 12 months. That run spans six matches (D4, L2), and any extension to that would be the Red Devils’ longest ever run without a win in Europe.[/p]
[p]Visitors PAOK would have to truly upset the odds to leave Old Trafford anything but empty-handed, and they’re just as badly in need of UEL points as United. The Greek side have just one point to their name after three matchdays (D1, L2) and travel to England having won just three of their last nine matches across all competitions (D2, L4), though two of those victories have come in their last two games.[/p]
[p]The Double-Headed Eagle may retain quiet confidence of building on that given that they’ve lost just once in ten competitive away matches so far this term (W7, D2). However, PAOK have not been so comfortable on the road in the UEL where they’ve lost five of their last six main draw away matches (D1), last tasting success back in October 2018.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: United full-back Noussair Mazraoui was utilised in midfield against Fenerbahçe on matchday three, but should return to full-back where he impressed against Chelsea at the weekend – his last three club goals were game-closers after the 70th minute. PAOK could turn to United academy graduate Shola Shoretire for an impact as he returned from injury by scoring away from home in the Greek Cup last week.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Manchester United have won all six previous home games against Greek opposition by an aggregate score of 20-1.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]