Match Preview: Anderlecht vs Man United

James. M
Apr 13, 2017
2 min read

It's the first time in 17 years that we'll face Anderlecht in this Europa League quarterfinal tie that will be played in Belgiums capital Brussels at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

The Belgian league leaders have won the last two meetings but are the subjects of United's biggest ever European win, having been thrashed 10-0 by a rampant United side in 1956.

United will be boosted by a good away win against Sunderland last weekend and now with the final in Sweden firmly in sight, we don't really need extra motivation in this game.

The game kicks off at 10:05 EAT and will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK.

Having been denied a chance to qualify for the Champions League by FC Rostov in the Qualifying rounds, Anderlecht did manage to finish second behind Saint Etienne in their Europa group C.

However, United who have only lost twice in 34 games extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 21 games with a thrashing of Sunderland on Saturday.

Anderlecht were held to a goalless draw by FC Gent in their most recent domestic outing but we'll be buoyed by their recent head to head record against United. The have won two of the last three meetings.

Jose Mourinho confirmed he'll be without the services of longterm absentees, Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones but could ca;ll upon Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and David de Gea who took part in the final training session on Wednesday.

United captain, Wayne Rooney did train but is unlikely to feature after reporting to have some troubling ankle problem in training.

The Belgian outfit boasts of a host of young talents who have attracted interest all over Europe and the fact that they sit top of their league, you can be sure we'll have our work cut out to beat them.

There are three other quarter-final ties taking place on Thursday evening, all of which also kick off at 10:05PM EAT...

Ajax v Schalke Celta Vigo v Genk Lyon v Besiktas