AZ Alkmaar vs Man Utd preview | Latest team news | Expected line-up’s | Prediction

Manchester United are in Holland to take on AZ Alkmaar in the group stages of the Europa League this evening [5.55pm kick-off].

The Red Devils have endured their worst start to a Premier League season in 30 years after being held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal on Monday night which has left them languishing way down in 10th place in the table.

The pressure is mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shoulders so the United boss will be hoping the Europa League can provide him with some salvation as he looks to make it two wins from two group stage games.

Man Utd kicked off their Europa League campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Astana at Old Trafford two weeks ago so they’ll be looking to take control of Group L with a win over AZ Alkmaar – who drew 1-1 with Partizan Belgrade in their opening game.

Team news

United will have to make-do without the services of Paul Pogba as the midfielder has been ruled out after aggravating his ankle injury against Arsenal having only recently returned to action.

Anthony Martial is also still on the sidelines nursing a thigh problem that’s hampered him for the last month while Aaron Wan-Bissaka hasn’t made the trip to Holland due to tonsillitis.

Phil Jones misses out after suffering an injury during the Carabao Cup clash with Rochdale last week while Luke Shaw also remains on the sidelines but Diogo Dalot and Angel Gomes are back in contention.

Youngsters Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and James Garner should be involved but Marcus Rashford might be rested after rushing back from a groin injury to face Arsenal.

Expected line-ups

AZ Alkmaar XI: Bizot; Rhijn, Vlaar, Wuytens, Wijndal; Clasie, Koopmeiners, Midtso; Stengs, Idrissi, Boadu

Predicted score

AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Man Utd: United have only won two of their last 12 league games and come into tonight’s match is poor form so I’m expecting a close battle this evening. This is arguably Man Utd’s hardest game of the group stages as AZ are a decent side who’ll cause plenty of problems. Solskjaer will field a weakened team and I think they’ll have to settle for a point tonight.