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      Manuel Pellegrini cannot stop smirking in press conference as he looks ahead to Real Betis clash vs Man Utd

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      FORMER Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini couldn’t stop smiling – as the Real Betis boss looked ahead to facing Manchester United by looking back to their humiliation at Liverpool.Pellegrini was “not sad” at United’s fate and will be even happier if his Spanish team pull off a shock in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
      Real Betis’ skipper and winger Joaquin joins manager Manuel Pellegrini for a laugh in the press conference ahead of their big tie at Old TraffordCredit: PA
      He only saw the first half of Sunday’s match at Anfield on TV before Betis played out a 0-0 draw with Real Madrid.
      Liverpool were only 1-0 up at that point but ran out shock 7-0 winners.
      Pellegrini said: “It really was unbelievable.
      “I only watched the first 45 minutes because after that we had to play Real Madrid and didn’t see the other six goal.
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      “I understood immediately what would happen to Manchester United because of their rivalry with Liverpool. Because of the amount of goals, I knew it would not be easy for them.
      “But also as a Manchester City fan, I was not very sad about what happened.”
      Pellegrini knows what it is like to inflict such pain on United. He beat David Moyes’ side 4-1 at The Etihad and 3-0 at Old Trafford during  his first season in 2013-14.
      That was also the season he took the Premier League title back across town as United struggled in their first campaign after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, which saw Moyes sacked before it ended.
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      Pellegrini also won the League Cup with City in 2013-14 and 2015-16.
      He said: “I had three unbelievable years as City manager where we were able to get the better of them and win the title.”
      But the Chilean, 69, does not believe Sunday’s result will have a bearing on tonight’s clash.
      In-form Betis are currently fifth in the LaLiga table having won three straight games before that draw with Real last weekend.
      Pellegrini said: “I do not think they will start the game thinking they have a 7-0 defeat inside them.
      “We must be the best Betis we can be and get a good result here.
      “We are in a good stage. It is fundamental that we continue to grow and make the next step.
      “We always have that ambition to take that further step.” More

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      Gabriel Jesus enjoys chilly training session ahead of Europa League tie vs Sporting but Arsenal missing THREE big names

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      GABRIEL JESUS took part in a frozen Arsenal training session ahead of their clash with Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners are preparing for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in Portugal on Thursday evening.
      Gabriel Jesus, right, trained with the rest of the Arsenal squad on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Jesus is not expected to return until after the international breakCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian was put through his paces as light snow fellCredit: Reuters
      And they will be buoyed by the return of Brazilian Jesus, 25, who is back training with the rest of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
      The former Manchester City man has been sidelined with a ligament injury since the World Cup.
      And while he is not expected to feature until after the international break, his progress will lift the mood of the camp even more.
      But Arsenal are facing a nervous wait on three of their players after they failed to take part in training 24 hours before the clash with Sporting.
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      Granit Xhaka was all smiles during the sessionCredit: PA
      The Arsenal players were seen piggy-backing one anotherCredit: Reuters
      Mikel Arteta took training in the cold weatherCredit: Reuters
      Kieran Tierney (illness), Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard (both injured) were all absent from the session on Wednesday.
      And it could mean Saturday’s hero Reiss Nelson is given an opportunity from the start.
      Nelson, 23, scored a dramatic late winner to clinch a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.
      And Arteta will now be hoping they can carry the momentum of four Premier League wins in a row into European competition.
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      Arsenal topped their group so did not have to come through the play-off round of the Europa League.
      They are among the favourites to lift the trophy along with Manchester United and Juventus.
      But managing European demands along with the Premier League could prove tough as they go deeper in the competition.
      Domestically, the Gunners hold a five-point lead over Manchester City with 12 games remaining.
      Arsenal are hoping to take a first-leg lead back to LondonCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners are one of the favourites to win the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal face a trip to Lisbon before a derby with Fulham More

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      Supercomputer has Arsenal as favourites for the Europa League with a 22 per cent probability

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      ARSENAL are favourites to win the Europa League title, stats show.Manchester United are close behind though as the second likeliest team to win the final on May 31.
      Arsenal and Manchester United are favourites to win the Europa League
      Arsenal are the favourites to win the Europa League title this seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United take on Real Betis in the Europa League last 16Credit: PA
      That is according to BettingExpert’s supercomputer, BETSiE, which has run its algorithm to determine the favourites for the title ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixtures.
      The Gunners are favourites for the title with a winning probability of 22 per cent.
      The North Londoners’ probability of reaching the final is 38.4 per cent and have a 72 per cent chance of eliminating Sporting Lisbon to progress to the quarter-finals.
      United, on the other hand, have a winning probability of 20.8 per cent and are 31.4 per cent likely of making it to the final.
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      Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Jose Mourinho’s Roma complete the top five.
      The rest of the top 10 consists of Feyenoord, Union Berlin, Real Sociedad, record winners Sevilla and Arsenal’s opponents Sporting.
      The Red Devils’ opponents Real Betis are 12th behind Freiburg and ahead of Fenerbahce, Shakhtar Donetsk, St Gilloise as well as Ferencvaros, who complete the Last 16.
      The supercomputer simulated the remainder of the Europa League’s Round of 16 a whopping 20,000 times.
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      It takes into account all match results from the season across all competitions.
      The research also projects the remainder of the tournament based on both pre-season expectations and xG earned both for and against.
      Arsenal take on Sporting on Thursday in Lisbon while United lock horns with Betis on the same day at Old Trafford. More

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      Man Utd in another huge blow with Casemiro huge doubt for Europa League clash against Real Betis this week

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      CASEMIRO is a doubt for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday.The Brazilian has been an integral player for the Red Devils since his £70million summer switch from Real Madrid.
      Casemiro sustained an injury against LiverpoolCredit: AP
      But even he was powerless to prevent United’s 7-0 mauling at Liverpool on Sunday.
      According to ESPN, Casemiro sustained an injury against the Reds.
      He was substituted on 77 minutes, replaced by Marcel Sabitzer.
      Casemiro will be assessed by medical staff before United’s Europa League round of 16 first leg against Betis at Old Trafford.
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      He has so far played in all eight of the Red Devils’ Europa League matches this term.
      The experienced star played a big role in his side’s rousing 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona.

      But he may join fellow midfielders Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek on the treatment table.
      Fred has largely deputised for Eriksen since the Dane’s injury.
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      Should Casemiro be missing, Fred could be joined by either Scott McTominay or January arrival Sabitzer in the middle.
      Casemiro has made 35 appearances for United to date, scoring five goals and laying on five assists – also helping them win the Carabao Cup, their first trophy in nearly six years.
      Further up the pitch, Anthony Martial remains an injury absentee.
      The Brazilian has been a key figure for Man UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Sporting vs Arsenal: Gunners readjust focus on Europa League aspirations after courageous Cherries comeback – stream, TV

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      ARSENAL take on Sporting in a mouth-watering Europa League knockout encounter – and they’ll be hoping for a smoother trip than their last match against Bournemouth.Mikel Arteta’s men were forced to dig deep after going TWO goals behind – with the first one coming inside nine seconds.
      Reiss Nelson scored a sublime stoppage time winner to secure Arsenal three pointsCredit: Rex
      But Reiss Nelson’s last-gasp strike helped the Gunners to snatch all three points from the Cherries on the weekend.
      However, the Arsenal boss will be determined to keep his side level-headed as they now face a Sporting side who have a huge pedigree in European football.
      Furthermore, the Portuguese giants have familiar face Hector Bellerin within their ranks and he’ll be eager to prove a point against some of his former teammates.
      When is Sporting vs Arsenal?

      Sporting’s tasty Europa League tie against Arsenal will take place on Thursday, March 9.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 50,095.
      The Gunners were held to a goalless draw when these two sides last met in a 2018 Europa League group fixture.

      Read more on Arsenal
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Sporting vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
      Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Sporting boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping Dario Essugo will recover in time for the huge Arsenal clash.
      While it is likely to be too soon for Daniel Braganca despite returning to training from his cruciate ligament rupture last July.
      Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of Eddie Nketiah who missed out on the courageous Bournemouth win.
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      And Leandro Trossard after being dragged off early with what looked to be a suspected groin strain.
      Leandro Trossard was forced to come off early on the weekendCredit: Alamy
      However, this could result in a start for super sub Reiss Nelson following his heroic performance on the weekend.
      What are the odds?

      Sporting to win 5/2
      Draw 23/10
      Arsenal to win 11/10

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Man Utd vs Real Betis: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League match-up

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be looking for a big response as they take on Real Betis in the Europa League. United were thrashed 7-0 by rivals Liverpool on the weekend, putting doubt about Erik Ten Hag’s team back into the minds of supporters.
      Man Utd were beaten 7-0 by Liverpool at AnfieldCredit: PA
      The Dutchman has already criticised his players, calling them ‘unprofessional’ for the way in which they capitulated against the Reds.
      Bruno Fernandes was also called out as embarrassing by Gary Neville after the Portuguese’s on-field antics.
      And now United will be aiming to bounce back as they take on La Liga side Betis in the last-16 of Europe’s secondary competition.
      When is Man Utd vs Real Betis?

      United’s home clash with Betis will take place on Thursday, March 9.
      The game will be held at Old Trafford.
      United vs Betis will get underway from 8pm UK time.

      What channel is it can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs Real Betis will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Ten Hag has no major injury concerns following the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, but he may decide to ring in some changes.
      Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot had a tough day at the office, with both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia pushing for starts.
      Wout Weghorst and Fred may also see their places in the XI come under threat following their performances.
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      Odds

      Man Utd – 2/5
      Draw – 7/2
      Real Betis – 13/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      I got my ass whooped by Marcus Rashford on his debut… I’d never even heard of the Man Utd star

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      A FORMER FC Midtjyland player has admitted that he got his “ass whooped” by Marcus Rashford on the forward’s famous debut – and that he “had never heard of” of the ace.It was the seven-year anniversary three days ago since the hotshot burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old with a brace against FC Midtjyland in the Europa League.
      Ex-FC Midtjylland captain Tim Sparv says he ‘got my ass whooped’ by Marcus RashfordCredit: EPA
      Marcus Rashford famously scored twice on his Man Utd debutCredit: Getty
      Rashford was handed his opportunity after Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up as the Red Devils aimed to bounce back from a 2-1 first leg deficit.
      The star took full advantage to score twice inside 12 minutes in front of the Stretford End in a memorable 5-1 win and has not looked back since.
      However, one man who is sick of hearing about that unforgettable night is Tim Sparv, who captained FC Midtjylland at old Trafford.
      The former Finnish international midfielder, 36, previously took to Twitter in 2020 to reply to a United post celebrating the anniversary.
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      He wrote: “Every year, like clockwork! This must be bordering on bullying soon.”
      That led to a response from Rashford himself, who wrote: “Haha sorry bro, it’s all love.”
      Now the retired Sparv, who had a three-year spell at Southampton as a youngster, has responded again after a clip was shared of Rashford’s scoring exploits on the anniversary again.
      He wrote: “It’s been seven years since I got my ass whooped by a guy I had never heard of.”
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      Rashford is still proving to be the scourge of defenders across Europe with his exploits for United both domestically and in the Europa League.
      He had a shot deflected into the Newcastle net as United claimed the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
      Despite that initially going down as an own goal, he has now officially been credited with it.
      And that means that his record since returning from England duty at the World Cup has outshone stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
      He has bagged 17 goals since December, taking his total to a career-best 25 for the campaign. More

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      Man Utd opponents Real Betis suffer huge blow as they lose star man for season days before Europa League clash

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      REAL BETIS have suffered a huge blow ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester United next month.The Spanish side drew the Red Devils in the round of 16 during Friday’s ceremony.
      Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini will be without a key man against Man UnitedCredit: EPA
      Betis have enjoyed a strong European campaign thus far, winning their group ahead of Roma without losing a game.
      They will have their work cut out against United in the round of 16, however, having lost their star man Nabil Fekir for the rest of the season.
      The Frenchman hyper-extended his left knee during Friday’s 3-2 win over Elche.
      Following subsequent medical tests, Betis have confirmed that Fekir has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
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      The 29-year-old will now undergo surgery and won’t play again this season.
      Fekir was part of France’s victorious World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and has earned 25 caps for Les Bleus.
      He joined Betis the following year from hometown club Lyon and is a key creative force for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
      The attacking midfielder has scored six goals and assisted a further three in 20 appearances in all competitions this season.
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      He even scored the winner against Man United during a mid-season friendly in December.
      Due to their World Cup exploits in Qatar, many of the Red Devils’ key men did not play in that match, a 1-0 defeat.
      Of those that were selected for Man United that day, only David de Gea started yesterday’s Carabao Cup final.
      Nabil Fekir is a key creator for BetisCredit: Rex More