Manchester United have work to do if they are to top Europa League Group E and nothing less that three points will do when they host Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Maximum points really ought to be a formallity for Erik ten Hag's side who are a ridiculously short 1/11 chance with Betfred to get the job done. The visitors are a whopping 33/1 to cause what would have to be considered a major upset.
The Reds didn't really need to come out of third gear to win the reverse fixture by two goals to nil at the Complexul Sheriff, where the hosts managed just two shots on target but they head to Manchester buoyed by six goal win in the Moldovan Cup at the weekend.
As for United, well the green shoots of recovery are well and truly showing through under Erik ten Hag. The Reds posted their best performance of the season against Spurs last week, whatever Roy Keane says, and were value for their point at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
United's hero in west London was Casemiro who may well get a rest on Thursday with ten Hag likely to use Fred and McTominay in the midle of the pitch and keep the former Real Madrid man fresh for Sunday's game agsainst West Ham.
Whatever side United put out on Thursday, they should have more than enough quality to ease their way to three points but they made awful hard work of beating Nicosia in the last round of matches and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise if they only do the bare minimum once again.
Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol predictions
United's chance conversion rate isn't great right now and there is a clear need for a top-class centre forward - that is surely the position that Ten Hag is going to target in the summer. For now though, they are probably going to continue to miss big chances and that is why they might not rack up the big scoreline that many expect in a fixture like this.
United have only scored more than two once in this competition so far so backing the hosts to score less than 2.5 goals with Betfred at 11/10 looks a decent wager. The 1-0 and 2-0 scorelines are decent alternatives.
Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol prediction: Under 2.5 United Goals - 11/10
Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol odds with Betfred
- Manchester United - 1/11
- Draw - 10/1
- Sheriff Tiraspol - 33/1
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