Manchester United look to get back to winning ways with their Europa League tie against Omonia Nicosia tomorrow. United travel to Cyprus on Matchday 3 in an aim to push Sociedad all the way to Matchday 6 to claim the top spot of the group. With plenty of players keen to impress following the horrendous derby day result, Erik ten Hag is likely to start strong and make changes accordingly. However, with some options limited due to injury, some regulars may not have a choice. A big game for both but for different reasons. Here’s all you need to know:
Omonia FC vs Manchester United Match Information:
Teams: Omonia Nicosia and Manchester United
Date: Thursday 6th October 2022
KO Time: 17:45 GMT
Stadium: GSP Stadium
Managers: Neil Lennon and Erik ten Hag
Referee: João Pinheiro
Team News:
Omonia Nicosia
Omonia will be without midfielder Cassana after sustaining an injury against Sociedad. The Bissau-Guinean missed their domestic match over Doxa and is a serious doubt for the game. Similarly, Hector Yuste came off against Sociedad but was fit for the bench at the weekend and could return to the team. Otherwise, the former-Celtic manager has no injury concerns.
Manchester United
Manchester United are not as fortunate as their Cypriot opponents. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will miss the game due to injury and join Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the injury list. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are available as is Martin Dubravka who could make his debut in Cyprus. Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro are pushing for starts.
Interesting Facts:
- This will be Manchester United’s first appearance against Omonia but the Cypriot side has lost all four of their last encounters with English opponents.
- If Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Omonia, it will be the 125th team he has scored for his respective clubs in his career. It will also be club career goal number 700. Outrageous.
- Anthony Martial is currently on a run of a goal or assist every 25 minutes this season.
Predicted XI:
Manchester United won’t spring many surprises as I expect them to try and kill this game quickly and build their goal difference. The defence should set itself with Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez and Shaw shoe ins right now. Dubravka could make his debut and it would be interesting to see how the team plays with him in goal. In midfield, I can see Casemiro coming in but with Eriksen and Bruno ahead of him to start. Up front, it’s trickier. I’d expect Antony to keep his place along with Rashford and it’s a coin-toss between Ronaldo and Martial but I’ll go for Martial to build fitness and form and then Ronaldo to come on after 45-60 minutes.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Martial
Predicted Score:
I can see Ten Hag inciting a reaction from his team to start fast and strong and make a statement. It doesn’t matter who you play, if you work hard, score goals and play well, it builds confidence, momentum and form. And that’s just what United need going into the tight and tricky run before the World Cup.
United to win 4-0