Barcelona vs Manchester United
The last time Manchester United won silverware was here in the Europa League, and they’re aiming to put an end to their trophy drought here six years later.
After finishing second in Group E behind Real Sociedad, Manchester United are into the knockout play-offs, and they’ll face their biggest test yet in the form of Barcelona.
Barcelona are here because they finished third in Group C of the Champions League behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. But based on their recent form, they are favoured to win the Europa League, as per the SBOTOP betting odds.
This particular matchup pits two sides who share a history together, with the Catalan giants having the Red Devils’ number in European competitions, so there are no more pleasantries needed.
Talking Points
No Busquets, no problem for Barcelona
Barcelona are coming off a 1-0 win against Villarreal, as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong stepped up, and Manchester United would need to keep an eye on these two on Thursday.
Pedri scored the only goal, which was enough to beat Villarreal. The 20-year-old has been an integral cog in Barcelona’s midfield, although he has been getting forward more, much to Xavi’s delight. His attacking output is already much improved this year since he has already tallied six goals this season.
With Sergio Busquets out due to an ankle injury, Xavi decided to partner Pedri with Franck Kessie and Frenkie de Jong in midfield, and it was de Jong who also stood out against Villarreal.
Frenkie de Jong did all the dirty work for Barcelona: winning tackles and headers, cutting passing lanes, and making good forward passes – qualities that made him a coveted target by Manchester United last summer.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s continued stellar play has made Barcelona difficult to breach this season, which is another item to note. The German goalkeeper leads the top five leagues in Europe with 17 clean sheets this season in all competitions.
And when you have the prolific Robert Lewandowski, with 19 goals, in the final third, Barcelona are very much capable of putting out Europa League 2023 highlights in Camp Nou on Thursday night.
Several stars banned for Manchester United
The odds are stacked against the Red Devils since they’ll be without two of their starters on Thursday, as Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are both suspended for one game.
Licha picked up three yellow cards during the Europa League group stage, while Sabitzer also had three bookings in the Champions League that will be carried over to the Europa.
Both are expected to return for the Old Trafford return leg next week.
It’s not all bad for them, though, as they’ll have Casemiro back since his three-game suspension only applies to the Premier League.
With him sitting out their back-to-back games against Leeds, the Brazilian should be fresh against the Catalan giants, and it’s likely that he’ll pair up with Fred in midfield since Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are out indefinitely.
Luke Shaw should continue as their left-sided centre-back in the absence of Licha, having started there in their 2-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday. Tyrell Malacia will start at left-back as a result.
History
Barcelona and Manchester United will meet for the 14th time ever on Thursday. Barcelona leads the head-to-heads with six wins, while Manchester United have won three times, along with four draws.
Xavi has won 11 consecutive games in all competitions, equaling Pep Guardiola’s best winning streak as Barcelona manager. He can set a new record on Thursday.
The Catalan giants have won each of their last four meetings in this fixture against the Red Devils. Manchester United have yet to lose five consecutive games in a particular fixture since Liverpool between 2000 and 2002.
But Manchester United have won each of their last five matches in European competitions, and they can get their sixth straight for the first time since 1965-66. Also, Barcelona have lost five of their last 11 European home games (W2, D4).
Betting Tip
The Europa League 2023 odds favour Barcelona to win the first leg against Manchester United. The Catalan giants are installed at 1.72, while the Red Devils are the underdogs at 4.30, and a draw is priced at 3.70 in the 1×2 market.
Given Manchester United’s absentees and their superb form at home, Barcelona are likely to win on Thursday, but it’ll be hard-earned. But it feels like the second leg at Old Trafford determines who advances to the second round, either way.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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