St Etienne vs Manchester United Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Last Thursday’s first leg of this tie between Manchester United and St Etienne started off brightly, as the visiting Ligue 1 side took the game to their hosts and put them under some early pressure. Unfortunately for them it didn’t work out too well though as their nemesis Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a hat-trick, to resign them to a 3-0 defeat.

Ibrahimovic has now scored more goals against St Etienne than any other club in his career, and the last of these all but ended this Europa League tie. St Etienne now need to score at least three without reply to stand a chance of progressing in the competition.

The hosts followed that midweek defeat up with a 2-1 loss at Montpellier as well, to make it two wins and four defeats in their last six games. At home their form record is better, with four wins, four draws, and two defeats in their last ten, but they have only won by three or more goals once at home in the last 11 months.

Admittedly that was in their last home match when they battered Lorient 4-0, but the visiting Mancunians are in good form at the moment. They beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 thanks to that man Ibrahimovic again on Sunday to progress in the FA Cup. This extends their winning streak to four matches and their unbeaten streak to six.

They have only lost one of their last 24 games in all competitions, and whilst that did come away from home, their form on the road is arguably better than it is at Old Trafford. They have won seven, drawn two, and lost just one of their last ten trips away. This keeps them well in the race for a top four spot, but with three trophies still on offer for them they will be hoping to haul some silverware in this season.

Obviously with St Etienne being 3-0 down they will have to start off on the front foot on Wednesday, and that could result in quite an entertaining game. The hosts generally favour a defensive approach at home but that’s not a viable option here. Manchester United have conceded in 12 of their 18 trips away this season though.

With St Etienne needing to go on the front foot we could see goals here. The Manchester United defence on their travels isn’t the best and the hosts’ defence will be exposed, due to their attacking style. This should lead to both teams getting at least one goal, so odds of 4/5 for Both Teams to Score looks a good choice. I think a 1-1 correct score predictions is the best backing as well at 11/2.