Preview
On Thursday night, Barcelona and Manchester United square off at Old Trafford in a thrilling second-leg Europa League semifinal matchup between two European powerhouses.
When Barcelona plays the red devils, they will be attempting to make it 19 games without a loss. Barcelona took the lead just after the break in the first leg at Camp Nou but needed a late equalizer to make it 2-2 overall. It turned out to be one of the games of the season.
Sunday’s 2-0 victory against Cadiz served as Xavi’s team’s warm-up for this game and restored their eight-point advantage atop the La Liga rankings. Erik ten Hag’s squad enters this match seeking to advance to the last 16 of the Europa League after overcoming a poor start against Leicester City on Sunday to win by a final score of 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Manchester United got an active result from Camp Nou, but Barcelona isn’t surrendering. Old Trafford will see another chapter of a massive rivalry between these two clubs, and we are here to cover it. Manchester United is steaming with confidence, as they just rolled over Leicester in the English Premier League. On the other side, Barcelona was better than Cadiz, increasing their edge over Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. Both teams are in fantastic shape, and the fans expect to see nothing less than fireworks.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Manchester United defeated Leicester 3-0, their eighth game in a row without dropping a point. During this time, they had a record of seven wins and two draws, one of which was at Barcelona.
United has only lost once in its last 18 games overall, while Erik Ten Hag’s club has earned 14 wins, three ties, and the 3-2 loss to Arsenal in London. The Red Devils’ results at home are as excellent; in their last 17 games at Old Trafford, they have 15 victories and two ties.
Marcus Rashford and the forwards are in fantastic condition; they have scored twice or more in the last 12 home games. Only two of the games didn’t have a final score of Over 2.5 goals.
Form Guide: Barcelona
With victories over United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals and on their most recent visit in 2019, Barcelona is deserving of respect. While the Catalan giants performed poorly in the major club tournament in Europe this season, they presently lead Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga.
The team has won seven straight games at that level after defeating Cadiz 2-0 at home on Sunday. They also defeated Real 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final last month. Yet it’s difficult to overlook how effortlessly United dismantled Barca’s defense at Camp Nou.
Due to a quadriceps injury, Pedri is not available for this match and will be sidelined for some time. Gavi, his teammate from Barca and the national team, will need to work even harder to fill in for Pedri’s absence and keep things going as they have been up to this point.
Blaugrana has won 11 straight games away from Camp Nou, with Barcelona scoring twice or more in seven of those games. Success may be achieved with quick counterattacks and intense pressure on the opponent’s midfield, and following the goal, Barcelona seizes control and slows the pace.
How the game could go
All four goals in the first meeting—a 2-2 draw—came in the final 45 minutes. Ten minutes after Barca took the lead, the visitors from Manchester were ahead 1-2. Nonetheless, Blaugrana scored a late goal to maintain its dignity and a competitive result before the rematch.
A spectacular match between these two European juggernauts is anticipated. Barcelona’s talent should not be overlooked, even though Man United will start as the favorite. The Red Devils are considerably in the statistical lead. While Man United’s offense and defense have recently been above average, the Blaugurunas have recently struggled defensively and will be missing several important players in the second leg.
Barcelona has issues with defense these days despite their superb defensive record in La Liga. Manchester United, namely Marcus Rashford, has been on a tremendous run of form since the World Cup break.
Betting Predictions
Over 2.5 goals
When Barcelona and Manchester United met at Camp Nou to contest their first-leg tussle last week, the teams went toe-to-toe in a thrilling encounter that eventually finished level at 2-2, though both sides had chance after chance to add even more goals to their tallies. A similarly open contest is anticipated at Old Trafford on Thursday for the concluding leg and with so much attacking talent in both camps, supporters and bettors alike should expect more excitement. With that in mind, our first Man Utd vs Barcelona prediction advises another stake on over 2.5 goals. Bet9ja have 1.80, 1xbet have 1.88 and Paripesa have 1.88 odds.
BTTS (YES)
Last week’s clash between Barca and United in Catalonia was a genuine continental classic and alongside rattling the net twice each, the teams mustered a whopping 36 attempts between them. That haul of shots was split evenly between the sides, who mustered 18 strikes at a goal apiece, and we’re tipping both defenses to feel the pressure again in Thursday’s rematch. Backlines were parted at will last week, and we’re tipping both rearguards to be breached again in Manchester. Bet9ja have 1.58 odds, Paripesa have 1.66, and 1xbet have 1.66 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford continues to be an absolute goal machine and was at it again against Leicester at the weekend with a double to take his tally for the season to 27 for club and country which includes six goals in his last five games, including one in the Nou Camp. He can decide the game today. Bet9ja have 2.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.30.
Jadon Sancho
Another magnificent player making waves since his return to the squad is Jadon Sancho. He took a break as per the manager’s orders and has since looked a lot different from what he used to. He is in form now and he even scored last weekend against Leicester to seal a spectacular win for his club. Today he faces a Barcelona defense he surely can threaten with his dazzling feet and display of skills. Bet9ja have 4.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.80.
Anytime Goalscorer (Barcelona)
Lewandowski
Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski are the two players who appear to have the best chance of winning the match since they are both in outstanding goal-scoring form. Lewandowski had a disappointing first leg, but on Sunday, when Barcelona defeated Cadiz 2-0, he scored his 15th league goal of the year. By assisting his team to victory today, he may increase his goal total in Europe. Bet9ja have 2.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.20.
Raphinha
Raphinha has scored five goals since the return of football after the World Cup. The Brazilian’s importance has only grown more pronounced since Ousmane Dembele’s recent spell on the sideline. Interestingly, Raphinha was removed from the first leg after 83 minutes. He was unhappy despite playing maybe his finest game while wearing a Barcelona jersey. He had a brief cameo appearance while on the beach playing Cadiz. This can indicate a penalty or some downtime before the important game. Bet9ja have 5.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 5.80.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
