Manchester United and Barcelona will collide this week in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie (aggregate: 2-2).
Manchester United Form GuideFor so long now, Manchester United fans have been waiting for this kind of return to form. Off the back of Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag, the club is starting to awaken from the coma it seems to have been in over the last decade. The Red Devils are once again one of the best teams in Europe, and they’ll hope to prove that by winning the Europa League.
For such long spells in the first leg of this tie, United were the ones pushing the tempo. They came out firing in the second half with an own goal, as well as a strike from Rashford, taking them in front. If they can steady things up at the back, they’ll their chances at Old Trafford.
Barcelona Form GuideIn a similar story to their opponents on Thursday, Barcelona are beginning to rediscover their identity. They are easily one of the biggest clubs in world football and thanks to Xavi, they’re starting to prove why on the pitch. The Europa League may feel like a step down for them but it’s the kind of competition that could serve as quite the morale booster.
After failing to take advantage of a dominant first half of the first leg with 60% possession, Barca probably won’t be best pleased with where the tie is at right now. They’ve had no issue with getting results in England in the past, but they may be left to rue missed opportunities.
Latest Team NewsMaguire, Antony and Martial are all listed as fitness concerns for this one with the confirmed absences being Eriksen and van de Beek.
Gavi is out through suspension after picking up too many yellow cards, whereas Pedri and Dembele are both injured.
Match PredictionOne thing that we think is just about guaranteed in this game, as it was in the first leg, is entertainment. Both teams are really going to go at it in the final third and because of that, we’re backing over 2.5 goals to be scored.
31 tips in BG
