The 2022-23 UEFA Europa League knock-out stage kicks off Thursday, February 16, bringing the marquee matchup between Barcelona and Manchester United. The first leg will take place at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, so let’s take a closer look.
Barcelona – Manchester United Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds (16.2.2023)
Barcelona and Manchester United have never met each other in the Europa League before. The bookies think one of these two teams will reach the final in May, so we’re expecting a great battle over two legs. According to bet365 Sportsbook, Barcelona is the second-strongest fave to lift the trophy at 5.50, and Manchester United is right behind at 8.00 odds.
Barcelona vs. Manchester United: Initial Situation
Barcelona made it to the Europa League after finishing third in Group C of the Champions League. Blaugrana disappointed their fans, earning just seven points (W2, D1, L3) and a 12:12 goal difference. On the other side, Manchester United was second in Group E of the Europa League, recording 15 points (W5, L1) and a 10:3 goal difference.
Barcelona Stats & Form
Barca is riding an eight-game winning streak following Sunday’s 1-0 road victory over Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga. Since beating Betis in the Spanish Super Cup on penalties, Xavi’s boys have been unstoppable, allowing just a couple of goals across eight contests while scoring 17 in return.
The 34-year-old legendary striker Robert Lewandowski leads the way for Barcelona with 23 goals and six assists in 27 appearances in all competitions. The 26-year-old winger Raphinha is the team’s best assist-maker with eight dishes in 30 apps, while fellow winger Ousmane Dembele has eight goals and seven assists on his season tally. However, Dembele won’t play Thursday due to a hamstring injury, while Sergio Busquets (ankle) is listed as doubtful.
Manchester United Stats & Form
The Red Devils are coming off a couple of Premier League games against Leeds United. After a disappointing 2-2 home draw, Manchester United defeated Leeds 2-0 on the road this past Sunday. The Red Devils have won five of their previous six contests in all competitions and hope for a solid performance when they face off against Barcelona.
Erik ten Hag cannot count on Christian Eriksen (ankle), Scott McTominay (unspecified), Donny van de Beek (knee), and Anthony Martial (hip). The Red Devils will continue to heavily lean on the 25-year-old forward Marcus Rashford, who’s accounted for 21 goals and eight assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.
Barcelona – Manchester United: Head-to-Head
Barca and Manchester United lock horns for the first time since 2019 when Blaugrana eliminated the Red Devils in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Barca has won three straight games against Manchester United without conceding a single goal.
Barcelona – Manchester United Odds
The bookmakers favor Barcelona over Manchester United which was expected given the way Xavi’s team has played of late. Still, the bookies believe the visitors will find the back of the net, setting the odds around 1.70 on Both Teams to Score YES.
Betting tip and prediction: Barcelona – Manchester United (16.2.2023)
Barcelona is comfortably topping the Spanish La Liga mostly thanks to a sturdy defense. Xavi’s boys have only allowed seven goals in 21 league games, so I’m backing Barcelona to beat Manchester United in the first leg at home. Barca has won four of its last five home games while allowing just one goal in the process.
On the other side, the Red Devils will struggle to contain Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona owns more pace in the middle of the park and will provide plenty of chances for the veteran striker.