Manchester United have responded well to boss Ruben Amorim branding them maybe the worst team in the club's history and will be looking to rack up a third consecutive when when they visit FCSB on Europa League duty.
The Old Trafford boss ripped into his side after a 3-1 Premier League loss at home to Brighton, a game that brought up two bets for me, and United seemed to be on the brink of crisis just a few months into Amorim's reign.
But a week is a long time in football and the Red Devils bounced back with a 2-1 Europa League victory over Rangers, bringing up two bets for Slips Tips, before claiming an excellent 1-0 Premier League win at Fulham.
I thought the in-form Cottagers would beat Amorim's side but United got the job done and now head to Bucharest looking to secure automatic entry to the last 16.
FCSB, the artists formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, currently sit eighth in the Europa League table, one point and four places below Manchester United, so they are also out to secure a place in the last 16.
Few people would have bet on Steaua finishing so high after they were thrashed 4-0 by Rangers at Ibrox in October but they've been unbeaten in Europe since then so it's a tricky closing game for Amorim's side.
How the bookies view it: Red Devils ready to roll
With results picking up for Manchester United, BoyleSports make them 8/15 hot favourites for a win in Romania. FCSB look a bit overpriced at 4/1 with home advantage while the draw pays 3/1.
Head to head: Sticky for Steaua against English
These sides have never faced off in Europe before but Steaua Bucharest don't have a great record against English clubs. In 22 games, they've won just five times and suffered 13 defeats.
Players to watch: Oh Danny joy
Daniel Birligea has been FCSB's main man this season, weighing in with 15 goals. Three of those strikes have come in the Europa League and he's a tempting 10/3 for anytime scorer.
Amorim will be desperate to avoid adding two extra games to United's schedule so I'd imagine he will field a strong team for this one. Amad Diallo has been the standout player since the new manager's arrival and the winger is 15/8 for another goal.
Probable line-ups
Steaua Bucharest have doubts over Mihai Lixandru and Octavian Popescu while Darius Olaru is set to miss out again with injury.
Amorim has no fresh injury concerns, with only Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw still sidelined.
FCSB: Tarnovanu, Cretu, Dawa, Ngezana, Radunovic, Tanase, Sut, Miculescu, Stefanescu, Alhassan, Birligea.
Manchester United: Onana, De Ligt, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Zirkzee, Amad, Garnacho.
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Manchester United have won their last two games, the performances have been far from impressive. A trip to Romania is a tough assignment in January and it's a test of mettle for Amorim's squad.
It might pay to back FCSB in the double chance at 11/8 based on their recent European results but I've not seen enough of them to place that bet with confidence.
Going for goals looks a better option and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals looks good at 6/5 with BoyleSports.
FCSB's Europa League games haven't been producing a lot of corners, with just three of their seven matches hitting double figures. So the 20/21 on offer at BoyleSports for under 9.5 flag kicks could be worth a punt here.
This UEFA Europa League match between FCSB and Manchester United will be played on Jan 30, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best FCSB vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
