La Real’s defensive setup at home has been relatively solid in domestic competition, conceding an average of 4.25 corners per game. However, the added intensity of European football has seen them allow at least four corners in seven of their 10 Europa League fixtures.

United’s attacking intent further strengthens this selection. They average 5.26 corners per game across all competitions, and while this dips slightly to 4.56 in solely domestic away matches, their European away average rises to 6.5. All but two of their European games have seen them win at least five corners.

Real Sociedad have conceded an average of 3.6 shots on target per game in Europe, with their opponents registering at least three attempts on target in nine of their 10 games.

United are the most prolific shooting team in the competition, averaging 18.8 shots per match, the highest of any side. Their accuracy is equally impressive, ranking them 6th in the tournament with 6.13 shots on target per game. They have managed at least four in every European match so far this season, making three a comfortable option.

Martin Zubimendi, while renowned for his control and composure in midfield, is relentless in defensive duels and often commits fouls as a result. He averages 1.4 fouls per game and has committed at least one in eight of his last nine appearances.

His European statistics further reinforce this pick, with four fouls across his last three Europa League outings. Up against a midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, who draw a combined 2.53 fouls per 90, Zubimendi is likely to be involved in several physical battles.

United’s ability to retain possession and draw challenges makes this an interesting angle.

Real Sociedad are among La Liga’s most aggressive teams at home, averaging 13.85 fouls per match picking up 2.38 cards per game. Their European discipline issues persist with eight of their 10 matches seeing them pick up at least two cards with a competition average of 2.6 per game.

Both sides have shown defensive frailties this season, leading to high-scoring encounters. Real Sociedad’s home matches have frequently seen multiple goals, with 10 of their 13 La Liga fixtures at the Reale Arena featuring at least two goals. All of their 10 Europa League matches this season have also reached this mark.

United’s domestic form follows a similar pattern, with 22 of their 25 league games featuring over 1.5 goals. While this frequency dips slightly away from home, all eight of their European matches have still produced over 1.5 goals.

In a struggling United squad, Fernandes has been the standout performer, directly contributing to 24 goals this season (11G, 13A). This is at least 10 more than any other fit player in the team.

Furthermore, he has been directly involved in a goal in each of United’s last three games, scoring in two and assisting in the other. Given his role as both playmaker and penalty taker, he remains United’s most reliable source in attack.

As mentioned in the above bet builder, Patrick Dorgu is a magnet for fouls, yet his overzealous nature also sees him on the wrong side of these involvements too. The youngster averages 2.1 fouls per 90, has committed at least one foul in all four appearances, and has committed 2+ fouls in two of those matches.

Likely to start at left midfield, Dorgu will be tasked with defending Real Sociedad’s dynamic right-hand side, which has been particularly effective at drawing fouls. Takefusa Kubo, their right midfielder, draws 2.18 fouls per 90, whilst Jon Aramburu, the right back, draws 1.59 fouls per 90.

Not only does his return from suspension suggest a strong possibility of him struggling to maintain discipline but this will also be his first taste of European action and his enthusiasm, combined with a potential lack of composure on the big stage, could work in our favour for this leg