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    How Man Utd could line up in crunch Real Sociedad clash in Europa League with Antony, Sancho and Martial all OUT

    ANTONY, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial are all OUT of Manchester United’s crunch Europa League trip to Real Sociedad.The Red Devils are three points off table-toppers Sociedad and due to placings coming down to head-to-head records they must win by TWO goals to top the group.
    Garnacho could be handed a second consecutive start in the competition following the absences of Antony, Martial and Sancho
    Antony will miss Thursday’s game through injury which saw him ruled out of last weekend’s game with West HamCredit: Alamy
    The Spanish side won 1-0 when the sides met earlier this season and have a superior goal difference to the Red Devils.
    If Erik ten Hag’s men fail to beat Sociedad by two goals they will finish second and face a preliminary knockout round that could see them pitted against one of Europe’s big boys dropping from the Champions League.
    The teams dropping down include Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus, Leverkusen, Salzburg, Sevilla, Shakhtar and Sporting CP.
    And so Ten Hag could opt for a strong side to try and snatch top spot in the group and skip playing two additional games in the New Year.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    However, Antony, Sancho and Martial didn’t travel to Spain, limiting the Dutchman’s selection in the wide areas.
    Brazilian trickster Antony was absent for the 1-0 over West Ham through injury, as was Martial, while Sancho is ill.
    David de Gea’s heroics against the Hammers on Sunday will see him keep his spot.
    He’ll be protected by a back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
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    Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen will make up the midfield three.
    Fernandes will start as he’s suspended for United’s next game against Aston Villa.
    Teenager Alejandro Garnacho impressed on his start against Sheriff and could man the left flank.
    And Ten Hag could call on Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line.
    Alternatively, Fred could come into the midfield to hand Eriksen a rest.
    Summer signing Tyrell Malacia may be handed a rare chance to start in order to give Shaw a rest.
    Shaw would’ve seen England team-mate and left-back competition, Ben Chilwell, have to be helped off yesterday and may not want to overwork himself ahead of the World Cup.
    Fred and Malacia could come in More

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    Arsenal in huge boost with Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko back in full training ahead of Zurich clash

    BUKAYO SAKA is back in full training in a major boost for Arsenal and England. And Oleksandr Zinchenko is also back for the Gunners ahead of their clash with FC Zurich.
    Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko took a full part in Arsenal trainingCredit: PA
    Coach Mikel Arteta casts his eye over his talismanic wingerCredit: PA
    Saka limped off against Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: PA

    Mikel Arteta’s side host Swiss outfit Zurich at the Emirates on Thursday evening.
    They know they must win to guarantee their place at the top of Europa League Group A – or match PSV’s result against Bodo/Glimt.
    That would in turn send the North Londoners straight through to the last 16 of the competition – rather than an initial play-off with a third-placed Champions League side.
    There were major concerns over Saka when he limped off with foot and ankle bruising in the first half of Sunday’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
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    With the World Cup just three weeks away, the Arsenal man seemed to face a race against time to be fit.
    However, as revealed by SunSport, the injury was nowhere near as bad as first feared and he could face Chelsea on Sunday.
    But pictures from London Colney on Wednesday showed the No7 joining in the session – and looking pretty relaxed.
    Saka may still not be risked against Zurich but the very fact he has trained will be a welcome sign.
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    And there was another bonus for Arsenal with Zinchenko also taking part.
    The Ukrainian left-back – a key player in Arteta’s style – has not played since October 1 due to a calf problem.
    But after missing nine matches in a hectic month, he could also feature against Zurich.
    Mohamed Elneny also trained with his team-mates as he recovers from a hamstring problem – but again the game could come too soon.
    Zinchenko has been sidelined since the beginning of OctoberCredit: Reuters
    Reiss Nelson, left, may have played his way into contentionCredit: PA
    Martin Odegaard showed quality control on the training groundCredit: PA
    In fact, only goalkeeper Matt Turner and Emile Smith Rowe were absent.
    Despite knowing his team need to secure all three points, Arteta is expected to make plenty of changes for the 8pm kick-off – especially with the trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
    Reiss Nelson should come in after his two goals and an assist after coming off the bench to replace Saka against Forest.
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    Eddie Nketiah, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney could also make the starting XI.
    Fabio Vieira will be confident of getting the call-up – especially with Granit Xhaka suspended.
    Ben White was all smiles ahead of the must-win matchCredit: Reuters
    There will be plenty of changes to the starting XI ahead of a trip to Chelsea on SundayCredit: PA
    Arteta knows his side will top Group A by matching PSV’s result against Bodo/GlimtCredit: PA More

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    Real Sociedad vs Man Utd: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, team news for Europa League Group E clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED return to Europa League action with Group E top spot firmly in their sights – but leaders Real Sociedad have other ideas.The Red Devils temporarily closed the gap on Sociedad having brushed aside Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo got on the score sheet as United beat Sheriff 3-1 at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    But Sociedad restored their lead at the top of Group E with a convincing win over Omonia.
    However, victory for United would see them leapfrog their Spanish opponents if the Red Devils were to score three with no reply.
    And Erik Ten Hag will be desperate for his side to top the leaderboards as the group winners avoid the Champions League drop outs.
    When is Real Sociedad vs Manchester United?

    Real Sociedad roll out the red carpet for Manchester United on Thursday, November 3.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
    Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain is the chosen venue for this match and it can host approximately 39,500.
    Sociedad stunned United 1-0 the last time the sides met in September.

    Real Sociedad held on to beat Manchester United in the reverse fixtureCredit: AP
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    What TV channel is Real Sociedad vs Manchester United on and can I live stream it?

    Real Sociedad vs Manchester United will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    What is the team news?
    Imanol Alguacil has been severely hit with injury problems ahead of this top of the table clash against Manchester United.
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    The Sociedad boss is expected to be without Mikel Oyarzabal, Umar Sadiq, Mohamed-Ali-Cho, Ander Martin and former Manchester City icon David Silva.
    Takefusa Kubo’s dislocated shoulder from last week has also made him one of the few doubts alongside Ander Barrenetxea, Aihen Munoz and Alex Sola.
    Elsewhere, Erik Ten Hag has some injury setbacks of his own as the United boss will continue to be without Raphael Varane, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams.
    However, Antony, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial could all return to the fold having missed out on the West Ham win.
    Latest odds

    Real Sociedad to win 9/4
    Draw 12/5
    Manchester United to win 6/5

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

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    Arsenal vs FC Zurich: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League clash

    ARSENAL host FC Zurich in an important clash on the final day of their Europa League group.The Gunners sit top of Group A but after a 2-0 defeat to PSV last week, the Dutch side can overtake them to bypass the round of 32.
    LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal celebrates scoring their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on October 30, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)Credit: Getty
    Second placed sides in their respective Europa League groups will be matched up against Champions League third placed sides in the competition in the next round.
    Those who top the group will bypass this stage and head straight into the round of 16, where Arsenal will be aiming for during an already packed fixture schedule.
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    What time does Arsenal vs FC Zurich kick off?

    Arsenal take on Zurich on Thursday, November 3.
    The game will kick off from 8pm UK time.
    The clash will be held at the Emirates Stadium in London, which can hold up to 60,260 spectators.
    Arsenal came out 2-1 victors in Switzerland in the previous fixture back in September.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2.
    You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download on your mobile or tablet device.

    Team news
    Arsenal are said to be confident that the injury Bukayo Saka picked up against Nottingham Forest is not serious, but he could miss out on Thursday’s clash.
    Two-goal Reiss Nelson could be handed a start after an impressive display off the bench at the weekend, while Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny remain sidelined.
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    Granit Xhaka is suspended for the clash, while Matt Turner and Oleksandr Zinchenko remain doubts.
    The visitors could be without Nikola Katic, who was replaced against Sion with an injury.
    Latest odds
    Arsenal to win – 2/17
    Draw – 8/1
    FC Zurich to win – 16/1
    *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    Notorious Man Utd taskmaster Ten Hag takes time out of gruelling club rebuild to visit cafe with wife on ELECTRIC bike

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag was spotted enjoying a nice bike ride with his wife in Cheshire ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash.United take on Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium and will have to win by a two-goal margin or else face a potential nightmare draw in the play-offs against the likes of Barcelona and Juventus.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag went out for a nice bike ride in CheshireCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Erik ten Hag and his wife Bianca went out with their electric bikes to a cafeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Manchester United are set for a crunch Europa League clash against Real SociedadCredit: Alamy
    However, Ten Hag took a break from all that drama on Tuesday and went out on a cycling ride with his wife Bianca.
    The couple took their electric bikes and went to a cafe in Hale Village to enjoy some down time.
    The pair have been taking several leisurely bike rides ever since the Dutchman’s arrival in Manchester.
    The 52-year-old tactician has been dealing with less tension amid the ongoing team rebuild at Old Trafford.
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    Ten Hag’s reign kicked off with two humiliating losses to Brighton and Brentford in the Premier League.
    But the ex-Ajax boss turned things around with a big win over Liverpool, which set up a record of seven wins and only one loss in 10 league matches.
    Ten Hag, though, quickly showed that he thrived under pressure with the way he disciplined his United players after August’s 4-0 thrashing at Brentford.
    The Dutch head coach cancelled the players’ day off after their loss and ordered them to complete the 13.8km which the Bees had outrun them by in the scorching heat.
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    While many players were angry initially at the punishment they were stunned to learn their manager was running with them.
    Since then, United have climbed up to fifth place in the Premier League table with eight points separating them from high-flying Arsenal.
    Erik ten Hag and his wife have taken various bike rides since their arrivalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Erik ten Hag is overseeing a major team rebuild at Manchester UnitedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Europa League round of 32 draw: Date, TV channel, stream FREE, format and qualified teams

    TEAMS in the Europa League will soon find out who they face in the round of 32, with those knocked out of the Champions League joining the competition.Sides that finished third in their groups in Europe’s number one competition will drop down to the Europa League and have a chance at a European title.
    Arsenal are through to the knockout round of the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex
    With the round of 32 set to be underway, those who topped their Europa League groups will head straight for the round of 16 and leave the runners up to compete against eight teams from the Champions League group stages.
    And now, we will find out who faces who as there are some potential mouth watering ties.
    When is the Europa League round of 32 draw?
    The Europa League round of 32 will be taking place on Monday, November 7.
    It is scheduled to get underway 12pm UK time – 1pm local time.
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    This will be hosted at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
    Where can I watch the Europa League round of 32 draw?
    The draw will be live on UEFA’S official YouTube channel.
    Or as an alternative, the draw will be broadcasted on the UEFA’S official website.
    How does the draw work?
    The draw will feature 16 teams as eight Europa League group stage runners up take on eight third placed sides from the Champions League.
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    So far only Barcelona and Sevilla are confirmed to be third placed finishers and will participate in the Europa League, sure to be two of the favourites for the trophy.
    The eight runners up from the Europa League group stage will be seeded and the eight Champions League sides are unseeded.
    Clubs from the same association are unable to be drawn against each other, avoiding any clashes between teams in the same country.
    Who has qualified so far?
    Barcelona and Sevilla are the only two teams to qualify so far, being confirmed as third placed finishers in their Champions League groups. More

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    Do Europa League group winners have to play in the round of 32?

    WITH the Europa League group stage concluding this week, fans will find out who is through to the knockout stages of the competition.While Arsenal and Manchester United are already through, their final positions will be decided on Thursday night as they can still finish second.
    Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating after scoring against Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
    Therefore they have it all to play for going into the final game of the groups as the likes of Barcelona could drop into the competition.
    Topping the groups comes with huge benefits and could make a run to the final simpler.
    Do Europa League group winners have to play in the round of 32?
    The eight group winners do not have to play in the round of 32, and instead will progress automatically to the round of 16.
    This is as the third-placed teams in their Champions League groups will drop into the competition.
    Most read in Europa League
    The eight teams that drop out of the competition will face a Europa League group runner up in the knockout round play-offs, also known as the round of 32.
    These matches will be played in February following the World Cup over the winter months as those involved will be dreaming of making it to the 2022 final in Budapest. More

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    Man Utd star Fred slams ‘annoying’ critics of Antony’s showboating and jokes he’s jealous of fellow Brazilian’s talent

    MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Fred has jumped to the defence of his teammate Antony after the winger was criticised for showboating.Antony, 22, was mocked by pundits when he attempted his signature spin midway through United’s Europa League clash with Sheriff on Thursday.
    Antony was criticised for his signature skill on ThursdayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Pundits slammed him for showboatingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    With nobody around him, the Brazil international completed two spins with the ball at his feet before passing it out of play.
    The trick sparked outrage from numerous pundits, including Man Utd legend Paul Scholes who said: “I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s ridiculous. It’s showboating.”
    Ex-Liverpool star Robbie Savage echoed the claims, labelling the Brazilian “embarrassing”.
    United boss Erik ten Hag wasn’t best pleased with the trick either as he hauled the former Ajax star off at half time.
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    But, Antony has vowed to continue showboating despite the criticism.
    In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: “We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
    Man Utd midfielder Fred has since defended his teammate, stating that it’s “his game”.
    When speaking to ESPN about the reaction, he said: “It’s very annoying that they want to say that.
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    “I think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile.
    “So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did.
    “Of course, if it’s offensive, we’ll come to him in the dressing room and talk. But it was not offensive to anyone. It’s his game. I think he has to keep doing it.
    “Dribbling, doing what he likes to do because he has the quality for it, so he has to keep doing it. Casemiro and I don’t have the quality for that, so we can’t do it.
    “I think those who have quality have to show it on the pitch there. If you want to control differently, you can control. 
    “You want to do a spin that he likes to do, you have to do it. Dance, you can dance. As long as it’s with respect to the opponent, obviously.”
    Man Utd went on to win the Europa League clash 3-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Fred has defended AntonyCredit: AFP More