Manchester United vs PAOK Prediction: Red Devils to deliver first win

Ruud van Nistelrooy's penultimate game in interim charge of Manchester United takes place on Thursday night, when the Red Devils welcome PAOK to Old Trafford (20:00, live on TNT Sports 2).

Both sides are still searching for their first victory in this year's Europa League as United sit 21st in the table, while their opponents are languishing in 30th. Read on for my Manchester United vs PAOK prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

The hosts are set to be without Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Antony due to injury.

Mason Mount has returned to first-team training, but Thursday's contest will come too soon for him, while Christian Eriksen will be assessed before kick-off after missing United's last two outings. However, Bruno Fernandes will return to the starting XI here after being suspended for the draw with Fenerbahce.

As for the visitors, Dejan Lovren, Mbwana Samatta and Vieirinha are all ineligible as they have not been selected in the Greek club's Europa League squad, while former Chelsea man Tiemoue Bakayoko is a doubt after missing each of PAOK’s last two matches.

Shola Shoretire spent 10 years at Old Trafford before leaving on a free transfer in the summer to join PAOK, and he is in contention to play against his former club here.

Manchester United vs PAOK Odds

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United are big favourites to claim their first win of this season's Europa League at 2/9, giving them an implied win probability of 81.8%. The draw can be backed at 11/2, and an away win is available at 11/1.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both lead the anytime goalscorer market at 11/4, while Fyodor Chalov and Tarik Tissoudali are shortest-priced for the visitors at 4/1.

Manchester United to win and over 3.5 goals @ 7/5

Manchester United have drawn each of their opening three league phase assignments in the Europa League, leaving them sat in 21st place in the standings, so they will be keen to start climbing the table with a view to securing automatic qualification for the round of 16.

For that reason, I believe Van Nistelrooy will field a strong XI on Thursday and will be aiming to secure a comprehensive victory. United have struggled for goals this year, but are capable of opening the floodgates, as shown in their Carabao Cup victories over Barnsley and Leicester City.

Thursday night could be a tough assignment for the visiting side, who've conceded six goals in three Europa League games - including three against Galatasaray in their only away trip in this season's competition.

In addition, United's defensive woes are well-documented - they've kept just one clean sheet in their last nine encounters.

Alejandro Garnacho to score anytime @ 11/8

I do think that this game is a brilliant opportunity for United to build some confidence and enjoy a high-scoring victory, which means the likes of Alejandro Garnacho should fill his boots.

The 20-year-old has six goals in 16 appearances this season - with four of those arriving in cup competitions.

He's had more touches in the opposition penalty area than any other United player this term, while only Bruno Fernandes has had more attempts on goal. I'm expecting him to feature heavily for the Red Devils on Thursday night, so backing him to score anytime appeals here.

Offers

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