Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 9/2
Bookmaker: bet365
The UEFA Champions League is back in our lives this week, and things are about to get serious. Eight teams are set to battle it out for just four places in the semi-finals of Europe’s biggest club competition, with arguably the biggest game taking place at the Nou Camp. Barcelona hold a slender yet important advantage over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United side, but as we’ve seen in the last few months, we’d be foolish to count out the Red Devils.
Barcelona
Barcelona are well on their way towards securing the treble this season, and we’re not so sure anyone is going to be able to stop them. They’re top of La Liga, they’re in the final of the Copa del Rey, and many consider them to be the favourites to win the Champions League. Complacency is something that has been a problem for them in years gone by and they need to ensure that doesn’t happen again this week, because if they can jump over this hurdle, they’ll be a big step closer towards their endgame.
Team News
Dembele is set to compete with Coutinho for a place in the starting XI, with Roberto & Vidal both being tipped for a start in the middle of the park.
Manchester United
Despite the drop in form over the last few weeks, it still seems as if Ole has been able to do some great things with Manchester United. The feel-good factor around the club is clear for everyone to see, and now, the big question is whether or not they can do the unthinkable once again. They were the big underdogs when they went to Paris to face PSG, and they managed to come away with the win. Beating Barcelona is going to be a different ballgame altogether, but it’s not like they haven’t done it before.
Team News
Shaw is suspended which should ensure Young starts once again, with Matic and Sanchez expected to be fit enough to play. McTominay and Rashford are also set to return.
Factors to Consider
- Barcelona won the first leg 1-0 at Old Trafford.
- Barcelona have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
- Man United have won two and lost four of their last six games.
- Barcelona have scored 13 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
- Man United have scored six goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
Conclusion
These two teams have been able to produce some great games between one another over the course of the last few years, and we’re expecting to see another classic this week – but it isn’t going to end well for Manchester United. We can see them pushing the Spanish giants all the way to the very brink, to the point where they even pick up a few away goals. However, they won’t be able to get that one extra goal that will take them into the semis, as Barca avoid a second embarrassing European exit in two years.
Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 9/2
Bookmaker: bet365
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