Manchester United are back in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2023/24 and welcome competition debutantes Sabah FK to Old Trafford.
The Azerbaijani champions were only founded in 2017 -- 49 years after United won their first European Cup -- and have defeated Welsh side The New Saints, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be'er Sheva to earn their place in the League Phase.
They previously failed in three attempts to qualify for the UEFA Conference League proper, meaning this is their first-ever crack at a European tournament.
On the contrary, the hosts have racked up more than 400 games in Europe, last successful in the UEFA Champions League when beating Chelsea on penalties in the 2008 final. Manager Michael Carrick started in midfield for United that night and he will be dreaming of European glory from the dugout heading into his first-ever Champions League game as full-time boss.
Despite the stark difference in pedigree, Ian Broadrick is hoping that Sabah can at least make their presence known at Old Trafford...
Manchester United v Sabah FK Prediction
Best Bet: Manchester United to win & Both Teams to Score @ 11/8
"I've watched a fair bit of Sabah in the qualifying rounds, and this is a team that probably shouldn't be taken as lightly as, I'm sure, lots of people will [take them]," Broadrick began.
"They won the Azerbaijan title last season by nine points from Qarabaq, which is a significant achievement. To put that into context, Qarabag have won 11 of the last 12 titles.
"Azerbaijan football is on the rise. You know, it's not a side that you are going to consider for anything, maybe even in terms of qualifying, but they are a team that I think will put in some good performances and shock a few people.
"I hope that they give their best and I hope that they play to their ability, because if they do that, I can see them surprising a few people. Man Utd have been pretty horrible again at the back this season and one of the strengths of Sabah is that they have really good runners from midfield. I'm not sure that United pick up runners from midfield all that well.
"I'm looking at the likelihood of Sabah being able to score a goal here. Listen, I do think that United will have far too much for them, look, there is a quality gap there. You know, United clearly are a good, very good Premier League side and should be able to win this game comfortably.
"I quite like the idea of betting Sabah to score in this game and United to win, and you can bet that at 11/8."
Key Match Stats
Sabah FK have scored in each of their UEFA Champions League qualifying matches
Manchester United have scored 2+ goals nine of their last 10 home matches
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