Villarreal vs Manchester United is a game to watch tonight.
Preview of Villarreal vs Manchester United:Both teams are tied for first place in this UEFA Champions League (UCL) group with seven points apiece, and depending on Atalanta’s result, Group F could be won with a matchday to spare.
Villarreal has a point to prove after losing two points despite leading at halftime in their weekend match against Celta Vigo, despite the fact that it was their fourth game in a row without defeat (W2, D2, L1).
With a win, Villarreal will equal the ten points they needed to win a group that included Manchester United in their first UCL season (2005/06).
If the hosts can take advantage of home advantage right away, they will make history, as the ‘Yellow Submarine’ have yet to win a head-to-head (D5, L1) or score before halftime in a UCL match against the ‘Red Devils.’
The only defeat in that record came in the reverse match on matchday two, when Man United’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning stoppage-time winner.
However, times have changed, and United are coming off a bruising 4-1 loss to Watford on Saturday.
Following a third defeat by a two-goal margin in five matches, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired.
Given United’s relatively easy finish to the group stage, which includes a game at home against Young Boys on the final matchday, a win here at the Estadio de la Cerámica should all but guarantee top spot.
However, in each of their last four UCL away games (D1, L3), the three-time European champions have conceded two or more goals, illustrating the difficult task that awaits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor.
Players To Watch
Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma has scored twice in stoppage time of both halves in his last four appearances.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, could be ready to wreak havoc on Villarreal once more, having scored in each of Man United’s last three Champions League games (W2, D1).
Hot Stat
Villarreal’s UCL games this season have all seen at least one goal scored after the 80th minute.
Team News
Villarreal
Although Serge Aurier is ineligible, Juan Foyth is fit to start at right-back against Manchester United.
Villarreal are without Gerard Moreno, and Unai Emery is concerned about the fitness of Etienne Capoue and Arnaut Danjuma.
Manchester United
Harry Maguire was sent off against Watford on Saturday, but he is free to play in midweek, and he could partner Eric Bailly at the back, with the Ivorian set to start against Chelsea on Sunday.
Luke Shaw was forced off at Vicarage Road due to a head injury, joining Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, and Raphael Varane on the sidelines, with Alex Telles set to fill in at left-back.
On Sunday morning, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired. For the time being, Michael Carrick has taken over first-team duties.
Donny van de Beek and Jesse Lingard will hope that a change of manager will give them a chance to start, with the former replacing Scott McTominay, who was clearly unfit for the Watford defeat.
Match Facts
In Man United’s last 11 games, there have been more than 2.5 goals scored (Champions League).
In all competitions, Villarreal has drawn their last three home matches against Manchester United.
Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Villarreal’s last three home matches against Manchester United in all competitions.
In five of their last six games, Manchester United have conceded at least two goals (Champions League).
In all competitions, Man United has gone undefeated in their last six meetings with Villarreal.
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Man United has scored at least two goals in each of their last three games (Champions League).
Villarreal were forced to share the spoils with Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon, meaning they have only won two of their last six matches in all competitions.
However, they have won four of their last six at home and face a Manchester United side in disarray in midweek.
Following a run of one win in seven in the league, United decided to fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer early on Sunday morning.
United came back from a goal down to win the reverse fixture, but they have lost both of their away Champions League games this season.
United will be hoping for a boost from a new manager, but Villarreal have been strong at home and should be confident of a win on Tuesday.
Where To Watch
beIN Sport (Fra), BT Sport, CMore (Fin), CMore Sport (Fin), COSMOTE Sport, DAZN Deutsch, Digi Sport 1 (Rom), Eleven Sports (Por), Look Sport +, Max Sport, Nova Sport 4 (Cze), Polsat Sport Premium 2, Sport 1 (Hun), Telekom Sport (Rom), TV3+, Viaplay (Den), Ziggo Kanaal 14, Ziggo Sport Select
