Europa League Tips: Will United bounce back to beat Sheriff Tiraspol?

Manchester United are back in action on Thursday as the Europa League returns for matchday two. Greg Lea runs through some of the biggest games from the continent’s second-tier tournament.

Sheriff Tiraspol v Manchester United

Kick-off: 5.45pm Thursday 

Manchester United are under serious pressure to pick up all three points against Sheriff Tiraspol this week. Erik Ten Hag’s side suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by Real Sociedad last time out and gave the Spanish side the early advantage in the race for top spot in Group E. 

Sheriff cruised to a 3-0 victory over Omonia on matchday one, but they will struggle to halt United. The Moldovan side are relatively unproven in Europe, while the Red Devils have been in fine form in the Premier League lately. They will be keen to prove their last result was just a blip. 

Selection: Manchester United to win both halves @ 2.42

Real Betis v Ludogorets Razgrad

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

At 18.5, our traders surprisingly make Real Betis the fourth-favourites to win the Europa League at this early stage of the competition. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are going strong in LaLiga – only Real Madrid and Barcelona have amassed more points after five rounds of fixtures – and they eased to a 2-0 victory over HJK on matchday one of the Europa League.

Ludogorets were also victorious last week, springing a surprise against Jose Mourinho’s Roma. But Real Betis’ defensive solidity stands them in good stead for this encounter: each of their three home games in 2022/23 have been wins to nil.

Selection: Real Betis to win to nil @ 2

Stade Rennais v Fenerbahçe

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday

Rennes and Fenerbahçe both left it late to pick up 2-1 victories last time out, with the winning goals against AEK Larnaca and Dynamo Kyiv respectively both coming in injury time. Rennes will hope to benefit from home advantage when the two teams meet on Thursday, but Fenerbahce have had extra time to prepare after having the weekend off in Turkey.

Jorge Jesus’ side are also the top scorers in the Super Lig, while Rennes are yet to keep a clean sheet this term. Goals could be on the cards at Roazhon Park.

Selection: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.22

Sporting Braga v Union Berlin

Kick-off: 8pm Thursday 

Union Berlin continue to confound expectations in Germany. A fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga last season was widely seen as the zenith for the club from the capital, but Urs Fischer’s side currently occupy top spot after winning four and drawing two of their first six games in 2022/23.

However, the Berlin side were beaten 1-0 by namesakes Union Saint-Gilloise last Thursday, and will not have everything their own way against Braga, who triumphed 2-0 over Malmö on matchday one. This could be a tight game with little to separate the sides.

Selection: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8

Recommended trades

Sheriff Tiraspol v Manchester United - United to win both halves @ 2.42
Real Betis v Ludogorets - Real Betis to win to nil @ 2
Stade Rennais v Fenerbahce - Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.22
Braga v Union Berlin - Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8