The Red Devils won Group F to advance to the competition’s knockout round, while Atletico Madrid placed second in Group B behind Liverpool to assure their presence at this point.
Team News
Atletico Madrid
- On Wednesday night, Atletico will be without Yannick Carrasco and Felipe due to suspensions. Daniel Wass and Matheus Cunha are both out due to knee ailments.
- The host side is also concerned about Thomas Lemar’s availability following a possible positive COVID-19 test. However, Antoine Griezmann is back in shape after recuperating from a muscle injury in time to make the team against Osasuna, and the France international is set to start today.
- Sime Vrsaljko might start at right-back with Marcos Llorente ahead of him. Joao Felix could start opposite Luis Suarez due to Cunha’s absence in the final third. Geoffrey Kondogbia could also come into the team alongside Koke in the middle of the park.
Manchester United
- Mason Greenwood is suspended for Man United, while Edinson Cavani is a doubt due to a groin problem. However, Eric Bailly could return from an ankle injury to join the team.
- Following the win over Leeds, interim head coach Rangnick will have to make huge decisions all over the field, with Elanga’s energy and work-rate possibly earning him a start in a wide area ahead of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
- Paul Pogba has impressed since returning from injury and might start with Scott McTominay in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, and Ronaldo also in contention.
- Diogo Dalot and Raphael Varane were left out of the starting lineup against Leeds but are expected to return, with Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving to the bench.
Prediction Analysis
A draw would be a positive result for both teams ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford, and it’s impossible to tell them apart here. Man United are capable of scoring in Madrid, but Atletico Madrid will also hope to score at Wanda Metropolitano, therefore this match could end in a 1-1 draw.
Our prediction is Atletico Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
Possible Lineup
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Savic, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Kondogbia, Correa; Felix, Suarez;
Manchester United: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo;