UEL preview: Utd visit Brugge; Arsenal take on Olympiakos; Inter face Ludogorets

Man Utd, Arsenal and Inter will play the first leg of their Europa League games tonight. All those teams hope to enter the next round.

Club Brugge vs Manchester United

Kick-Off: UTC 2020/02/20 17:55

Probable line-ups

McTominay and Axel Tuanzebe are closing in on first-team returns but neither were spotted boarding the plane to Belgium. Greenwood was also absent after missing training on Wednesday, joining Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford on the sidelines.

Lindelof was part of the touring squad after missing Monday's 2-0 win over Chelsea through illness. As Bailly is unlikely to be able to play two matches in the space of three days at the moment, Lindelof should take his place in the team here.

Ighalo made his United debut from the bench on Monday and is expected to lead the line for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side against Club Brugge.

Some of United's fringe players will hope for minutes on Thursday but Solskjaer may go with a fairly strong team in the hope of killing the tie off and then giving chances to other players in the return leg.

Focus

Club Brugges have dropped down from the Champions League. In their group they twice drew with Galatasaray, took a point off Real Madrid and also lost just 1-0 win away to Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian outfit are unbeaten in their last 12 and Manchester United cannot afford to underestimate them.

Manchester United won 2-0 away to Chelsea on Monday night to boost their chances of a top-four finish. 

The Red Devils have kept four clean sheets in a row, their best run since January 2018 (six straight clean sheets). This is the first meeting between the two sides since 2015 when Rooney scored a hat-trick for United in a 4-0 win away from home.

Whoscored Prediction

Club Brugge 0-1 Manchester United

Olympiacos vs Arsenal

Kick-Off: UTC 2020/02/20 20:00

Probable line-ups

Arsenal news

Mustafi served a one-match ban for Arsenal in their final group game.

January signing Mari will hope to make his Arsenal debut over the two legs.

Defensive trio Cedric, Tierney and Chambers remain sidelined for Arteta ahead his managerial debut in European club competition.

Dani Ceballos hasn't played much football of late and could retain his place in the starting XI from Sunday.

Lacazette and Martinelli will hope for recalls but Guendouzi may have to settle for a place on the bench at best after a training ground row with Arteta during the winter break.

Ozil has been left behind due to personal reasons, while Torreira is a major doubt through illness.

Focus

Olympiacos are unbeaten in their last 14 matches since losing 4-2 to Tottenham in the Champions League group stage (W11, D3).

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions (W4, D4). The Gunners have drawn seven of their last nine away matches.

Whoscored Prediction

Olympiacos 1-1 Arsenal

Ludogorets vs Inter

Kick-Off: UTC 2020/02/20 17:55

Probable line-ups

Inter news

Inter made several signings in January in order to remain competitive in Serie A and the Europa League.

Eriksen should start on Thursday, as Conte looks to get his January signing up to speed.

Moses and Alexis Sanchez should also start for the away side.

As Handanovic continues his recovery from a fractured finger in his left hand, Daniele Padelli should keep his place in goal.

Gagliardini hasn't played in over a month and will hope for minutes on Thursday.

Conte may give Lukaku a rest and start Lautaro, who has missed recent games through suspension.

Focus

Ludogorets will be full of confidence after starting 2020 with a 6-0 home win over Botev Vratsa. 

They are unbeaten in eight since a 6-0 defeat to Espanyol in the Europa League group stage in November.

Inter have lost two games in a row for the first time since October. They have scored in every away match they have played this season and are favourites here.

Whoscored Prediction

Ludogorets 0-1 Inter