Henry Roldán
The Europa League returns to action this coming Thursday with a spectacular match that will be facing Barcelona vs Manchester United in the first leg game of the playoffs of the European continental competition. The Spanish club finished third in Group C of the Champions League, being surpassed by Bayern Munich and Inter. For their part, the English finished second in Europa League Group E and will therefore have to face a team from the Champions League before advancing to the next stage.
Without further ado, JefeBet brings you the best preview of the stellar Europa League playoff clash between Barcelona vs Manchester United.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Barcelona vs Manchester United Europa League Playoffs First Leg Game on February 16, 2023
- Where: Spotify Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain.
- When: Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12:45 PM E.T.
- Moneyline: Barcelona (-143) / Tie (+315) / Manchester United (+350).
- Asian Handicap: Barcelona (-0.75, -112) / Manchester United (+0.75, -107).
- Over/Under (2.5): Over (-148) / Under (+120).
- Both teams score: Yes (-150) / No (+115).
All odds shown are courtesy of Unibet.
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Barcelona Preview
It is a fact that Barcelona’s plans did not include playing in the decisive matches of the Europa League for the second consecutive season. However, after their terrible performance in the Champions League, this is their best option to succeed in Europe.
Obviously, the team coached by Xavi has a difficult challenge ahead of them since they will have to overcome a tough obstacle such as United, one of the best teams in the Premier League and which is going through a very good moment.
Of course, the blaugranas are also playing at an exceptional level and lead the league with 56 points, 11 more than their closest pursuers Real Madrid. In the Champions League group stage, Barcelona could only beat Viktoria Plzen, but currently, between the Spanish league, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, they have 17 matches without defeat with only one draw.
In fact, Barça have only lost to Real Madrid in domestic competition, and no one has scored more goals than them with 43. What’s more, they have only conceded on seven occasions, In addition, they have achieved clean sheets in 16 of the 21 games they have played and are undefeated at home with 22 goals scored and only one conceded. The most important absentees for this clash are Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembelé.
Probable lineup (4-3-3): Marc-André ter Stegen; Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde; Franck Kessie, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi.
Manchester United Preview
Manchester United must not be happy about being drawn against Barcelona in the playoffs after failing to overcome Real Sociedad in the Europa League group stage. Despite finishing with the same 15 points and a win for each side, the Spanish team had a better goal difference than them and relegated them to the playoffs, something that could cost Erik ten Hag’s team dearly. The good news is that the Red Devils are going through a good moment in the Premier League, and that could serve as motivation for them to get a good result in the visit to the historic Camp Nou.
In its last 14 matches played in the local championship, Manchester United has lost only twice and is third in the standings with 43 points, five points behind leaders Arsenal but with two more games played. Likewise, their defense has improved considerably by allowing just five goals in the last eight Premier League matches. However, four of the five defeats they have accumulated in the campaign have come away from home.
In terms of absentees for this match, they will be without Christian Eriksen, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial, while Antony is a serious doubt.
Possible lineup (4-2-3-1): David De Gea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Fred, Casemiro; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst.
JefeBet Prediction
Next Thursday we will have a real clash of powerhouses in the Europa League playoffs when two of the best teams in European soccer face each other. Although Barcelona looks unstoppable, they have been the subject of many doubts when playing in Europe, as in the Champions League group stage they conceded 12 goals in six matches played.
For their part, Manchester United have improved their defense a lot in the last few rounds, but as visitors they have struggled, and in the Premier League they have conceded 20 goals in 12 games away from home. We also have to take into account that Barça Have not been blanked in La Liga since matchday one, while United have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight league games.
The last clash between the two? In the 2019 Champions League quarterfinals when Barcelona won both games 3-0 and 0-1.
Prediction: Both teams score (BAR 2 – MUN 1).
