Manchester United meet Barcelona in a Champions League-style UEFA Europa League play-off on Thursday. With a 2-2 record from last week's first leg, one of the Red Devils or Balugrana arrives here. Erik ten Hag's side led at home after a brilliant second half at the Camp Nous, with both sides scoring twice. However, Xavi's side top La Liga table and certainly have the firepower to injure United. This promises to be a stunning second leg meaning he will be missing a big name in Friday's draw.
How To Watch & Odds
• Date: Thursday 23 February Time: 3pm ET
• TV & Live: Paramount+
• Odds: United +130; Draw: +240; Barca +200 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
games recommendedManchester United v Barcelona
United news: Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer return after last week's European suspensions. Casemiro is back despite his recent suspension at home, but Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are both sidelined through injury. Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire and Antony are all struggling with injuries on Thursday, making Jadon Sancho a likely option, possibly ahead of Alejandro Garnacho. Raphael Varane is expected to return to allow Victor Lindelof to sit on the bench alongside Wout Weghorst after his performance against Leicester City was not as productive as Ten Hag had hoped.Marcus Rashford's incredible form continues and he will be the home side's biggest threat.
Want more Champions League coverage? Listen below and follow CBS Sports' House of Champions football podcast for analysis, commentary, tips and more.
Barca: Gavi is suspended due to too many yellow cards while Pedri is out with a hamstring problem. Ousmane Dembele was also absent with a hamstring problem but Ronald Araujo's international ban did not affect him and Sergio Busquets was on the benchCelta Vigo after an ankle injury. The Spaniard could work in the center with Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessi and Ansu Fati could also start in front of Ferran Torres.
Prediction
This promises to be another game to remember and home advantage should give United the edge over Barca. With less than a clinical show, however, Xavi's men could punish host Ten Hag. Tip: United 2, Barcelona 1.
No comments:
Post a Comment