Manchester United will host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 qualifier at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The first leg lived up to it’s hype as both teams gave us some high-octane quality football action throughout the 90 minutes, with the score tied at 2-2 at the Camp Nou.
Marcos Alonso and Raphinha scored for Barcelona whereas Marcus Rashford and a Jules Kounde own goal helped United to two goals.
Best of Bets takes a look at how this immense continental clash is shaping up.
Manchester United form – All competitions – W W D W D W
Barcelona form – All competitions – W W W W D W
Manchester United team news:
Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are back from their respective continental bans that saw them miss the first leg at the Camp Nou. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still out with their long-term injuries alongside Anthony Martial, who is still sidelined with a hip problem.
However, Ten Hag believes that Harry Maguire and Antony will both be fit for the second leg. Varane is expected to partner Martinez at centre-back and Wout Weghorst could start as a striker with Rashford gaining success for United in the first leg from the wings.
Barcelona team news:
For Barcelona, there are some problems as officially revealed by the club. Gavi is suspended whereas Pedri and both the young starlets will miss out on the trip to Old Trafford. Ousmane Dembele is out injured too, but the good news is Sergio Busquets is back. Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessie and Ansu Fati are expected to start.
Manchester United probable starting XI:
David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst
Barcelona probable starting XI:
Marc Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba, Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati
Manchester United vs Barcelona final prediction:
There is no doubt this game at Old Trafford too will be a high-octane end-to-end game with both teams trying to cancel each other out while attempting to score goals.
However, Manchester United’s home advantage and their form at Old Trafford could decide this game in their favour.
We think it will be a 2-1 win for the Red Devils, meaning they will win the tie on a 4-3 aggregate score.
