Four Real Betis players could be banned for Man Utd clash, it's a welcome boost for Ten Hag

Manchester United host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday - and the Spanish side risk having four players suspended for the second leg.

United dealt with suspension concerns of their own in the play-off round against Barcelona, with Lisandro Martinez serving a one-game ban for the first leg after picking up too many yellow cards.

Marcel Sabitzer was also suspended, with the Austrian reaching the yellow card limit while playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.

UEFA regulations, however, state that bans carry over across their three sanctioned continental competitions, meaning the midfielder missed out against Barca.

Both players were back for the second leg, however, and other United players avoided picking up a ban in the second leg at Old Trafford.

Betis are in the same position, although have suffered a key injury blow. Nabil Fekir has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

But on the suspension front, four players in particular will have to be careful not to pick up a yellow card on Thursday.

Betis players risk ban for Man Utd clash

In the UEFA continental competitions this season, a player receives an automatic one-match ban if they pick up three yellow cards prior or during the quarter-finals. Ahead of the semi-finals, all yellow cards expire.

Four Betis players have picked up two yellow cards this season. They include former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, with the Chilean recording two bookings in the group stage.

The 39-year-old is behind Rui Silva in the pecking order for La Liga fixtures, but has started five of Betis' six Europa League games this term.

Manuel Pellegrini's side could, however, have major problems in defence ahead of the second leg. That is because centre-backs German Pezzella and Luiz Felipe are also one yellow card from a ban.

The two stars have been Pellegrini's first-choice pairing this season, meaning if both get booked at Old Trafford, the Chilean boss will have a significant selection dilemma

Luiz Felipe has picked up three red cards in La Liga this term - he had only been sent off twice in his entire career prior to this season - but only has one other card to his name in league competition.

The other Betis player at risk of a ban is right-back Aitor Ruibal, who can also play in midfield. He has made 19 La Liga appearances this term, and has battled with Youssouf Sabaly for a spot in the defence.

United, meanwhile, have a concern of their own, as midfielder Casemiro is one game from a ban.

Topics: Manchester United, Real Betis, Europa League, Erik Ten Hag, Casemiro

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.