MANCHESTER UNITED grabbed a morale-boosting last gasp leveller at Chelsea at the weekend they are expected to complete what looks like the formality of qualifying for Europa League knock-out stages when Sheriff Tiraspol visit Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's side will be confirmed in the top two if they win, draw or avoid defeat by more than one goal against the Moldovans, although they still trail group leaders Real Sociedad courtesy of an Old Trafford loss last month.
United remain a work in progress, but they certainly appear to be heading in the right direction under the Dutchman. Since a battering from rivals Manchester City at the Etihad, they have regrouped and won four and drawn two of their last six games.
They face a Sheriff side who look nailed on for third place, providing Cypriots Omonia aren't galvanised by the departure of manager Neil Lennon.
They gave United a fright in Chisinau and are already six points clear at the top of their league table after 12 games. However, this looks a daunting task.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are as short as 1/11 in places, although there is a touch of 1/8 with Boylesports. Sheriff can be backed at a massive 28/1 with the same firm. The draw is 8/1 with Coral.
Recent head to heads
United edged to a narrow win in Moldova with a 2-0 victory with Jadon Sancho and a penalty from frozen-out Cristiano Ronaldo sealing the win.
Players to watch
United are likely to indulge in some serious rotation with key players set to be rested ahead of a big game at home to West Ham United at the weekend. Anthony Elanga could well get a start though after being used mostly from the bench. The Swede is 11/5 with bet365 to bag would be his first goal of the season.
Nigerian striker Ibrahim Rasheed has netted three goals in European competition already this season and he is 13/2 with bet365 to score on Thursday.
Anything else catch the eye?
United are too short to back in almost any way apart from the handicaps. They should really win this to nil but are only 4/7 to do so.
Given Sheriff lost at the weekend to Petrocub in their league, they should be blown away by whatever United side ten Hag puts out here. Take them to win -2 goals at 6/5 with Paddy Power.
United really should be far too classy for the Moldovans and another angle is the 11/8 with bet365 for the hosts to win and over 3.5 combined goals.
This UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Sheriff Tiraspol will be played on Oct 27, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
