Manchester United host Barcelona at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Knockout-play-off in 2022-23 UEFA Europa League.
With the tie firmly in the balance after a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp in the first leg, victory would see either team advance whilst a draw would mean extra-time and possibly penalties.
Team News
Casemiro is available for Man Utd after he missed their Premier League win against Leicester as he served the last of a three match domestic ban.
Harry Maguire (knee), Anthony Martial and Antony (both leg) are doubts whilst Christian Eriksen (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), and Mason Greenwood (personal) remain absent.
Barcelona will be without Pedri after he suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg against Man Utd last week.
Gavi is suspended for this return leg after he picked up his third yellow card in all UEFA competitions during the first leg.
Sergio Busquets (ankle) could return but Ousmane Dembele (thigh) remains absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Man Utd host Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday 23 February in a 8pm GMT kick-off, live on BT Sport 1 in UK.
Stat Attack
- Man Utd are unbeaten in three of four meetings against Barcelona outside of the Champions League (W2, D1, L1).
- Barcelona have won just one of their five previous visits to Man Utd in all UEFA competitions (W1, D2, L2).
- Each of Man Utd’s last two meetings against Barcelona at home have finished in 1-0 result, with both teams winning one game apiece.
- Utd have conceded just one goal at home in their three European matches this season, which came in a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad in September 2022.
- Barcelona have failed to score in two of three European away matches this season, albeit in Champions League except for a 4-2 win at Viktoria Plzen in November 2022.
Prediction
With this tie firmly at stake following a classic first leg encounter, Man Utd know that their fate lies in their own hands at home but they were lucky that David De Gea denied Leicester with stunning saves at the weekend to boost their defensive morale.
Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils though were excellent on the counter-attack with clinical finishing so I do expect more of the same tactics here, although their defence will need to be more solid because they weathered the Foxes’ attack well despite leaving too much spaces at time.
Barcelona meanwhile were clinical in their La Liga win over Cadiz but will be without Gavi who has been a key player in their midfield, which will pose some creative issues especially with Pedri and Dembele also absent but Robert Lewandowski will still be their biggest threat up front.
Utd though are on a roll at present and if De Gea can prove a nightmare for Barcelona’s attack to beat, I do fancy the Red Devils to get the win but it would be a surprise if Barcelona weren’t to score.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona
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