Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United Match Analysis and Prediction

4 years ago 734

Manchester United will be looking to claim their first Europa League win of the season when they travel to face Moldovan powerhouses Sheriff Tiraspol in Thursday’s Group E contest at the Zimbru Stadium.

While the hosts claimed a 3-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia, the Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad on matchday one.

Seeking to prove that their European ambition is still well and truely alive after making waves in the Champions League last season, Sheriff Tiraspol recovered from their qualifying disappointment in the European top tier competition to see off Omonia with ease last week.

The standings are still in their early stages, but Sheriff’s defensive resilience should come to the fore on Thursday as they look to build on last season’s last-32 exit to Braga, and their 2-0 Super Liga victory over Milsami Orhei on Sunday was an ideal preparation.

Sheriff have not suffered defeat in any competition since being eliminated by Viktoria Plzen in Champions League qualifying, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches since, and their victorious run across all competitions now stands at eight games.

Manchester United had every right to protest Real Sociedad’s awarding of a penalty at Old Trafford last Thursday, where the pre-game talk was dominated by the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s demise and whether the contest would go ahead as scheduled.

Defeat to Sociedad was quite the reality check for Erik ten Hag and his side, who had previously won four straight Premier League matches, and the trip to Sheriff will mark their final game before the international break following the postpoement of their encounter with Leeds United.

Man United fans have witnessed their side score in each of their last 15 European matches on the road, but Sheriff’s unwavering defence will prove a tough test.

Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United head to head

These two teams have not previously met on any occasion and this will be their first meeting in the Europa League group stages.

Sheriff Tiraspol latest home form

Sheriff Tiraspol have recenty been on a good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their four most recent matches. They managed to defeat Milsami Orhei 2-0 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and conceded three.

Sheriff Tiraspol 1-0 Viktoria Plzen 02/08/22

Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 Dinamo-Auto 14/08/22

Sheriff Tiraspol (P)0-0 Pyunik 25/08/22

Sheriff Tiraspol 1-1 Petrocub 29/08/22

Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 Milsami 11/09/22

Sheriff Tiraspol latest away form

Sheriff Tiraspol have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having been unbeaten in their four most recent matches. They managed to defeat Ominia Nicosia in their last away game in the Europa League. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded two.

Viktoria Plzen 2-1 Sheriff 09/08/22

Pyunik 0-0 Sheriff 18/08/22

CSF Balti 0-3 Sheriff 21/08/22

Dacia-Buiucani 0-2 Sheriff 03/09/22

Omonia Nicosia 0-3 Sheriff 08/09/22

Manchester United latest home form

Manchester United have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having won just two of their six most recent matches. They lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad in their last home game in the European League. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded six.

Manchester United 1-1 Rayo Vallecano 31/07/22

Manchester United 1-2 Broghton & Hove Albion 07/08/22

Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool 22/08/22

Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal 04/09/22

manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad 08/09/22

Manchester United latest away form

Manchester United have recently been on an upturn in form on the road, having won each of their two most recent matches. They managed to defeat Leicester City 1-0 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and also conceded six.

Melbourne Victory 1-4 Manchester United 15/07/22

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Manchester United 30/07/22

Brentford 4-0 Manchester United 13/08/22

Southampton 0-1 Manchester United 27/08/22

Leicester City 0-1 Manchester United 01/09/22

Sheriff Tiraspol news

Sheriff have come through their last two matches without picking up any fresh injury concerns, and only goalkeeper Dumitru Celeadnic should be absent following a positive COVID-19 test.

The midfield duo of Moussa Kyabou and Mouhamed Diop are both expected to return to the first XI for the hosts this week.

Manchester United news

Brandon Williams and Facundo Pellistri remain out of contention for the visitors, who will hope to have Donny van de Beek back from a knock, but the Dutchman could start on the bench.

Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane prepare to return to the starting XI, with Marcus Rashford back to spearhead the attack.

Prediction and Odds

Facing a Sheriff Tiraspol side with a tough defensive front to break is not a recipe for a goal-laden performance from Manchester United.

The hosts are not to be underestimated in continental competition by any stretch, but the Red Devils should have enough quality to come away with a all three points.

Odds: 1 2.31 X 2.05 2 2.20