MANCHESTER UNITED will be on a revenge mission when Villarreal visit Old Trafford in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Yellow Submarine sunk Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in last season's Europa League final via a dramatic penalty shootout, on a night where all three of my recommended bets landed.
Solskjaer's has since splashed the cash in a bid to finally bring United's four-year major trophy drought to an end but the clouds are already circling above the Norwegians head following an early EFL cup exit and subsequent 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Red Devils failed to reach the round of 16 last season and they can ill-afford another slip-up against Villareal after suffering an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Young Boys on match day one.
Meanwhile, Villareal are dining at Europe's top table for the first time since 2011-12, with last year's Europa League triumph demonstrating how dangerous Unai Emery's team can be in a knockout competition.
Despite occupying a place in mid-table in La Liga, the Castellon club have made an unbeaten start to their campaign and warmed up this clash with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Real Madrid.
Outright Betting
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lost seven of 11 Champions League matches as United boss but the Red Devils are red-hot favourites for the win on Wednesday night at 17/35 with SBK.
The Spanish visitors have drawn 7/8 matches this season so far and another stalemate pays 7/2 at SBK while a Villarreal victory is unfancied 6/1 (SBK) with the same firm.
Betting Angles
Manchester United are worthy favourites on Wednesday night but I suspect this contest could be closer than the odds suggest so I'm going to swerve the match result market and instead head to the Bet Builder.
Combining over zero Manchester United goals and over one Villarreal card will bring about a backable 4/5 (Bet 365) shot.
The Red Devils already have ground to make up in Group F and anything other than three points here would seriously hinder their chances of booking a last-16 berth.
Indeed, Unai Emery's men remain unbeaten inside 90 minutes this term but it's worth noting that Villarreal have shipped two or more goals in three of their last six matches.
With that in mind, coupled with the awesome array of attacking talent that Solskjaer has at his disposal, I'm more than happy to back Manchester United to make the net bulge on Wednesday night.
With United expected to be on the front foot at Old Trafford this midweek, I'll complete the Bet Builder with over one Villarreal card.
The Yellow Submarine are averaging 2.83 yellow cards per-game in La Liga this season, not to mention the Spanish guests racked up three yellows and one red during their section opener with Atalanta.
What's more, we have a favourable referee appointment here in Felix Zwayer, with the German whistler averaging 5.17 cards per-game this season.
I cashed in on an Etienne Capoue card during last year's Europa League final and I fancy the Frenchman to find his way into the referees notebook again in what is Villarreal's toughest game of the group
The combative midfielder has already clocked up three cards across seven outings this term and he looks nicely priced to add to that tally at 9/4 with Bet 365.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Villarreal will be played on Sep 29, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Villarreal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.