The 2016/17 UEFA Europa League has reached the quarter-final stage and there are some exciting ties to watch. Tournament favourites, Manchester United have been paired with Anderlecht and will travel to Belgium for the first leg.
Anderlecht entered the Europa League at the play-off round stage of the competition, having been eliminated by Rostov in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The Belgian’s were disappointed to lose out on a Champions League group stage place but comfortably eliminated Slavia Prague 6-0 on aggregate, winning both legs 3-0.
Anderlecht were then drawn in Group C alongside Saint Etienne, Mainz and Gabala. There was not much to choose between the Belgian, French and German clubs but Anderlecht progressed in second place, winning three and drawing two of their six games.
The Round of 32 saw an excellent away goals victory over Zenit Saint Petersburg. A 3-1 defeat in Russia was enough, having won the first leg 2-0 and Anderlecht were solid in defeating APOEL 2-0 on aggregate in the Round of 16, winning each leg by a single goal.
Manchester United found life tough in Group A but progressed in second place, winning four and losing two of their six games. The Red Devils had little trouble seeing off Saint Etienne in the Round of 32, winning the home leg 3-0 and claiming a 1-0 victory in France.
The Round of 16 proved to be more difficult and Jose Mourinho’s team were held to a 1-1 draw by Rostov in Russia but with a crucial away goal, Manchester United won the home leg 1-0 to qualify for the Europa League quarter-final.
Anderlecht are going well in their domestic league and having finished top of the regular season table, sit top of the playoffs table. They are undefeated in their last five games in all competitions and have not lost any of their previous ten home matches. Anderlecht have played six home matches in the Europa League this season, winning five and losing one.
Manchester United are undefeated in their previous five games and have lost just one of their last sixteen games in all competitions. Away form has improved in the Europa League recently and Manchester United have won two and drawn one of their last three away matches in the competition.
Mourinho’s team have been far from entertaining when playing away from home in Europe this season but seem to have found a way to get a result. Only once in their previous eight away Europa League games have Manchester United scored more than one goal.
Considering Anderlecht have kept a clean sheet in their last five home games in all competitions, we could be in for a tight match at the Stade Constant Vanden Stock. Anderlecht don’t concede many at home but must try and find a way to take a lead to Old Trafford for the second leg. However, Manchester United are by far the most superior team the Belgians have met this season and they will find it tough to break down the visitors.
Manchester United are expected to field their strongest XI for this match and the extra quality should make the difference in a close match. A narrow away victory will give United the edge going back to England for the second leg.