Embed from Getty Images
Manchester United are getting back to Champions League action this midweek. After their 1-o win against Copenhagen few weeks ago, it is time for Erik Ten Hag’s team to face the champions of Denmark once more. This time, they will play away from home, where a win is a necessity if the Devils are to have a chance of progressing into the Round of 16. The early losses to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray complicated things drastically, but now they have a chance to get all six points against the objectively weakest team in the group. Here is what you need to know ahead of the clash at the Parken Stadium.
William Clem (leg), David Khocholava (knee), and Birger Meling (muscle) are still out for Copenhagen due to injuries, while Mohamed Elyounoussi is questionable after missing the last game with an undisclosed problem. After recuperating from an injury, Valdemar Lund may be included in the matchday squad on Wednesday, although he is not anticipated to start ahead of Denis Vavro and Kevin Diks in central defense. The brothers of Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund, Oscar and Emil, will be vying for the starting position. Oscar will be looking to hold off Diogo Goncalves’ push and keep his spot in central midfield with Lukas Lerager and Rasmus Falk.
Regarding Man United, after missing the victory over Fulham due to injury and illness, respectively, Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof are available to play on Wednesday. Maguire is also fit after undergoing concussion protocols after the game last weekend. However, Casemiro (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia (knee problems for both), and Jadon Sancho (disciplinary reasons) are all out of contention to play in this match.
It seems like Copenhagen’s loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford few weeks back made a good impact on the Danish champions. They were on a run of just one win in four previous matches, but since then, they won all three of their following games. Against Hvidovre, they got a comfortable 4-0 win, before getting a revenge agaisnt Midtjylland – winning 1-0, following their recent clash in which they were on the losing side. And in their final match last weekend, Copenhagen defeated Randers 4-2 away from home, showing they are scoring much more often in recent weeks.
United, on the other hand, are not. The last time United scored more than once in a single game was against Sheffield United on 21 October and in the four matches since, they score mere two goals. It is a good thing for Erik Ten Hag that those goals came in two different matches, when United did not concede – in 1-0 wins against Copenhagen and Fulham last weekend. In between those games were the painful home 3-0 losses at the hands of Manchester City in the Premier League and Newcastle United in the League Cup.
It is clear the visitors will be favourites to get another win in this matchup and we predict Manchester United will win 2-1. Copenhagen could hurt the Devils and maybe make this an interesting encounter, but Ten Hag’s team should simply have enough about themselves to get the needed three points.
The post Copenhagen vs Manchester United – Match Preview & Prediction appeared first on Stretty Rant.
