UEFA Champions League: Villarreal vs. Manchester United Preview, Odds, Prediction

In the moments of writing this article, Manchester United is in the process of firing Ole Gunnar Solskajer, and that is something Villarreal will undoubtedly try to use. The Spaniards are still angry for losing the previous clash at Old Trafford and want revenge, and could there be a better time and situation for that than now. United is decapitated, and apparently, the players were boycotting the Norwegian who, truth to be told, didn’t have the quality to lead the Red Devils.

Preview

Villarreal (+180) is unstable, and this team isn’t playing like during the previous season. It seems that the Yellow Submarine didn’t do their homework during the offseason, which is why their players struggle with consistency, and the team posts mediocre performances often.

Though, they didn’t lose in three consecutive matches. Unai Emery’s side defeated Young Boys and Getafe at home, without a goal allowed we need to add, and then played 1-1 on the road in Celta.

This unit is very well equipped tactically, and you won’t see too many goals in their matches. Usually, that is a moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 scores. The statistics say that seven of the past 10 Villarreal’s games ended in that range.

Manchester United (+140) is on the ropes. We can’t figure out what kept Ole in the managerial position this long. We really can’t. In each tougher match this year, the Red Devils were blown away. Ronaldo is frustrated, Bruno as well, and there are some stories that these two boycotted Solskajer in the past few games.

But to come back to betting. The main characteristic of Untied’s games is high efficiency, and seven of the past 10 saw over 2.5 goals. In all but one event during that stretch, United conceded, which explains the biggest problem in this team. Does anyone still think that Harry Maguire is one of the best defenders in the world? Honestly.

The Red Devils played eight competitive games away from Old Trafford, winning only three, losing three, and posting two draws.

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A big hit for the home side in the absence of their top scorer, Gerard Moreno, who picked up a hamstring injury a month ago.

On the other hand, Luke Shaw is questionable, while Cavani, Greenwood, Varane, and Pogba aren’t available all due to various injuries.

Head to Head Games

The first game in Manchester saw the guests taking the lead but allowing two goals after that. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a game-winner in the fifth minute of the stoppage time to steal this one from the guests.

Of course, the most important H2H match was in the Europa League finals this year, when Villarreal took the trophy after a wild penalty shootout.

Prediction

Whoever leads United in Spain will have a difficult task. Emery is an excellent head coach who knows how to use all the advantages in situations like this one. Our pick would be a moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals, with the odds on that +110 right now. We suggest avoiding placing bets on the winner or the full-time result, as such action carries high risks.

Pick: 2 or 3 goals +110

Here are the previews for more UEFA Champions League games:

• Chelsea vs. Juventus
• Sevilla vs. Wolfsburg
• Man City vs. PSG
• Sporting vs. Borussia Dortmund
• Besiktas vs. Ajax
• Barcelona vs. Benfica