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Charlie Nicholas predictions: Man Utd and Spurs to crash out

Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for the Premier League clubs playing in Europe this week.

Manchester United will attempt to avenge their 2-0 first-leg defeat to Liverpool - while Tottenham need to win by an even bigger margin after losing 3-0 at Borussia Dortmund.

Here is what Soccer Saturday pundit Nicholas is predicting...

Manchester United v Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge scores from the penalty spot against Man United in the Europa League
Image: Daniel Sturridge scored from the spot for Liverpool at Anfield

This tie isn't over, but Manchester United need to start quickly and score first if they are to have any chance of progressing.

Liverpool will be happy to drop off, pack the midfield and squeeze when they're in their own half and Juan Mata is the key to unlock the defence. 

Marouane Fellaini was lucky to not be sent off in the first leg and I wouldn't be surprised if things boil over and we get a red card here, especially if Liverpool get the away goal and United get frustrated.

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Anthony Martial is looking more dangerous and he is definitely United's main dangerman now. He's key for them to have any chance of pushing this towards extra-time, which I wouldn't be surprised to see. I expect them to win the game, but go out. 

Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Martial to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)

Pundits' Sky Bet tips
Pundits' Sky Bet tips

Find out what the other Sky Sports pundits are predicting for Man Utd v Liverpool here.

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund (4R) celebrates as he scores during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg v Tottenham
Image: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke the deadlock in the first leg

There's a big call for the Tottenham manager to make after he reaped the rewards for all the changes in the first leg by having Harry Kane fresh and firing at Aston Villa.

However, there's a risk in Spurs suffering a real confidence blow by getting well beaten again in front of their own fans, whereas Mauricio Pochettino knows there will be a huge lift in momentum if they can go and win the game, even if they don't qualify.

It would be a big scalp because Dortmund are a great side and I think that's why he'll be tempted to go with his strongest side, which could leave them exposed against Bournemouth on Sunday. I don't see Spurs winning this but if they don't lose then it wouldn't be a bad night for them in terms of their confidence.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Aubameyang to score first (22/1 with Sky Bet)

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