Real Sociedad

The Europa League group stage concludes with Real Sociedad vs Manchester United - here are our top tips and picks.

A Crystal Palace fan, he is a long-time subscriber to the belief that it's the taking part that counts. He is the former editor of The Set Pieces, and has contributed to the Guardian, FourFourTwo, and ESPN. A draw would be enough for the La Liga outfit to finish top and they will duly look to keep things tight throughout. Those clubs have won 11 Champions Leagues between them, and despite their struggles at Europe’s top table this term, no one will relish facing them for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Finishing second brings a place in the knockout round playoffs, where the opponents will be one of the eight teams that finished third in their Champions League groups. The teams that advance in the first place are drawn against one of the group runners-up in the round of 16 - this is often, but not always, an easier game. Sociedad lost 1-0 to Real Valladolid on October 22, before suffering a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Real Betis at the weekend. Real Sociedad are still in a decent position in the La Liga standings. The incentive to progress as group winners has grown even stronger in the Europa League since the tournament’s format was tweaked last season. But United hung on and the players’ celebrations at the final whistle provided further evidence of the team spirit and togetherness that Erik ten Hag has been able to foster since he took the reins in the summer. United have won four games out of four in this competition since then, although they have not always been convincing. [top four](/premier-league/top-four-predictions-odds-picks) of the Premier League.