Belgrade vs Man Utd preview | Confirmed team news | Expected line-up’s | Prediction

Manchester United can take control of Group L in the Europa League with a win over Partizan Belgrade this evening  [5.55pm kick-off]. 

United have endured a tough start to the season but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eased the pressure on his shoulders with a spirited 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

However, performances in the Europa League have been uninspired so far as Man Utd have managed to scored just one goal in their opening two games after edging past Astana 1-0 at home before being held to a dour 0-0 draw at AZ Alkmaar earlier this month.

It means United currently sit level at the top of the table with Partizan Belgrade on four points so they can move three points clear and take control of the group with victory in Serbia later this evening.

Team news

Manchester United will be without David De Gea as Solskjaer has decided not to risk his number one after he rushed back from a groin injury to start against Liverpool at the weekend. Sergio Romero will be recalled between the sticks.

Paul Pogba also hasn’t travelled as he’s still working his way back from an ankle injury while Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly are all missing.

Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof and Daniel James could all be rested while Ashley Young has been left back in Manchester but Jesse Lingard is expected to be recalled after recovering from a thigh injury.

Anthony Martial should also start up front after making his return from a thigh injury with a sub appearance against Liverpool while Mason Greenwood and Juan Mata could also get recalls along with youngster Brandon Williams.

As for Partizan Belgrade, they’ll be without former Liverpool attacker Lazar Markovic due to injury while Seydouba Soumah is also a doubt.

Expected line-ups

Partizan XI: Stojkovic; Miletic, Ostojic, Pavlovic, Urosevic; Natkho, Zdjelar; Asano, Soumah, Tosic; Umar

Prediction

Partizan Belgrade 1-1 Man Utd: United have struggled away from home this year as they haven’t won on the road in any competition since the stunning win at PSG back in March of last season. Belgrade will look to make it an intimidating atmosphere at the Partizan Stadium and this will be a tough game for United as the hosts haven’t lost at home in any of their previous 11 European games.

However, the Manchester giants are also unbeaten in their last 13 Europa League matches and the performance at the weekend should give the players some confidence. I’m not expecting a classic this evening but I think United will bring home a solid point.