Evening all! Sports Mole's live Europa League coverage continues from Brussels as Anderlecht welcome Manchester United for the first leg of their quarter-final. The Red Devils are the favourites to progress into the semi-finals of the competition, although Anderlecht emerged victorious when the pair last locked horns in this stadium. Stay tuned for all the action from what should be a cracking affair!

Tonight will be the seventh meeting between these two teams in European competition, and it is Man United that lead the head-to-head three victories to Anderlecht's two. Their last two fixtures came in the first group stage of the 2000-01 Champions League, with Man United recording a 5-1 victory on home soil, but losing 2-1 in Brussels one month later. What will happen tonight?

Before 2000, they had actually not met in European competition since the 1968 European Champions Clubs' Cup, with Man United emerging from their round two affair. It is not exactly a famous fixture in terms of European football, but try telling that to the Anderlecht supporters here.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Brussels. Both sides were in league action at the weekend – Man United recording a 3-0 win at Sunderland in the Premier League and Anderlecht drawing 0-0 with Genk. Any changes? Let's have a look...

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TEAMS!

ANDERLECHT: Martinez; Appiah, Mbodji, Nuytinck, Obradovic; Stanciu, Dendoncker, Tielemans; Acheampong, Kiese Thelin, Bruno

MAN UNITED: Romero; Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Pogba; Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Rashford; Ibrahimovic

Anderlecht, as expected, are captained by highly-rated midfielder Youri Tielemans, with the in-demand 19-year-old starting in the middle of a central three. Isaac Kiese Thelin will lead the line for the Belgian hosts, while there is also a spot in the XI for Frank Acheampong, who will operate in a wide position. Andy Najar, however, is still out with a thigh problem. It is an attacking team from Rene Weiler.

Man United boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, has made three changes to the team that started Sunday's 3-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League. Antonio Valencia replaces Luke Shaw at the back, while Michael Carrick and Marcus Rashford come in for Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, who both drop to the bench. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both start for the visitors.

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So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Brussels. I shall speak about the home side a little bit later, but let's start with Man United, who will enter this match off the back of a six-game unbeaten run in Europe. The Red Devils are the big favourites to progress to the semi-finals of the competition, but that brings added pressure.

t is actually Man United's first appearance in the quarter-finals of this particular European competition since 1985, when Ron Atkinson's side lost on penalties to Videoton. The Europa League is the only UEFA trophy that has eluded Man United, and it might well be their best passage into next season's Champions League due to their current position in the Premier League.

That said, Man United are only actually four points off fourth-place Manchester City in the Premier League, while they have a game in hand over their Manchester rivals. Mourinho's side recorded a comfortable 3-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Rashford securing all three points. Tonight, however, is a different prospect entirely for the Red Devils.

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In terms of this competition, Man United booked their spot in the first knockout round after finishing second behind Fenerbahce in Group A. They actually lost two of their six group fixtures, but ultimately ended the section five points clear of third-place Feyenoord to make the next round.

Saint-Etienne were comfortably dispatched in the round of 32, with Man United winning 3-0 at home and 1-0 away to advance into the round of 16. Another favourable draw arrived as they were paired with Rostov, and a 1-1 draw in the first leg set them up to finish the job at Old Trafford. It was not exactly comfortable in the return, but a 1-0 success was enough to see Mourinho's side advance.

There have been too many draws for Man United this season – especially at Old Trafford – but they have actually only lost two times in 2017. The first of those came in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Hull City – when they still advanced – while they lost 1-0 at Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in March. Their last defeat in the league, meanwhile, was back in October, 2016.

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There is no question that Mourinho still has much to ponder as he attempts to take Man United back to the top of the Premier League and indeed into the Champions League, but the Red Devils have been pretty strong defensively throughout the campaign, and that should stand them in a good stead in what is a knockout competition. Little over 20 minutes until kickoff in Brussels tonight!

As for Anderlecht, the Belgian outfit are competing in the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time since the 1996-97 UEFA Cup, when they lost to Italian giants Inter Milan. The 33-time Belgian champions have won five of their last six European home games, meanwhile, which suggests that Man United have a tough task on their hands to secure a positive result tonight.

The Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Brussels...
It is 34 years since Anderlecht won this competition. Who are you backing tonight? #UEL pic.twitter.com/iqi2S4epiV — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 13, 2017

Rene Weiler's side booked their spot in the knockout round of this season's competition after finishing second behind Saint-Etienne in Group C. They won three, drew two and lost one of their six fixtures, but their sole defeat came at home to Saint-Etienne, who Man United comfortably overcame in the first knockout round of the competition. Is that a good omen for the visitors? We shall see.

Anderlecht recorded a 2-0 victory at home to Zenit in the first leg of their last-32 clash, and booked their spot in the round of 16 on away goals despite suffering a 3-1 defeat in Russia. It was more comfortable for the Belgian side in the last round, however, as they beat APOEL 1-0 home and away to ensure that they would advance into the final eight, setting up a quarter-final with Man United.

All four quarter-final first legs in this competition will take place tonight, with Celta Vigo hosting Genk, Ajax welcoming Schalke 04, and Besiktas travelling to Lyon. Lyon are seen by many as Man United's biggest challenges for the crown this season, although Schalke will also fancy their chances if they can negotiate a potentially tricky last-eight affair with Dutch giants Ajax.

8 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had a hand in 8 Europa League goals in 16/17 (5 goals, 3 assists), more than any player left in the comp. Lion. pic.twitter.com/jj5JRY7f6K

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 13, 2017

Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope the football matches it!

KICKOFF! Anderlecht kick things off on home soil...

... the match is yet to settle in these early moments, with both teams conceding possession in the opposing half of the field. Man United will expect to have most of the ball, with Anderlecht attempting to threaten on the counter-attack. The noise inside this stadium is wonderful.

Half-chance for the home side as Appiah finds Bruno just outside the Man United box, but the number 10 gets his effort all wrong and Man United can clear their lines. Let-off for the visitors.

Rashford uses his pace to burst clear of a couple of challenges, but Appiah has serious legs as well, and the number 12 is across to make a sliding challenge. Decent opening to this match.

Romero scuffs his clearance behind for an Anderlecht corner after coming out of his Man United goal to clear a through ball. Acheampong had beaten Valencia in a straight race there.

Pogba looks to release Rashford with a super pass from deep, but the ball just bounces away from the England international, allowing Ruben to claim. Excellent spot from Pogba there.

Super defensive work from Rashford as the Man United winger chases back to challenge Appiah, who had threatened to deliver a dangerous cross into the away side's box. We are still waiting for the first opportunity of this match, but both teams have already shown their threat in the final third.

Acheampong sends a low effort wide of Romero's post after a mazy run.

Smart football from the away side and it ends with Pogba looking to clip a pass into Lingard, but the ball races off this beautiful surface and goes behind for a goal kick. Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment, although Man United are just starting to settle into a rhythm.

If Man United win this tie, they could be playing on the next Thursdays, including a Manchester derby, which is incredible. Decent period for the away side here as they start to probe.

Super work from the home side as Bruno smashes a low cross towards Khelin, but the number 24's effort was wide of the post. The linesman, however, did raise a late flag, leading to a free kick.

Man United are being forced to defend their own six-yard box at the moment as Anderlecht threaten with a series of set pieces. That said, Romero has still not had a save to make here.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Thelin is offside when he finishes into the bottom corner.

POST! Man United come close to taking the lead as Ibrahimovic's blocked effort falls to Lingard, but the Englishman hits the post from close range! Two big chances for the visitors!

CLOSE! Rashford's curling effort just misses the far post!

Well, 21 minutes on the clock and we are still level, but it has been an entertaining contest. Anderlecht have been dangerous on the counter-attack, but Man United have had the best chance - Lingard hitting the post from close range. Both sets of supporters, meanwhile, remain in fine voice.

Pogba looks to release Rashford once again, but the pass is just too strong, and the home side can resume from the dead-ball line. Man United are dominating the possession at the moment here.

Man United continue to move the ball in the final third of the field, with Rashford causing problems every time he has space to exploit. Anderlecht are now seeing an awful lot of possession, but they are dangerous on the counter-attack, especially when Acheampong has space to attack.

BOOKING! Mkhitaryan (Man United) is booked for a foul on Tielemans.

CHANCES! Couple of chances for the visitors in quick succession, but Mbodji blocks a strike from Rashford, before Mkhitaryan's effort is blocked by Nuytinck. Super defending!

Another fantastic piece of defending from Mbodji as the Anderlecht centre-back comes across to challenge Lingard, who had been released by Mkhitaryan inside the box. Not an awful lot for the home supporters to get excited about in the final third, however, with 30 minutes on the clock.

Appiah fells Lingard and Man United have a free kick some 30 yards from the Anderlecht goal...

... Ibrahimovic's free kick hits the wall, and the danger is cleared.

Again Man United go wide as Valencia finds space down the right before delivering, but Mkhitaryan's cute flick fails to find Ibrahimovic, who continues to drop deep to find space. Anderlecht just cannot get going at the moment as the away side dominate the ball here.

Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and Man United continue to look the team more likely to make the breakthrough. Anderlecht have not offered much since the opening 10 minutes, when they were the team on the front foot. The better chances have come for the Red Devils.

Breakthrough! The visitors take the lead in Brussels as Mkhitaryan converts from close range after Ruben had saved a low strike from Rashford. The Red Devils have an away goal in this tie!

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Man United are purring here as they continue to move the ball in the final third of the field. Anderlecht just cannot seem to get going at the moment as the Red Devils recycle the ball in forward positions. All going Man United's way here.

All Man United as they continue to put pressure on the Anderlecht defence, which is being forced deeper and deeper. Acheampong started so well, but has not been involved for some time now.

Pass, pass, pass from Man United as they run down the clock at the end of the first period.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man United leading Anderlecht 1-0 on the night courtesy of a smart finish from Mkhitaryan in the 37th minute. The home side started well, but Man United, without question, deserve to be ahead at the break here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man United leading Anderlecht 1-0 on the night courtesy of a smart finish from Mkhitaryan in the 37th minute. The home side started well, but Man United, without question, deserve to be ahead at the break here.

STATISTICS! Man United have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have hit the target with three of their eight attempts tonight. Anderlecht, on the other hand, failed to hit the target with any of their three attempts. Just the one booking to report - Mkhitaryan in the 24th minute.

BENCH WATCH! Fellaini, Herrera and Martial are among those available for Mourinho tonight, and it would not be a surprise to see Fellaini introduced in his home country. As for Anderlecht, head coach Weiler has options in the shape of Hanni, Teodroczyk and the Spaniard Diego Capel.

RESTART! Man United resume the action here...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops in Brussels.

BOOKING! Carrick (Man United) is booked for bringing Acheampong to the deck, and Anderlecht now have a free kick in a very dangerous position here...

... Stanciu hits the set piece for Anderlecht, but his effort was always over Romero's goal.

CLEARANCE! Super defending from Valencia as the Man United right-back clears a deflected Bruno attempt off-the-line. Romero had been beaten by the deflection there.

Much better from Anderlecht at the start of this second period as they put the pressure on the Man United goal, with Acheampong causing problems once again. The number 18 tumbled under a challenge from Valencia inside the Man United box, but the referee kept his whistle down.

All Anderlecht at the moment as the home side continue to cause problems in the final third, and Bailly is forced into an acrobatic clearance following more good work in a wide position.

CLOSE! Super chance for Man United to double their lead as Darmian delivers a brilliant cross onto the boot of Mkhitaryan, and the Armenian's volley just drops wide of the far post!

SAVE! Ruben claims a powerful strike from the lively Rashford.

ANDERLECHT SUB! Chipcui replaces Bruno in the home side's first change.

Little under 30 minutes of the first leg remaining, and Man United still lead 1-0 courtesy of Mkhitaryan's finish from a narrow angle in the first period. Anderlecht have offered more in the second period, but they are still struggling to carve out clear chances in the final third of the field.

Chipciu fires wide of the Man United post from just inside the box.

Still no movement on the Man United bench, but we are approaching the stage of the match where Mourinho will be considering changes. It would not be a surprise to see Fellaini introduced here.

MAN UNITED SUB! Martial replaces Lingard for the visitors.

You sense that another goal for Man United tonight would kill the tie ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week. The visitors have not had too many chances in the second period, but they are starting to dominate the ball once again, and Martial has brought some freshness in the final third.

ANDERLECHT SUB! Hanni replaces Stanciu for the home side.

Frustration for the home supporters in the last few minutes as Man United continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this game.

BOOKING! Obradovic (Anderlecht) is booked for chopping Rashford to the deck.

Stop-start game in the last few minutes as the fouls continue to add up here.

Anderlecht are doing their best to put pressure on the Man United defence, but the visitors are too quick on the ball as they continue to move through the lines. You wonder whether we might see Fellaini in the latter stages of this match. I would put good money on the Belgian playing a part.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with both teams guilty of conceding possession in the opposing half. I still fancy that there is another goal in this match.

Decent work from Ibrahimovic as the Swede beats the offside trap before facing up to Nuytinck, but the number 14 does well to slow the experienced striker and eventually clear down-field.

MAN UNITED SUB! Fellaini replaces Rashford for the away side.

ANDERLECHT SUB! Teodorczyk replaces Thelin for the home side.

Fellaini is getting the treatment from the home supporters following his time at Standard Liege!

Little under 10 minutes of the second period remaining in Brussels, and Man United still lead 1-0 in the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final. You sense that Anderlecht need a goal tonight.

CLOSE! Hanni's low strike is deflected wide of the Man United post.

SAVE! Ruben keeps out Fellaini's deflected attempt.

Hanni hits another one for Anderlecht, but his effort was always wide of the post.

SAVE! Ruben keeps out Pogba's close-range attempt!

Little over five minutes of the second period remaining, and Man United still lead 1-0 in Brussels. Both teams have had chances in the second 45 minutes, but good opportunities have been missed.

Anderlecht level the scores in the 86th minute as Dendoncker rises to head a Hanni cross into the back of the net. It was a thumping header from the young midfielder and we are level here.

Decent pressure from Man United since they fell behind, but it is too tight in the middle and the home side can clear their lines once again. The atmosphere has changed inside the stadium.

MAN UNITED SUB! Fosu-Mensah replaces Mkhitaryan for the away side.

BOOKING! Fosu-Mensah (Man United) is booked for a studs-up tackle.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Man United drawing 1-1 away to Anderlecht in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. The visitors would have taken that result before the match, but they really should have secured a first-leg advantage tonight. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live commentary once again. Until next time!