Como prepare for arguably the biggest game in their history as they host three-time UEFA Champions League (UCL) winners Manchester United, who are desperately lacking in form.
Match News and Current Form
Como’s 3-1 weekend win over Fiorentina ended a three-match winless run (D1, L2) which included a 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord on UCL matchday two. The Lariani now return to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia where they defeated Leipzig 4-1 on their European debut last month, meaning they could become the first Italian team since Lazio in 1999/00 to win their first two UCL home matches. Manager Cesc Fàbregas battled with United no fewer than 24 times in his illustrious playing career and should be confident of notching another victory over them given that Como have been beaten at home just once in any competition since February (W6, D3).
Manchester United’s miserable season continued as they gave up the lead in a 1-1 draw against old rivals Leeds on Sunday, leaving them with just two wins this term (D4, L4) and without a victory in six successive games for the first time since 2019. Boss Michael Carrick is under heavy pressure to make amends for last week’s 2-0 UCL defeat to Atlético Madrid, which was United’s sixth defeat in their last nine matches in this competition (W1, D2). The Red Devils have posted just one win in their last ten UCL trips (D3, L6) and are desperate for a better performance as they’re also yet to win on the road in any competition so far this season (D3, L2).
Head-to-Head History
This will be Como’s first game against English opposition, while United are unbeaten in their last six UCL away games against Italian teams (W3, D3) stretching back to 2007.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Como have won the corner count in 14 of their last 16 competitive home games.
Three of Como’s last four outings produced over 1.5 first-half goals.
United’s last eight UCL matches averaged 4.13 total goals per game.
United conceded 2+ goals in eight of their last ten UCL away fixtures.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Anastasios Douvikas netted in both of Como’s two UCL games this term and each of his last seven strikes for the club came beyond the half-hour mark. An unused substitute at the weekend, Marcus Rashford will be gunning for a potential 50th UCL appearance, with only three English players netting more than his 17 goals across their first 50 games in this competition.
Trevoh Chalobah was withdrawn early in Como’s weekend game, which Assane Diao sat out injured. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo have missed United’s last two matches, while Lisandro Martínez picked up a thigh problem on Sunday.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Como are sizable favourites, but their lack of European experience makes Manchester United in the double chance market a worthwhile consideration.
Author: Ryan Fisher