Here’s something you don’t see everyday- a UEFA Europa League quarter-finalist training in a public park. Seriously! The Anderlecht practice session was captured by Twitter user @robpim1982 who bumped into the side from Brussels, Belgium while strolling through Castlefield Park in Manchester.
We’ll soon find out how this training backdrop helped to prepare Anderlecht for Old Trafford. Here’s the video below:
@ManUtd @MENnewsdesk Anderlecht training in Castlefield for tonight's game!! #manchester pic.twitter.com/hgFMg8EhbJ
— RobP (@robpim1982) April 20, 2017
Not sure how this development will affect the betting line at the last minute, if at all, but here’s the latest odds, and our prediction on this match.
Match Odds:
United- 1/4 Draw- 5/1 Anderlecht 11/1 (via Paddy Power)
United starting XI:
A reminder of tonight's #MUFC team… #UEL pic.twitter.com/6Qg8uOaZtq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2017
Prediction: Manchester United 2, Anderlecht 0
United are coming off the best performance and biggest win of the Mourinho era. Sorry EFL Cup final, but you know it’s true. Was a virus plaguing Chelsea on Easter, and was that bug enough to hold the Blues back?
I guess we’ll never really know for sure, but what we do know is that Mourinho was masterclass with his tactics on Sunday. Afterward he explained how he pulled it off. He called it a special victory over a special opponent.
United remains on the outside looking in for top four, and thus, winning the UEL is the most practical path back into Europe’s real tournament. However, their chances are looking much better after the huge triumph last weekend.
Still United have a 1-1 coming home so they should, and likely will, take care of business here.
Anderlecht starting XI:
#MUFC – #RSCA | The starting line-up ! Subs : Boeckx, Deschacht, Bruno, Nuytinck, Capel, Kiese Thelin & Stanciu #COYM #UEL #MUFCAND pic.twitter.com/p7bPQK1ECj
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) April 20, 2017
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube