BIG week for Manchester United. Next up on their radar are Fenerbahce in the Europa League. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) gives us his view.
Manchester United v Fenerbahce | Thursday 20:05 | BT Sport 2
It's been a tough six weeks for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho. All that August optimism was crushed in the Manchester derby and since that day they've won just three of their following eight fixtures.
Of those three wins the storming 4-1 victory over Leicester engendered a standing ovation and the other two thumbs up results came against Northampton in the League Cup and Zorya in this competition three weeks ago.
That 1-0 win over the Ukrainian side was pedestrian at best and this Europa League group is no gimme with Feyenoord and Fenerbahce also involved.
So, what of Fenerbahce? They're also having a tough time domestically. Down in ninth position they've now gone four games unbeaten in the division but recent draws against Osmanlispor and Alanyaspor hardly inspire confidence.
Fenerbahce sit top of this Europa League group though after a fine win over Feyenoord three weeks ago. This compensated for dropping two points in Ukraine against Zorya two weeks earlier.
In the current climate, I feel this is a game Manchester United really need to win on Thursday. On Sunday they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and while one eye may be on that another slip-up here will harm prep for that game.
United have won three of their five home games this season and should be too good for Fenerbahce. Odds of 8/15 seem fair when you consider the game is at Old Trafford and the stakes are fairly high.
The question is whether we'll see another timid, edgy affair or something more chest-beating from the English side this Thursday evening?
Well, I'll sit on the fence and back United -1.25 on the Asian Handicap. This means half my stake goes on United -1 and the other with a -1.5 start. I'd be hugely surprised if I got nothing back come the end of the night.
Best Bets
Manchester United v Fenerbahce – Manchester United -1.25 (6/5 Paddy Power)
