Nico Paz is set to play a key role for Como as they welcome Manchester United in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash on October 21, 2026. The Argentine attacking midfielder has been named in Cesc Fabregas’ starting lineup, with Como counting on his creativity, attacking movement and recent goal contributions to make an impact against the English side.
The match will take place at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como, with kickoff scheduled for 18:45 CET (5:45 p.m. BST). Both teams enter the fixture looking to build momentum after recording one win and one defeat in their opening two Champions League matches.
Nico Paz Starts for Como Against Manchester United
Nico Paz is one of the most important attacking players in Como’s lineup for the Manchester United encounter. The young Argentine is expected to operate in the attacking midfield position, linking the midfield with striker Tasos Douvikas while looking for opportunities to create chances and threaten the opposition goal.
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has selected Paz alongside Lucas da Cunha and Martin Baturina in the attacking line behind Douvikas. The formation gives Como several creative options as they attempt to challenge Manchester United’s defence.
Paz’s technical ability, vision and confidence in possession make him a player Manchester United will need to monitor closely. His capacity to find space between the lines and deliver decisive passes could be particularly important in a match where Como will need to make the most of their attacking opportunities.
Nico Paz’s Recent Form and Goal Contributions
Nico Paz has enjoyed several productive performances in recent weeks, strengthening his reputation as an influential attacking midfielder.
According to the available match information, Paz scored against Genoa on September 4 and provided two assists against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on September 10. He also registered an assist against Parma on September 14.
His recent performances have extended to international football, where he scored in three consecutive Argentina friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Paz also delivered a goal and an assist against Fiorentina on October 18, demonstrating his ability to contribute both as a scorer and a creator.
These performances make him one of Como’s most exciting attacking options ahead of the Manchester United match. Rather than relying exclusively on goals, Paz can influence games through his passing, movement and ability to create opportunities for teammates.
Como vs Manchester United: Official Starting Lineups
Both teams have selected attacking-minded formations for their Champions League meeting.
Como starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Butez; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramon, Marc Oliver Kempf, Alex Valle; Luis Milla, Maximo Perrone; Lucas da Cunha, Nico Paz, Martin Baturina; Tasos Douvikas.
Manchester United starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot; Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha; Bryan Mbeumo.
Paz will operate in the central attacking midfield role, where he can support Douvikas and combine with Baturina and Da Cunha. The arrangement provides Como with multiple routes into the final third.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will look to Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to create chances behind their attacking players. The visitors also have pace and direct attacking options through Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Injury Concerns for Como and Manchester United
Como have several notable absences ahead of the match. Trevoh Chalobah, Moise Kean, Jesus Rodriguez and Assane Diao are unavailable because of injuries.
Jesus Rodriguez is expected to remain sidelined for more than two months with a muscle injury. Como have consequently been permitted to make a late change to their Champions League squad, replacing the Spanish winger with Maxence Caqueret.
Caqueret is available for the Manchester United fixture but has been named among the substitutes.
Manchester United also have several players unavailable. Leny Yoro is suspended, while Benjamin Sesko is injured. The visitors are additionally without Marcus Rashford, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Manuel Ugarte, according to the supplied team news.
These absences could influence the balance of the match, particularly if either side struggles to maintain its defensive structure or needs to make changes during the second half.
Can Nico Paz Make the Difference Against Manchester United?
Paz’s creativity could be a major factor in determining whether Como can secure a positive result. Manchester United have experienced attacking players, but Como will have opportunities to exploit spaces if they move the ball quickly and make effective use of their attacking midfielders.
The Argentine’s ability to combine with Baturina and Da Cunha could help Como create chances around the penalty area. His movement may also force Manchester United’s defensive midfielders to make difficult decisions about when to press and when to protect the back line.
Como will need to balance their attacking ambitions with defensive discipline. Giving Manchester United too much space could allow Bruno Fernandes and the visitors’ forward players to dictate the game.
For Paz, the fixture represents another opportunity to demonstrate his quality on a major European stage. A strong performance against Manchester United would further highlight his importance to Fabregas’ project at Como.
Nico Paz Goalscorer Odds and Betting Outlook
Nico Paz is also among the players attracting attention in the goalscorer markets for Como vs Manchester United.
The supplied betting information lists Paz at +170 for anytime goalscorer and +600 for first goalscorer. These odds indicate that bookmakers consider him a credible scoring threat, although they do not guarantee that he will find the net.
Tasos Douvikas is another important option for Como, while Martin Baturina could provide a threat from the attacking midfield line. For Manchester United, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha are among the players listed in the goalscorer markets.
Paz’s recent combination of goals and assists makes him an interesting player to watch. However, his creative influence should not be measured solely by whether he scores, as his passing and chance creation could prove equally valuable.
Betting odds can change before kickoff, and any decision should account for team news, form and individual risk. Betting is not a guaranteed way to make money.
What to Expect From Nico Paz in Como vs Manchester United
Como will hope Paz can reproduce the attacking quality he has displayed in recent matches. His role behind Douvikas gives him the freedom to create chances, combine with teammates and arrive in dangerous positions around the penalty area.
Manchester United will present a significant challenge, particularly through their experienced midfield and forward options. However, Como’s home advantage and Paz’s recent form could give the Italian side reasons to be optimistic.
With both clubs seeking an important Champions League result, the contest offers Paz an opportunity to influence a high-profile European fixture.
Conclusion: Nico Paz will be one of Como’s key players against Manchester United on October 21, 2026. His recent goals, assists and creative performances make him a central figure in Fabregas’ attacking plans. Whether he scores or creates the decisive opportunity, his contribution could be crucial to Como’s hopes of earning a positive result.
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