Europa League – Manchester United v Barcelona Part 2
The Europa League match between Barcelona and Manchester United last week delivered an incredible spectacle ending in a 2-2 draw between the football giants. On Thursday, the two meet again with a place in the Round of 16 at stake. Join us as we preview this highly anticipated fixture.
Often games between the biggest names in the sport fail to live up to the hype, but that can’t be said about the thrilling first-leg encounter between Barcelona and Manchester United, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
The pair are no strangers to each other, having previously met in two European finals, both were Champions League fixtures which Barcelona won. However, with the two clubs struggling in recent years, it is the Europa League in which they meet, and the prize this time is a qualification to the later stages. Barcelona has suffered the ignominy of being dumped out of the Champions League group stage for the second time in two years, while United’s faltering Premier League performance last season meant the only European competition for them was the Europa League.
Manchester United finished second in their group; failing to score a second goal in their final game proved costly and meant they had to meet Barcelona over two legs.
In the first leg, the home side drew first blood when former Chelsea man Marcos Alonso headed home from a corner delivered by former Leeds United star Raphinha. However, the goal scored in the 50th minute only gave the Spanish side the lead for two minutes as Marcus Rashford equalised moments later.
The Red Devils took the lead seven minutes later when a cross by Rashford was turned into the net by Barcelona’s defender Jules Kounde. Then, however, Barcelona levelled the tie when Raphinha’s hopeful cross evaded everyone to find the net.
Although United fans will have been happy with the performance, it could have been better. Rahford appeared to have been fouled when clear through, and if the referee had given it, it would have been a red card for Barcelona while United was leading 2-1. The United manager, Ten Hag, received a yellow card for his protests about the decision.
Europa League – Manchester United v Barcelona Team News
With a potentially tight game ahead, having options could make all the difference. Manchester United have five players either ruled out or doubtful.
Donny van de Beek has been ruled out of the season with a knee injury, and Christian Eriksen’s ankle injury could see him sidelined until May. There is better news regarding Anthony Martial and Antony, who could make the matchday squad on Thursday, but it would be a surprise to see either of them start. Harry Maguire missed the win against Leicester at the weekend, and the injury on his knee will be assessed before the game.
For Barcelona, a hamstring injury to Ousmane Dembélé is a big blow. The 25-year-old had had a significant impact in Europe and La Liga. The attacking midfielder, who can also play up front, featured in six Champions League games, scored a goal, and made two assists, earning a 7.21 rating. His league form has also been good. He has had ten goal involvements in fourteen starts and four sub appearances (five goals, five assists), earning an average match rating of 7.17. Unfortunately, Pedri, who has scored six goals in the league, pulled a hamstring in the first tie, so he will miss out. Eighteen-year-old Gavi will also miss out through suspension.
Europa League – Manchester United v Barcelona – What do the Bookies Think?
It won’t come as a surprise to football betting fans that bookmakers are predicting a tight game in the Europa League clash between Manchester United & Barcelona. Home advantage and their performance in the first leg means Manchester United are the favourite at 5/4, with bet365. Barcelona is priced at 11/5, and the draw is available at 23/10.
Punters who watched the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, which ended up in a 2-5 win for the visitors, will be well aware of how dangerous Spanish teams can be on the road so that they may fancy a bet on Barcelona. However, with a tight game predicted, a draw and extra time wouldn’t be a total surprise.
On that theme, Manchester United are 9/1 to qualify in extra time, and Barcelona is 12/1. If penalties come into play, both teams are 10/1 to reach the next round via spot kicks.
In the goalscoring market, two players dominate the betting, Marcus Rashford for Manchester United and Robert Lewandowski for Barcelona. Although nine years separate the two, in terms of betting, there is nothing between them, with both players 9/2 to open the scoring and 13/10 to score anytime. They are also exactly priced in the multi-scorers market, 13/2 to score two or more and 28/1 to score three or more.
Another bet worth considering is the rejuvenated Jadon Sancho. The 21-year-old had been removed from the first team due to mental health issues but has impressed on his return. Despite being used sparingly, he assisted in the 2-0 win over Tottenham and scored in the games against Leeds (2-2) and Leicester (3-0). He is 11/1 to open the scoring and 28/1 to score a double (125/1 for a hat trick).
Our prediction: Manchester United 2 Barcelona 2 (11/1).
Manchester United v Barcelona is on Thursday, with kick-off at 20:00. The match will be televised on BT Sport.
