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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Michael Owen makes Club Brugge vs Man Utd prediction ahead of Europa League tie

Michael Owen feels Man Utd are in for a difficult night when they face Club Brugge in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Belgian league leaders welcome United to the Jan Breydel Stadium for the first leg of their last-32 tie.

United have had just a few days to prepare for the encounter, having last been in action against Chelsea on Monday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup, but former Red Devil Owen has warned the United boss of the task ahead.

“A busy week for Manchester United, who picked up a win at Stamford Bridge before travelling to Belgium for the first leg of their Europa League tie, Owen told Bet Victor .

Owen forecasts a tricky test for United in Bruges (Getty Images)

“Club Brugge are nine points clear in the Belgian First Division and did get a 2-2 draw in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier in the season.

“The hosts will provide a stern test for United, but the Belgian outfit are without a win in their last 10 games against Premier League opposition and I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will get a hard-earned draw in Bruges.”

Odion Ighalo could make his first start for United (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Jesse Lingard, Diogo Dalot and Sergio Romero are all in contention to start Thursday's clash, while Victor Lindelof looks set to regain his place following illness.

With fixtures now coming thick and fast for United, Solskjaer is wary of overworking his players.

“Of course it does have a big impact, because two days recovery is not a lot,” said Solskjaer.

“You would have wanted a game on the Saturday before playing on the Thursday. We had 16 days off, but we can't complain, it is what it is."

New loan signing Odion Ighalo could be in line to make his full United debut after coming off the bench against Chelsea.

The Nigerian has been training with the side this week, and Solskajer admitted Ighalo could have a significant role to play.

“I'm not going to tell the team today, but we're going to have to rotate with all the games coming up and he's one that could start, although we've not made a decision yet.”

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