Man Utd vs Real Sociedad: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Manchester United will reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League if they can overcome Real Sociedad in the second leg of their last 16 tie.

The first encounter between the sides finished 1-1 after Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty denied Joshua Zirkzee the winning goal in San Sebastian, with the Red Devils boasting home advantage for the all-important return fixture.

United were able to secure a hard-fought Premier League draw with Arsenal as they prepared for La Real's visit, with Old Trafford - which will soon be usurped by a new 100,000-seater arena - needing to rise to the occasion once more on Thursday night.

Imanol Alguacil's side endured another underwhelming evening on Sunday as they were narrowly beaten on home soil by Sevilla, meaning they have now won just two of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.

Given they have drawn their last three matches across 90 minutes, United could be in for a long night. Ruben Amorim's side will progress automatically with victory but will be required to contest extra-time and potentially penalties should the match finish all square.

Here is 90min's preview of the game.

Man Utd vs Real Sociedad head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Man Utd vs Real Sociedad on TV - UK and US

Man Utd team news

Leny Yoro is sidelined with a foot injury / Michael Regan/GettyImages

United were dealt another fitness blow on Sunday as Leny Yoro was withdrawn at half-time with a foot injury. The French centre-back will be absent for Thursday's game and the upcoming league match with Leicester City.

Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte are both back in training, although the clash with La Real comes too soon for the former. The latter will be named in the matchday squad, according to Amorim.

The United boss has also revealed that Harry Maguire will be sidelined with injury again on Thursday but could make a comeback against former employers Leicester at the weekend.

Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw are other defensive absentees, with back-up goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton also injured. Further forward, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are missing.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Lindelof; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Hojlund, Garnacho.

Real Sociedad team news

Jon Aramburu could sit out with a foot injury / Ion Alcoba Beitia/GettyImages

Real Sociedad will be without the services of Jon Pacheco once again, while the duo of Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu are major doubts. The former featured in the first leg but missed the weekend defeat to Sevilla, while the latter was withdrawn due to a foot injury on Sunday.

Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan have been missing since La Real's most recent victory in February against Leganes, but both could feature as part of the squad on Thursday evening.

Martin Zubimendi was a notable absentee for last week's first leg but made his comeback against Sevilla and will start at Old Trafford.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-1-4-1): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Zubimendi; Kubo, Turrientes, Mendez, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

United offered signs of encouragement during the second half against Arsenal on Sunday but were still reliant on some Bruno Fernandes magic to get on the scoresheet. The Portuguese will prove essential to the Red Devils' progression.

La Real are in disappointing form and have lost five of their last six away matches in all competitions, which bodes well for Amorim's men. It's unlikely to be a thriller or classic on Thursday, but United could squeeze through thanks to their individual quality.