Manchester United vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 27/09/2021, 05:04  by James | Modified on 27/09/2021 at 06:04 in Champions League Predictions

A 2021 Europa League final rematch takes place in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night when Manchester United host Villarreal for a Group F clash. The Spanish club won that title on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time. The fact that the contest went to spot-kicks wasn't surprising. It was the fifth time these teams met and the fifth time a meeting ended in a stalemate. Four of those draws were goalless. Given that United went into each match as favourites, we can consider Villarreal to be their bogey team. Thus, it's not a good time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team to play the La Liga outfit. They have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, one of which was their UCL opener to Young Boys, a result which leaves United bottom of the group. Villarreal are second after drawing their first match with Atalanta. The pressure is on Solskjaer to begin delivering after a summer in which a brigade of marquee signings arrived. Despite the attacking riches at their disposal, United lost their last two home matches 1-0, the most recent of which was a particularly toothless display against Aston Villa. 

Villarreal have frustrations of their own. They are draw specialists this season, with seven of their eight matches in all competitions ending level. This habit isn't bad for securing away results, as their recent draws away to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid proved. They have a stronger on-pitch identity than United, with more thoughtful and intentional build-up. We expect them to dominate the ball and to get a result. Back Villarreal double chance.