In a UEFA Europa League playoff matchup worthy of the Champions League, Manchester United will visit Barcelona on Thursday. With the score tied at 2-2 from the first leg last week, either the Red Devils or the Balugrana will lose this match. With both teams scoring twice in a thrilling second half at Camp Nous, Erik ten Hag’s team has the advantage of playing at home. Yet Xavi’s team leads La Liga and unquestionably has the strength to harm United. There will be one notable absence from the Friday draw as a result of what looks to be a fantastic second leg.
team news
United: Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer have returned from their recent week’s bans in Europe. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still out with chronic injuries, while Casemiro has returned despite his recently served domestic suspension. Jadon Sancho is probably engaged in this, potentially ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, since Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, and Antony are all dealing with injuries ahead of Thursday. Victor Lindelof’s performance against Leicester City wasn’t as successful as Ten Hag would have wanted, therefore Raphael Varane should be returning so he can join Wout Weghorst on the bench. The major goal danger for the home team will be Marcus Rashford, who is in outstanding form right now.
Barca: Due to a thigh injury, Ousmane Dembele is also absent, although Ronald Araujo’s domestic suspension has no bearing on him in this situation, while Sergio Busquets was on the bench against Celta Vigo due to an ankle injury. The Spaniard may start in place of Ferran Torres in the midfield with Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie.
Prediction
This game is building up to be another spectacular one, and United should have the advantage against Barcelona thanks to home field advantage. Yet, if Ten Hag’s hosts don’t put up a clinical performance, Xavi’s team may punish them.
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