Manchester United paid the price for profligacy as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Anderlecht in Belgium last week.
Jose Mourinho's men completely controlled proceedings in their Europa League quarter-final first leg tie against the Belgian league leaders but, unable to build on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first half strike, United paid the price as Leandra Dendoncker grabbed a late leveller for Anderlecht.
United, though, remain as strong favourites to secure a semi-final spot and, indeed, the men from Manchester can be backed at just 1/4 (1.25) with Betfair Sportsbook to move into the final four of the competition with a win at Old Trafford.
Clive Rose
Anderlecht, though, will feel that victory in the tie remains within their grasp after battling to secure a draw in last week's home leg; the Belgians can be backed at 12/1 (13.0) with Betfair Sportsbook to claim a famous win and 9/2 (5.50) that the tie remains level at the end of 90 minutes.
Having conceded to Mourinho's men in Belgium, Anderlecht will crash out of the competition should they fail to score in this tie and that looks like a tough task in itself, for United have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five home matches in this competition. There is 8/11 (1.73) that the Belgian side draw a blank or 10/11 (1.91) that Manchester United score in both halves.
United were dominant in the first leg and should they turn their superiority into goals in the home leg of this tie, there could be value in backing Mourinho's men to win by at least three goals at 15/8 (2.88) with Betfair Sportsbook; the selection would have seen punters profit in three of the last four home ties that United have played in this competition this season.
Goal
A lack of goals has hampered United throughout the campaign and the odds compilers offer 5/4 (2.25) that there are fewer than three goals scored when these two teams lock horns. That particular play would have seen punters profit from each of United's last five home games in all competitions, but the gulf between the teams is great and the men from Manchester really should have established a commanding first leg lead last week.
Rene Weiler's side have scored 22 goals in this competition this term and 6/5 (2.20) is available that there are goals at both ends, and 8/13 (1.62) that more than two goals are scored at Old Trafford.
Mourinho's men look likely a solid selection to march on to the semi-final stage; as such, the 10/11 (1.91) quote for United to score in both halves could offer decent value ahead of Thursday's tussle - that particular play would have seen punters profit from Manchester United's hugely impressive 2-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
