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FCSB v Man Utd Tips: Busy Bruno in our 22/1 Bet Builder on Thursday

Shane O’Brien

Europa League, Football

1y ago

5 minutes

1,018 words

Thursday sees the final round of matches in the first phase of the Europa League as Ruben Amorim takes his Man United side to Bucharest to face FCSB.

Last week’s late win over Rangers confirmed a place in the Round of 16 playoffs for United, and short of defeat in this game plus a host of other results going against them on the final day, the Red Devils will make into the automatic spots.

But how’s it going to play out in Romania? Our footy tipster Shane O’Brien‘s popped up with his FCSB v Man United betting tips.

FCSB v Man United Bet Builder tips

Man United to win
Both teams to score: Yes
Bruno Fernandes to attempt 4 or more shots
Man United goalkeeper to make 3 or more saves
FCSB over 3.5 corners

A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 22/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

WHEN: Thursday, 30th of January, 8pm
WHERE: National Arena, Bucharest
TV:TNT Sports 1

Man United to win

It ‘s somewhat surprising Man United find themselves in the top four of the Europa League group phase given their wretched form in the Premier League this season.

United have won four games on the bounce in Europe, and have a genuine chance off securing Champions League football next season, if they can go all the way in the Europa League this year.

Victory on Thursday would guarantee United’s place in the top eight, ensuring they avoid the play-off stages, while three points would also give United a chance of securing a spot in the top two, ensuring they avoid frontrunners Lazio until the final (if they make it that far).

FCSB will be no pushovers, however.

The Romanians are also vying to secure a place in the top eight, and have lost just once in their opening seven games, albeit that was a 4-0 defeat against Rangers.

United should have just about enough to make it five wins on the spin on Thursday night.

Both teams to score: Yes

Goals have been something of a problem for FCSB, who have drawn a blank in three of seven Europa League games and scored just ten goals so far, the lowest tally of any side in the top eight, but they are playing against a porous Man United defence.

Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham was United’s first clean sheet since December 1 and only their second clean sheet since Amorim took the helm.

United have kept just one clean sheet in seven Europa League games and have conceded five times in their three away games to date.

They are one of the top-scoring sides in the Europa League, with only Lazio, Lyon and Galatasaray scoring more than them in so far, and should score for an eighth game running on Thursday.

They just might have to score at least twice if they are to come away with three points.

Bruno Fernandes to attempt 4 or more shots

Bruno Fernandes saved United’s blushes with a stoppage time winner over Rangers last week and the captain is likely to play an integral role if they go far in the Europa League this season.

Fernandes has gone up a level since the turn of the year, putting in a man of the match performance against Liverpool before scoring a terrific goal in the FA Cup win at Arsenal. He even scored from the penalty spot in United’s 3-1 defeat at Brighton 10 days ago.

Fernandes averages three shots per game in the Europa League and will likely try his luck on several occasions on Thursday. United’s average of 19.3 shots per away game is the highest in the competition, while FCSB average 15.3 shots faced, as the ninth-highest.

United should have plenty of shots in Bucharest, and Fernandes is good value to be responsible for at least four of them.

Man United goalkeeper to make 3 or more saves

Despite keeping one clean sheet in the competition so far, United actually boast one of the best records in the Europa League for shots faced per game, at an average of 10.3 across seven games.

However, that average rises significantly to 13 shots faced per game, when only away matches are taken into account.

United have also faced an average of almost five shots on target per game in the Europa League this season, meaning Altay Bayindir will likely be called into action several times on Thursday.

FCSB average five shots on target in their home Europa League games, and there is no reason to think they will not reach that average against United, especially with the hosts needing a win to secure a top eight place.

FCSB over 3.5 corners

FCSB are in eighth place in the league phase of the Europa League but realistically know a defeat will see them drop into the play-offs.

As a result, they are likely to throw everything at United, especially if Amorim’s side take the lead.

United have faced an average of four corners in their three Europa League away matches this season, and could easily match that on Thursday, if Steaua go for a late goal to secure their place in the Round of 16.