1. Edin Dzeko back to haunt Manchester United
Against no English side has Edin Dzeko scored more goals against in his career than Manchester United (6). The former Manchester City striker will hope to start against his old rivals on Thursday.
2. Elmatador’s Favorite Italian Club
Edinson Cavani has nine career goals against Roma making them his favourite Italian team to score against.
3. The Comeback Kings
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay return for Manchester United after serving a one-match ban in the Europa league last time out.
Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani should return to the starting XI on Thursday night after being partially rested for Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds.
Mason Greenwood has had a good run in the side of late but will most likely drop to the bench on Thursday if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer uses Pogba on the left wing.
4. United Cup Goalkeeper
David de Gea will start in goal for the home side after losing his No.1 position to Dean Henderson in the league.
5. Roma’s Easing Injury Problems
Roma’s injury problems have subsided significantly in recent weeks with former Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan notably back.
Ibanez will be fresh to return to the starting XI after missing Roma’s defeat to Cagliari on Sunday through suspension.
Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are in competition for one spot in defence for the Italians. Leonardo Spinazzola or Bruno Peres will play left wing-back.
Pedro and Nicolo Zaniolo are the only players expected to miss out for Roma on Thursday night.
6. Both teams Low on Confidence
Manchester United stuttered to a 0-0 bore draw with Leeds on Sunday, while Roma were defeated 3-2 to Cagliari. Not ideal preparations for either side ahead of Thursday’s semi-final first leg.
7. The Sacred Record
United are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches in all competitions, while Roma have lost back-to-back away games.
United are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the two sides, though this is their first competitive encounter since 2008.
Roma have scored in all but one of their Europa League matches this season and would certainly be content with a narrow defeat on Thursday if they can take an away goal back to Italy for the second leg.
