Betting Tips: Astana vs Man Utd

Manchester United can consolidate their place at the top of Europa League Group L when they travel to Astana on Thursday afternoon.

The Red Devils have qualified for the knockout stages with three wins and one draw in the competition so far, putting them two points ahead of AZ ahead of United’s clash in Kazakhstan.

bet365 make Man Utd 5/4 (2.25) favourites to take the points at Astana Arena and pick up their fourth away win of the season in all competitions.

Astana recently celebrated their sixth Premier League title, despite losing their last game of the season, and are 9/4 (3.25) to follow that up with a famous win over the Red Devils.

Man Utd drew against Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon and another stalemate is priced at 9/4 (3.25) with bet365.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has picked a youthful squad for the trip to Kazakhstan, including cancer survivor Max Taylor, whilst the likes of Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw and Lee Grant are the senior figures that have travelled.

Firmin Mubele is injured for Astana, who otherwise have a clean bill of health ahead of the visit of Man Utd.

For all United’s struggles this season, the Europa League has actually provided something positive for the Red Devils to look back on.

Indeed, three of their seven normal-time victories this season have come in this competition with Solskjaer’s decision to rely on young players like Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams seemingly paying off so far.

That being said, United have still only managed five goals in the competition – three of which were scored against Partizan Belgrade last time out – whilst Astana have scored just a solitary goal.

Neither team, then, have exactly impressed in front of goal so far and so opposing both teams to score at 6/5 (2.20) looks the way to go in Kazakhstan on Thursday afternoon.

As well, United are yet to concede in the Europa League this season and should have few problems keeping out a team that have had only six shots on target in the competition – the lowest total in the group stage so far.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.