Manchester United’s dreadful start to the season is unlikely to get any easier as they face a daunting trip to UEFA Champions League (UCL) stalwarts Atlético Madrid.
Match News and Current Form
Atlético secured a fourth successive La Liga win by scoring late to beat Alavés on Saturday, but they’ll be keen to get some European points on the board here as that streak started after a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on matchday one. This incredibly marks Atleti’s sixth game against English opponents in their last eight such outings, and that’s far from welcome considering they’ve now won just two of their last 15 such fixtures (D3, L10). Diego Simeone’s men can surely expect better at the Metropolitano though, where they’ve won nine of their last 11 UCL group stage/league phase games (L2), even if they did lose the most recent against Bodo/Glimt.
Having overseen Manchester United’s worst start to a league season in 40 years, Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure for his position after his side let slip the lead to draw 1-1 against ten-man Tottenham on Saturday. Booed off at both half-time and full-time, United’s fans' feelings are clear but they could have no complaints about their UCL return which saw the Red Devils thrash minnows Sabah Baku 4-0 on matchday one. That was a sixth straight victory in European league phase action, and extending that streak would see United win on the road for the first time this season (D2, L1).
Head-to-Head History
Atlético have lost just two of their last 19 home matches against English opposition (W9, D8) and are unbeaten across four previous H2Hs at any venue against United (W2, D2). The Red Devils have faced only one side more than four times without ever winning in Europe (Sevilla).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Atlético have scored before half-time in 11 of their last 12 UCL group/league phase home games.
Each of Atlético’s last eight fixtures produced over 2.5 goals.
United’s last ten matches against Spanish opposition produced 35 goals.
United have received under 1.5 yellow cards in seven of their last nine competitive games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Alejandro Grimaldo has already scored three times for Atleti since his summer arrival, all of which opened the scoring in wins, while three of his four strikes in last season’s UCL came after half-time. Without a goal involvement since matchday one, United captain Bruno Fernandes looks to return to form having registered 16 goal contributions in just 20 UCL appearances for United (G7, A9).
Atleti look to have no fresh concerns, but United’s Luke Shaw came off late at the weekend, while Benjamin Šeško is sidelined.
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Betting Analysis
With neither side particularly stable at the back, an Atlético win and both teams to score combination appears the most sensible option.
Author: Ryan Fisher