FC Astana vs. Manchester United: Europa League Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Nov 27, 2019
Brandon Williams of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League group L match between AZ Alkmaar and Manchester United at Cars Jeans stadium on October 03, 2019 in The Hague, The Netherlands(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Manchester United have top spot in Group I in sight when they travel to Kazakhstan to face FC Astana in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
A United win, coupled with AZ Alkmaar failing to do the same against Partizan Belgrade in the group's other match, would guarantee the Red Devils qualify for the last 32 in first place.
United are favoured by the oddsmakers, despite a youthful squad and recent struggles in the Premier League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team are ninth domestically, but the Norwegian continues to rely on youngsters, with 19-year-old Max Taylor added to the group for Thursday.
Taylor, who has returned to action after cancer treatment, told Adam Marshall of the club's official website what it means to have received a call-up to the senior squad: "It's been a dream since I can remember ever kicking a ball—being a Manchester United first-team player."
The centre-back could give Solskjaer the option to rest either one of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof. Both struggled during Sunday's 3-3 draw away to Sheffield United.
Solskjaer has already seen the benefits of trusting academy graduates in defence, with 19-year-old Brandon Williams making an impression at left-back.
Brandon Williams’ game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
100% aerial duels won 82% pass accuracy 7 ball recoveries 3 crosses blocked 2 chances created 2/3 tackles won 1 clearance 1 shot 1 goal
Like Williams, teenage striker Mason Greenwood was also on the scoresheet at Bramall Lane. The 18-year-old has made the most of his chances in this competition, having scored the winner when United narrowly beat Astana at Old Trafford in September.
Greenwood was also on target when United hammered Partizan 3-0 in this competition earlier this month. His performances mean Solskjaer isn't likely to abandon his faith in youth anytime soon:
Mason Greenwood has averaged a goal every 106 minutes in the Europa League this season.
It would be in the Red Devils' interest to rest some established veterans with league wins desperately needed. United host Aston Villa on Sunday before a crucial two-game tilt against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Results in those games will go a long way to determining whether United have a realistic chance of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League by finishing in the top four. If not, then winning the Europa League, a trophy the club claimed in 2017, will be the only realistic route back to Europe's top table.
Astana haven't been able to make headway in this competition and will enter Thursday's game off the back of conceding 11 goals in two heavy defeats to Alkmaar.
Europa League 2019: Latest Tables, Scores After Thursday's Group Matches
Nov 7, 2019
Manchester United's Anthony Martial, center, celebrates with Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford, right, after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League group L soccer match between Manchester United and FK Partizan at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester United and Celtic booked their places in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on Thursday with wins over Partizan Belgrade and Lazio, respectively.
Sevilla did the same as they thrashed Dudelange 5-2, while Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Slovan Bratislava 1-0.
Rangers ran out 2-0 winners over Porto, and Bundesliga leaders Borussia Monchengladbach beat Roma 2-1 with a 95th-minute winner.
Espanyol and Basel also qualified for the knockout phase, and Arsenal drew 1-1 with Vitoria Guimaraes on Wednesday.
United were set on their way midway through the first half by Mason Greenwood. After several glaring misses from Marcus Rashford, the 18-year-old showed impressive composure to fire home from close range.
The highlight of the game was a sensational solo effort from Anthony Martial (U.S. and UK only, respectively):
Ciro Immobile's seventh-minute volley gave Lazio the early lead against Celtic, who had failed to win in their last 12 visits to Italy.
Celtic hit back before half-time with a powerful finish from James Forrest. After chances from both sides in the second half, Olivier Ntcham won the game for the Scottish side in dramatic fashion (U.S and UK only, respectively):
There were injury-time winners for Wolves and Monchengladbach, too.
The Premier League outfit, who had seen a penalty from Ruben Neves saved after Pedro Neto was brought down, won courtesy of a 92nd-minute header from Raul Jimenez.
Gladbach took the lead against Roma thanks to a Federico Fazio own goal. After the Roma defender made amends by scoring at the right end, Marcus Thuram left it late to head home a winner for the German side (U.S. only):
Two goals in four minutes gave Rangers their win over Porto, who sit bottom of Group G.
Alfredo Morelos netted his 11th goal in European competition this season with his lovely half-volley in the 69th minute, before Steven Davis added a second soon after.
Espanyol ran riot over Ludogorets, who had Rafael Forster and Jacek Goralski sent off in the first half.
Oscar Melendo had put them ahead after four minutes, and Forster earned his marching orders in the 12th minute for pulling back Victor Campuzano when he was through on goal.
Lluis Lopez made it 2-0 before Goralski was given a second yellow card for a handball. Matias Vargas converted the resulting penalty and Campuzano volleyed in a fourth early in the second half.
Two fine finishes from Adria Pedrosa and Facundo Ferreyra rounded out the scoring.
Top Winners and Losers After Europa League 2019 Matchday 4 Results
Nov 7, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and Partizan at Old Trafford on November 7, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday with two games to spare by cruising past Partizan Belgrade 3-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday.
First-half goals from Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial put the Red Devils in charge, while Marcus Rashford thumped home their third after the break.
Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also on the brink of qualification after a 1-0 win over Slovan Bratislava at Molineux. On Wednesday, Arsenal were denied by a stoppage-time equaliser against Vitoria Guimaraes in a 1-1 draw.
Elsewhere, Celtic have also progressed to the knockout stages. Olivier Ntcham scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Here is a look at Thursday's results:
🚨 RESULTS 🚨
✅ Sevilla, Basel & Celtic qualify for the knockout round
Manchester United's attack finally clicked into gear on Thursday night, with forwards Martial, Greenwood and Rashford all on target in an entertaining, improved performance from the Red Devils.
Greenwood sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on their way to an impressive win by sweeping home the opening goal on 21 minutes that drew plenty of praise:
#mufc 1-0 Partizan. Never had any doubt when the ball fell to Greenwood in the box. The kind of finish that doesn't look spectacular but gets the job done 99 times from 100
It’s been a really bright start for Rashford, at the heart of most of United’s best work. But that was a case of Greenwood showing him how it’s done in front of goal. So clinical for one so young #mufc
Mason Greenwood has the same finishing technique as Robin van Persie. It's pretty ridiculous to watch, it's like watching a clone of Van Persie at times.
Martial showed off some some fantastic footwork to double the hosts' lead just after the half-hour mark for his fifth goal of the season and his second in two Europa League games.
Manchester United could have had more goals too. Rashford was guilty of some misses early in the game but made up for it by smashing home United's third to complete the win.
Squawka Football noted the England international's goalscoring record this season:
Marcus Rashford has been directly involved in 11 goals in 16 games for Manchester United this season in all competitions.
It was exactly the type of performance United needed after Saturday's demoralising 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Loser: Unai Emery's Tactics
Arsenal manager Unai Emery opted to change formation for Wednesday's trip to Portugal, reverting to a three-man defence of Rob Holding, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi.
However, the change did not produce an improved performance from his team as Arsenal struggled again and threw away a lead for the fourth match in a row.
Goal's Charles Watts explained why Emery's lineup did not work:
Early days, but formation isn't working so far. Arsenal are being outnumbered in midfield, Vitoria also getting in behind the wing-backs. When the ball does get up front, it's just bouncing off the forwards.
Arsenal also found it tough going at the other end of the pitch despite Emery selecting plenty of attacking talent. Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe both started the game, while Alexandre Lacazette came on after 65 minutes.
Yet they only managed one shot on target in the 90 minutes, while the hosts had four despite only enjoying 35 per cent of possession, per Lorraine McKenna at BBC Sport.
Arsenal reporter Dan Mountney said the Gunners are worse off under Emery:
Filmed a video with @laythy29 for @GoonerFanzine today where we discussed Unai Emery and his failings as Arsenal boss. It was clear they haven't improved under the Spaniard, but the more I think about things, I can't help but feel Arsenal are far worse off than under Wenger pic.twitter.com/AmQvCBAx1V
The draw leaves the Gunners top of Group F and in great shape to qualify, but it will have done little to relieve the mounting pressure on Emery after a series of unconvincing displays.
Winner: Munir
Munir bagged a hat-trick for Sevilla on Thursday in a 5-2 win over F91 Dudelange in Luxembourg that sees the Spanish side safely into the knockout round.
The former Barcelona man scored two goals in six minutes on either side of the half-hour mark before completing his hat-trick.
Opta noted how it is the first by a Sevilla player in the Europa League:
Sevilla are the only team left in the competition with a 100 per cent record as they aim for a tournament-best sixth win this campaign.
Loser: Ruben Neves' penalty record
Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is usually deadly from the penalty spot but was denied on Thursday by Slovan Bratislava goalkeeper Dominik Greif.
The hosts were awarded a spot-kick on 48 minutes after Vasil Bozhikov clipped the heels of forward Pedro Neto, although replays suggested the incident may have occurred just outside the penalty area.
Neves stepped up to take the kick with the scores still at 0-0 but saw his low effort parried clear by a diving Greif.
Opta noted just how rare it was to see the midfielder miss:
14 - Ruben Neves' penalty miss ended a run of 14 converted spot-kicks for Wolves in all competitions, since Neves himself also missed against Sheffield United in the Championship in September 2017. Rarity. pic.twitter.com/cf0Bd9W9Yi
It looked as though it was going to be a costly miss too. Wolves dominated the match but could not make the breakthrough until Raul Jimenez headed the winner in stoppage time.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United Beat Partizan Belgrade; Advance to Next Round
Nov 7, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and Partizan at Old Trafford on November 07, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United secured qualification to the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday as they beat Partizan Belgrade 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood put the Red Devils ahead in the 22nd minute with his third goal of the season before Anthony Martial found the net 11 minutes later.
Marcus Rashford made it 3-0 with an emphatic finish four minutes after the break.
The match is the first since the opening day of the season that United have found the net more than once at The Theatre of Dreams.
In an eventful start, Martial and Umar Sadiq both had the ball in the net inside five minutes, but both goals were disallowed for offside.
Rashford should have scored when the ball came to him in space, but he mishit his first-time effort wide.
Soon after, he fired straight at Vladimir Stojkovic from close range after a neat pull-back from Juan Mata, before volleying a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka well over the bar.
Greenwood showed his more experienced strike partner how it's done when he controlled a pass from Rashford and fired home a low left-footed effort(U.S and UK only, respectively):
United doubled their lead when Martial latched onto a loose ball and danced through Partizan's defence before poking it beyond Stojkovic(U.S. and UK only, respectively):
Rashford made amends for his first-half misses early in the second when he rifled in a lay-off from Ashley Young.
Former United player Zoran Tosic made a superb intervention to deny Anthony Martial when he was sent clean through, but Partizan offered little at the other end following their bright start.
What's Next
Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday, while Partizan take on Indija. In the Europa League, United travel to Astana on November 28, while Partizan are away at AZ Alkmaar on the same day.
Shkodran Mustafi, Arsenal Held to 1-1 Europa League Draw by Vitoria
Nov 6, 2019
GUIMARAES, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 06: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal battles for possession with in the air with Davidson of Vitoria Guimaraes during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Vitoria Guimaraes and Arsenal FC at Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques on November 06, 2019 in Guimaraes, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Arsenal's perfect UEFA Europa League run came to an end on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw against Vitoria. Shkodran Mustafi opened the scoring, but Bruno Duarte won the hosts a deserved point.
Vitoria were the better side before the break but couldn't open the scoring against a toothless Gunners team. Arsenal's play regressed after the break before Mustafi found the net in the 80th minute with a good header. Vitoria pushed for an equaliser and found it through Duarte in added time.
Arsenal started the match on the front foot, withKieranTierney getting forward and AinsleyMaitland-Niles firing a dangerous cross into the box after just three minutes.
The Gunners' momentum soon stalled, however, and Vitoria were given every opportunity to grow into the match. It led to a wonderful strike from Pepe, who hit the post from 25 yards out.
Marcus Edwards drew a fine save fromEmilianoMartinez, and EdmondTapsobashould have handed the hosts the lead after he was left wide open on a cross.
Football.london's JamesBengethought the defender was hard to miss:
Possibly the biggest player on the pitch, Tapsoba, just made an unmarked run on a free-kick from wide. Chaotic from Arsenal. https://t.co/ZxBnPou9pU
Davidson also had a look on goal, but his curling effort missed the target. The Gunners struggled to keep Vitoria out of their box, and their poor record of giving away chances continued:
FredericoVenanciowas the next man left wide open on a set piece, but he too couldn't keep his header on target. LucasEvangelistafired a shot over the bar, and Nicolas Pepe threatened with a late free-kick that missed the mark.
Vitoria were by far the more dangerous team in the first half, per Goal's Charles Watts:
The hosts started to find more space in behind the defence after the break, but Arsenal countered with more of a midfield presence. They also introduced MatteoGuendouzi, who replaced the injured DaniCeballosand added more physicality.
It didn't lead to many chances, althoughMustafiwon a header in a promising position after a fine cross from Pepe, but the German nodded over.
AlexandreLacazettealso made his way on to the pitch and nearly set up JoeWillock, who couldn't get a good angle on his shot. At the other end, Denis-WillPohaaimed a free-kick into the arms of Martinez.
The pace of the match slowed to a crawl in the final 15 minutes, but that didn't stopMustafifrom opening the scoring.
A free-kick from Pepe found the German, who was given far too much space and made no mistake.
Mustafi scores a header to put Arsenal 1-0 up before running over to an empty stand and cupping his ear. You love to see it
Rochinhatried to answer for the hosts with an ambitious strike from long range, but it flew over Martinez's goal. He also played in an excellent ball for LeoBonatini, who couldn't keep his volley under control.
Vitoria finished the match on top and found a deserved equaliser throughDuarte, who bagged his goal with an acrobatic scissor kick.
ThePrimeiraLiga side could have added a late winner as well, with bothDuarteand Rochinhanarrowly missing the target from great positions.
What's Next?
Arsenal visit Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday. Vitoria will host Braga on Sunday in the Primeira Liga.
Manchester United vs. Partizan Belgrade: Europa Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Nov 6, 2019
Partizan's Takuma Asano, left, challenges for the ball with Manchester United's James Garner uring the Europa League group L soccer match between Partizan Belgrade and Manchester United at the Partizan stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Manchester United will start Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Partizan Belgrade as overwhelming favourites after winning the first contest in Serbia.
Caesars has handed the Red Devils odds of -280 (bet $280 to win $100), compared to +1050 for the visitors. A draw checks in at +335.
BT Sport will cover the match in the UK, while American fans can watch via B/R Live. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET.
A single goal from Anthony Martial gave United the win in Serbia and moved them to seven points out of their first three matches in the Europa League, putting them in a great position to win Group L.
Partizan are third on four points, one behind second-placed AZ Alkmaar. Their only win so far has come against Astana, who have lost all three of their matches.
The Serbs are not in the best of form and already chase rivals Red Star by 10 points in the domestic competition. Their last outing was an impressive one, however, beating third-placed Vojvodina 4-0.
United are coming off a loss against Bournemouth that ended a three-match win streak across all competitions, halting the momentum the Red Devils appeared to be building. The Telegraph's James Ducker was far from impressed with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactical plan:
United have lost to Palace, West Ham, Newc and now Bournemouth this season. And we’re only just into Nov. You know you’re in trouble when you’re asking two very inexperienced teenagers & in Lingard, a player without a PL goal or assist since last Christmas, to turn a game for you
Things haven't gone well under Solskjaer, who impressed as a caretaker manager but has struggled tremendously since taking the job on a permanent basis:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now lost more Premier League games as a manager than Jurgen Klopp.
United have earned just 13 points from 11 Premier League matches and are already miles out of the title race. The gap to Chelsea and the top four is 10 points, which isn't insurmountable but looks awfully large on current form.
That places a higher emphasis on the Europa League, a competition the club won in 2017. While top teams in the Premier League often rotate their squads in Europe's smaller club competition, the Red Devils could opt to keep their changes limited.
Mason Greenwood and James Garner have seen quite a bit of playing time in the competition already and are expected to start at Old Trafford. Ashley Young was booked against Bournemouth and will be suspended against Brighton & Hove Albion, so he too is a likely starter.
United have not been at their best of late but hold the edge in talent against a team that has similarly struggled. That should give the Red Devils the edge at home.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Partizan
Guimaraes vs. Arsenal: Europa Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Nov 5, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Andre Almeida of Vitoria Guimaraes and Shkodran Mustafi of FC Arsenal battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Arsenal will look to continue their perfect run in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday, when they visit Portugal to take on Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Caesars has handed the hosts odds of +235 (bet $100 to win $235), while the Gunners are favourites at +110. A draw comes in at +260. Arsenal narrowly won the first meeting at the Emirates Stadium, with Nicolas Pepe scoring two late goals in the 3-2 triumph.
The match will start at 3:50 p.m. GMT/10:50 a.m. ET. Fans can watch via BT Sport Live (UK) or B/R Live (U.S.).
Arsenal may have a perfect record in the Europa League, but they only barely clung on to that record the last time these teams met, and things haven't gone smoothly since.
The Gunners are winless in their three matches since, two draws in the Premier League and a penalty shootout loss against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
The last outing was a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton that made Unai Emery's position as manager even less stable. According to the London Evening Standard's James Olley, the club board still has faith in the tactician:
A take on Unai Emery’s situation at #afc. There remains genuine hope at boardroom level he can still take #afc forward but the problems are mounting. Piece here: https://t.co/v07rAyZSHx
The Europa League is likely one of the main reasons the club still has faith in Emery, after he guided the Gunners to the final last year.
Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League, picking up just 17 points in 11 matches and trailing Liverpool by 14 points.
Guimaraes also sit fifth in their domestic league, with 16 points earned from 10 matches in the Primeira Liga. They have played three times since the loss in London, picking up four points.
In Europe, they have lost all three of their group-stage matches this season, and the two goals they scored in London are their only ones so far. All three of their losses were relatively close affairs, however.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of FC Arsenal and Frederico Venancio of Vitoria Guimaraes battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in
Pepe did not come off the bench against Wolves but should see more action in Portugal after his starring role in the first meeting.
This is another must-win for Emery, who needs to build some momentum ahead of a difficult Premier League outing against Leicester City. The Gunners will visit the Foxes on Saturday and will likely rest a few key starters in midweek as a result, so expect Gabriel Martinelli, Joe Willock and other youngsters to get some playing time in Portugal.
Prediction: Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal
Europa League 2019: Matchday 4 Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Predictions
Nov 5, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring the first goal during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arsenal kick off Matchday 4 of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday, with Unai Emery's side away to Portuguese team Vitoria Guimaraes in Group F.
The match has been brought forward a day to reduce traffic because Guimaraes' neighbours Braga also have a home Europa League match in this round of fixtures.
Thursday also sees Manchester United host Partizan Belgrade, while Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers play Slovan Bratislava at Molineux.
There are plenty of other fixtures that promise entertainment on Matchday 4. Celtic are away at Lazio, Rangers take on FC Porto and Roma are at Bundesliga leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.
Wednesday's Schedule, Predictions, TV Info
Vitoria Guimaraes 2-2 Arsenal, 3:50 p.m.BST/10:50 a.m. ET, BT Sport 2 (UK)
Thursday's Schedule, Predictions, TV Info
FC Astana 0-3 AZ Alkmaar, 3:50 p.m.BST/10:50 a.m. ET,BTSport Extra (UK)
Apoel Nicosia 1-1 FK Qarabag, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
F91 Dudelange 0-2 Sevilla, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
FC Copenhagen 0-0 Dynamo Kiev, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
Lugano 1-1 Malmo FF, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
FC Basel 2-1 Getafe, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
FK Krasnodar 3-1 Trabzonspor, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
LASK 0-1 PSV Eindhoven, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
Rosenborg 1-1 Sporting Lisbon, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
CFR Cluj 1-0 Rennes, 5:55 p.m. BST/12:55 p.m. ET, BTSport Extra (UK)
Arsenal have won all three group games so far but needed two late Nicolas Pepe free-kicks to beat Vitoria Guimaraes 3-2 in an entertaining game at the Emirates Stadium in their last Europa League fixture:
Another victory for Arsenal would put the Gunners in a commanding position in the group and relieve some of the mounting pressure on manager Unai Emery.
The Gunners have won only two of their last nine Premier League matches, leaving Emery fighting to save his job at the club, according to Sami Mobel at the Daily Mail.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka could return to action on Wednesday. The midfielder has not featured since responding angrily after being booed by his own fans when being substituted against Crystal Palace.
Xhaka has since apologised for his actions but has been left out of the club's last two fixtures. However, he could feature against Guimaraes, according to the Mirror (h/t Metro).
Emery is also likely to also include fringe and young players in his starting XI. Striker Gabriel Martinelli should feature again after a bright start to his Arsenal career:
Gabriel Martinelli in his four competitive starts for Arsenal this season:
• 20 shots taken • 10 shots on target • 7 goals scored
Youngsters Bukayo Saka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson could also see some game time with Arsenal in need of a result and a performance after three games without a win.
Manchester United vs. Partizan Belgrade
Manchester United saw their recent revival ended on Saturday in a demoralising 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth but will aim to bounce back against a team they narrowly beat in Belgrade.
Anthony Martial scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the first half as the Red Devils picked up their first away win since March:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went on to beat Norwich City in the Premier League and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup before coming unstuck against Bournemouth in another poor showing.
The United boss bemoaned a "lack of quality" from his team against the Cherries and will expect a response on Thursday:
Solskjaer is likely to put his trust in youth again at Old Trafford. Brandon Williams, James Garner and Mason Greenwood could all be handed more game time and the chance to impress in the first team.
Manchester United may not have been wholly convincing so far in the Europa League, but their results have been good, and another home win would put them in a great position to qualify.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Slams 'Non-Existent' Manchester United Defending from Front
Oct 25, 2019
BELGRADE, SERBIA - OCTOBER 24: Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United looks on prior the UEFA Europa League group L match between Partizan and Manchester United at Partizan Stadium on October 24, 2019 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticised his forward players for their defensive work rate in the Red Devils' 1-0 UEFA Europa League win over Partizan Belgrade on Thursday.
Anthony Martial was deployed up front with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata providing support behind him.
Solskjaer gave his thoughts to MUTV after the match:
"Second half I thought we dug in really well in the box, defended really well in the box. They played well in the second half and made us defend too deep.
"I'm not happy with the defending at the front. I think that's been one of our fortes and strengths this season. I thought that was non-existent in the second half.
"That needs sorting out because we don't want to be a team who is just defending inside our box."
Martial returned to the starting lineup for the first time since August 24 after sitting out eight matches with a hamstring injury, while Lingard had missed United's last two games, also with a hamstring problem.
The former scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, after Nemanja Miletic fouled Brandon Williams shortly before half-time.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News thought neither Martial nor Lingard were ready based on what he saw:
United subs still warming up. On the evidence so far, going with a front two of players who've just come back from injury is contentious at best. Martial and Lingard so tentative. #mufc
That could explain why they did not offer as much as Solskjaer would have liked.
The Norwegian also wants to see more from his side in an attacking sense, too. Per the Mirror's Liam Prenderville, he told MUTV:
"We're going to host [Partizan] and go all out to get that win and the last two games we know we're through then.
"It's a great position to be in so far and we haven't conceded a goal so defensively we have done really well but we know we need to score more goals."
United picked up a 1-0 win at home to Astana in their opening match in Group L, before being held to a goalless draw at AZ Alkmaar.
They're two points clear of the Dutch side halfway through the group stage, and as Solskjaer noted, a win over Partizan next time out will secure passage to the knockout phase.
Their performances have been far from convincing, though. United did not manage a single shot on target against AZ, and it took them until the penalty to register one against Partizan, per football writer Daniel Storey:
Manchester United have a shot on target in the Europa League! Their first for 158 minutes.
United have only found the net more than once in a game on one occasion in all competitions this season, and that was in the 4-0 win over Chelsea on the opening day of the campaign.
The side were even held to a 1-1 draw at home to Rochdale in the Carabao Cup, in which they only progressed via a penalty shootout.
The Red Devils let Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez leave the club in the summer without replacing them, which has been a contributing factor in their struggles.
It was poor planning on the club's behalf, and they can't rectify it until at least January, so they'll need to make do in the meantime.
It's no coincidence that chief creator Paul Pogba has also been absent for much of the campaign through injury, but United's attacking players haven't offered enough, either.
Martial now has three goals and an assist in four starts this season, so when he's back to full fitness he could make a difference for them in the final third.
Unai Emery Praises 'Perfect' Nicolas Pepe Free-Kick Double Against Vitoria
Oct 25, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal looks on after the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has praised Nicolas Pepe's "perfect" brace of free-kicks in Thursday's 3-2 win over Vitoria Guimaraes.
The Gunners trailed 2-1 when Emery brought Pepe off the bench at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Europa League. Pepe netted twice from set pieces, with his second coming deep into added time.
The goals were an insight into why Arsenal paid a club-record £72 million to sign the forward from Lille in the summer; the Ivorian has struggled prior to Thursday's heroics.
After the game, Emery was unsurprisingly delighted to see the winger make such a big impact, per Charlotte Marsh of Sky Sports:
"Every new player usually needs time for adaptation. Pepe is a very good player, and we believe in him totally.
"We are very happy for him and us because he has two goals from two set pieces which were perfect. He trying last week with set piece shooting on the training ground and I was watching his shooting.
"He is improving and tonight he has two goals, which are important for us and for him. He's continuing the adaptation in his process and as soon as he can adapt, that's better for us. The most important thing is the three points and that some individual players can improve, that they can take confidence for us and for them."
Arsenal were well below their best for much of the encounter, with Pepe's late goals papering over the cracks of another poor display:
Per Squawka Football, all three of Pepe's goals for the Gunners have come from dead-ball situations:
The cameo from Pepe was enough for Arsenal to extend their perfect record in this season's UEFA Europa League, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the next round.
Emery will be hopeful the forward can carry that kind of form into the Premier League this weekend after he squandered the team's best chance on Monday in a shock 1-0 loss to Sheffield United.
The free-kicks will surely give him a boost ahead of Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace, though. James McNicholas of The Athletic was pleased to see Pepe get his moment:
Listen: forget Ozil, forget Emery. Let’s talk about Pepe tonight.
Monday might have been his time, but he didn’t take his chance. He didn’t sulk. He came back and scored two brilliant free-kicks to win us the game.
He’s had to wait for this. This is his night. It starts here.
James Benge of Football.London noticed an uplift in Pepe's confidence after his opening goal on Thursday:
Even just after that goal Pepe looks a different player compared to before the international break. He's constantly calling for the ball out on the right flank and looks like someone who believes he's got the winner in him.
With Lille last season, Pepe was one of the standout players in European football. On the right flank, his ability to dart infield, take defenders on and score goals gave the team a thrilling outlet. When Arsenal signed him for such a huge transfer fee, few eyebrows were raised as a result.
A period of transition was always a possibility, and it's clear Pepe has struggled with some aspects of English football. Emery will hope that his exploits in Europe can be a catalyst for improved displays in the Premier League.
