After super clashes in the midweek in the UCL and EPL, we have a great one, even in the Europa League knockouts. Barcelona and Manchester United face off again after their Champions League quarterfinals in 2019, but this time the game is in the Europa League and should be equally thrilling.
Barcelona have dropped from the Champions League after finishing third in the group stage, with Bayern and Inter finishing first and second in that group. Barcelona is doing so well in La Liga this season; they are in the first place and 11 points ahead of Real Madrid. The Blaugrana will be playing two games against Real Madrid in the Spanish Copa del Rey in March, so it’s a tough run of fixtures for Barcelona.
Manchester United, on the other hand, qualified through the group stage of the Europa League. The Red Devils have finished in second place behind Real Sociedad, and that’s why they have to play in the knockout stage before the round of 16. Man Utd are having a great run after the World Cup break, and now they are in third place, only behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
| Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2022/23 Playoffs, Knockout stage |
| Venue: | Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain |
| Date: | 5:45 p.m. GMT on Thursday, 16 February 2023 |
According to the football bookmakers, Barcelona is a big home favorite in the first leg at 1.80 (4/5). A draw is offered at 4.0 (3/1), while Manchester United is an away underdog at 4.30 (33/10) to beat Barcelona.
The qualifying odds for the next round are also in favor of the Blaugrana. Barcelona is at 1.60 (3/5) to qualify, while Manchester United is an underdog at 2.20 (6/5).
25+ sportsSuperb bonusesEasy to useVIP programLive gamesMany bonusesMany bonuses24/7 supportMobile appsLive bettingMany sportsFast payoutsGreat supportMobile appsLive bettingThe Blaugrana are coming off a very good win against Villarreal (1-0). Barcelona has been playing some great football under Xavi, especially at home this season, their only loss at home was against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The best part that Xavi has improved in a big way is the defense. Barcelona has conceded only one goal in their last seven matches in all competitions.
The Red Devils are probably one of the best teams that have gotten better after the World Cup break, along with Barcelona. Red Manchester has won nine matches, drawn twice, and lost only once this year. Their loss was against Arsenal in a game that was so close to being a Manchester United win. With a crazy Rashford and creative Bruno Fernandes, this team cannot be underestimated now.
Barcelona and Manchester United have played eight head-to-head matches. Barcelona has dominated this matchup so far with five wins and only two losses, with one draw. Three of the last five games have gone under the total in goals.
Barcelona: WWWWW
Manchester United: WDWWW
Barcelona has been on fire lately. The Blaugrana are on an 11-game winning streak and haven’t lost in their last 14 matches in all competitions. Barcelona has conceded only eight goals in its 13 games at Camp Nou this season.
The odds for the Europa League indicate that the Blaugrana are the favorites to advance, and that’s for a good reason. If the Blaugrana wants to get to the next round, they will have to perform at home before going to Old Trafford.
Four of the last six games for the Blaugrana have gone under the total, and all four of those matches have ended in a 1-0 Barcelona win. This should be a similar kind of game, as both teams won’t take many risks in the first leg.
The game has gone under the total in cards in seven of the last eight matches between Barcelona and Manchester. Manchester United has gone under this total of 4.5 cards in all of their last 10 matches overall as well.
In this match, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets are both out for the Blaugrana. All the other players are ready to play.
Manchester United will be missing a lot of key players in this game. Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay are all out for the Red Devils.
This is the most anticipated match to watch and choose as the Europa League prediction for betting. Both teams are in good form, but we expect Barcelona to win at home. Make sure you use our Barcelona vs Man Utd 2023 predictions and betting expert picks and bet on them at the online sportsbooks or betting apps to have more fun watching the game.
