The UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs get underway this week, with Barcelona welcoming Manchester United to Camp Nou on Thursday.
Barcelona find themselves in the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group earlier in the season, behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan
🎩 The magic of @RIVALDOOFICIAL against Manchester United ✨ #BarçaMUFC 🔜 pic.twitter.com/ho6rdkDgmG— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 15, 2023
🎩 The magic of @RIVALDOOFICIAL against Manchester United ✨ #BarçaMUFC 🔜 pic.twitter.com/ho6rdkDgmG
Meanwhile, Manchester United finished second in their Europa League group – despite finishing level with Real Sociedad on 15 points.
Let’s start by looking at the hosts, Barcelona, who managed to win just two of their six Champions League group games, recording one draw and three losses.
As a result, the Spanish giants have dropped into the Europa League for the second season running – having failed to qualify for the UCL knockouts last term.
Still, Barca are enjoying a remarkable domestic campaign. Having lost just one of their 21 La Liga matches, they sit 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
Not only have Xavi’s men won each of their last 11 games in all competitions, but they have also won 15 of their previous 16. Needless to say, that is not good news for Man Utd.
That said, Manchester United will be confident of getting something from the first leg after chalking up and impressive run of their own.
The Red Devils have only lost one of their past 17 outings across all competitions, securing 14 wins in the process.
It is also worth noting that Erik ten Hag’s side won five of their six Europa League group games earlier in the campaign, scoring 10 goals whiles conceding just three.
Having kept a clean sheet in each of their previous three Europa League clashes, United will fancy their chances of frustrating Barcelona.
Head-to-head: Man Utd have only managed to win one of their past six competitive meetings with Barcelona, with their last triumph coming back in 2008.
Since then, Barca have claimed four consecutive victories over the Red Devils in the Champions League – scoring over 1.5 goals on three occasions.
Team news: Barcelona look set to be without the injured duo of Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets for the first leg.
As for Man Utd, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are long-term injury absentees, while Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Antony are doubts.
With the second leg scheduled for February 23 at Old Trafford, both sides will be keen to remain in the tie – meaning Thursday’s meeting is likely to be a cagey affair.
Forebet predicts that Barcelona and Manchester United will play out a low-scoring draw at Camp Nou, with both teams netting under 1.5 goals.