Europa League: Short-Handed Barca Face Uphill Battle at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Barcelona

Manchester United will like their chances of moving on to the Europa League round of 16 as they host Barcelona at Old Trafford for the second leg of their knockout play-off tie.

With the red-hot Marcus Rashford on target yet again, the Red Devils drew 2-2 at the Camp Nou in the first leg, and while away goals no longer count, the English giants will still have home advantage on their side.

Moreover, Barca will be without a host of key players for the second leg, which should tilt the Europa League 2023 betting odds more in Man United’s favour.

Talking Points

Marcus Rashford’s magical scoring run continues

Marcus Rashford is in the midst of the best goalscoring form of his career. The England international bagged a brace in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester and has now scored in five consecutive games in all competitions. That includes United’s equaliser in their 2-2 first-leg draw against Barcelona.

Rashford has been particularly prolific at home. With his goals against Leicester, he has equalled Wayne Rooney’s run of eight straight games with a goal at Old Trafford.

United’s attack beyond Rashford has been a bit underwhelming this season, but it did show signs of promise against Leicester. Bruno Fernandes set up a couple of goals, including one to Jadon Sancho, who is rediscovering his best form with two goals in his last four appearances.

Sancho had 3 shots as he got the start in Spain and may have done enough to keep his place for the second leg. Meanwhile, Wout Weghorst is coming off his strongest attacking performance for Man United as he had 5 shots against Leicester.

As for the defence, United will be back to full strength with centre-back Lisandro Martinez returning from his ban. Similarly, midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is also available once more after serving his one-game suspension.

Diogo Dalot – who has been linked with a move to Barcelona – did not start the first leg, but he could be back to provide an attacking spark at home.

Old Trafford has been a fortress this season. Since losing to Real Sociedad in the Europa League group stage in September, Man United have gone unbeaten in their last 17 home games, with 15 wins and just 2 draws.

Barcelona missing key midfields in Manchester

Barcelona continue to cruise in La Liga. They beat Cadiz on the weekend, their seventh straight league win, as they maintained their eight-point lead over Real Madrid.

However, the Catalans have major concerns for the second leg against Manchester United as they will be without their two terrific young midfielders, Pedri and Gavi, for the second leg. Pedri picked up a hamstring injury, while Gavi will be suspended after getting booked in the first leg.

Barca are also still without star winger Ousmane Dembele, although captain Sergio Busquets made his return to the squad against Cadiz.

With Pedri and Gavi out, Xavi will likely turn to Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie to man the midfield at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Sergi Roberto are also in contention to start alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

Raphinha was Barca’s first-leg star as he was involved in both of their goals. And with Dembele, Pedri and Gavi out, the Brazilian will have an even bigger burden to bear in terms of providing Europa League 2023 highlights.

History

Manchester United have not had much success against Barcelona over the years. In fact, they have won just one of their last 11 matches against the Catalans (5 draws, 5 losses).

United’s only win during that time was in their 2008 Champions League semi-final second leg. They won 1-0 thanks to a Paul Scholes screamer as they went on to win the Champions League.

Man United have had a strong home record of late, losing just two of their last 11 European matches at Old Trafford. However, both of those defeats came against Spanish foes: Atletico Madrid (0-1 in March 2022) and Real Sociedad (0-1 in September 2022).

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as only slight 2.33 favourites to get the home win they need to move on to the round of 16. Despite their significant list of absentees, Barcelona are priced at 2.57 to win at Old Trafford, while a draw is 3.30. A Manchester United win appears to be a strong value bet, given their outstanding home form coupled with the absence of several key Barcelona players. The Catalans can still make things quite competitive, but United should have enough to get the win and advance to the round of 16.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.