The first round of the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League knock-out stage wraps up Thursday, February 23, with eight exciting second legs, including the marquee matchup between a couple of former European champions, Manchester United and Barcelona.
Manchester United – Barcelona Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds (23.2.2023)
Seven days after a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, Manchester United and Barcelona will battle it out at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, and the hosts are slight favorites to make it to the Round of 16.
Barcelona vs. Manchester United: Initial Situation
The away goal rule doesn’t exist anymore, so both teams will have to look for a win in this game. If we get another draw at the end of 90 minutes, the game will go to extra time and eventually to penalties if needed.
Manchester United Stats & Form
The Red Devils trounced Leicester 3-0 at home in the English Premier League this past Sunday. It was their sixth victory in eight games in all competitions along with a couple of draws. Marcus Rashford scored a couple of goals against the Foxes, increasing his season tally to 24 goals.
Rashford has been unstoppable all season long. He’s also accounted for nine assists in 36 appearances, and the 25-year-old forward will be a main threat to Barcelona’s defense. Bruno Fernandes has seven goals and nine assists on his account, and the 28-year-old midfielder will continue to pull the strings in the middle of the park.
Barcelona Stats & Form
Blaugrana defeated Cadiz 2-0 at home this past Sunday, extending their winning streak in Spanish La Liga to seven games. Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net each, and Roberto also had an assist.
Lewandowski is enjoying a wonderful season, and the 34-year-old striker has bagged 24 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions. Roberto now has three goals and three dishes on his season tally, while the 26-year-old winger Raphinha has recorded seven goals and nine assists so far this season. Winger Ousmane Dembele and midfielder Pedri, who have combined for 15 goals thus far, are sidelined with injuries.
Manchester United – Barcelona: Head-to-Head
Last Thursday, Barcelona took a lead in the 50th minute, but Manchester United needed just nine minutes to turn the game on its head. Marcus Rashford tied the clash, while Jules Kounde’s own goal made it 2-1. Barcelona escaped with a draw thanks to Raphinha, who scored in the 76th minute, and Blaugrana outshot the Red Devils 18-17 while keeping the ball in possessions for 57 percent of the time.
Barca have won three of their previous four matches against Manchester United. Back in 2019, Barcelona outlasted the Red Devils 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Manchester United – Barcelona Odds
Although the bookmakers favor Manchester United over Barcelona, this game could easily go three-way. We should see a few goals on the scoreboard, and the Over 2.5 Goals pays 1.85 at bet365 Sportsbook.
Both Manchester United and Barcelona have played very well of late, so I’m expecting both teams to find the back of the net. It’s tough to take the side bet, as the Red Devils are undefeated at home since September, and Barca have won nine of their previous 11 games on the road along with a pair of draws. The hosts will struggle to contain Robert Lewandowski, while Marcus Rashford will torture Barcelona’s defense once more. The odds are not attractive, but I think Both Teams to Score YES is a way to go in the second leg between Manchester United and Barcelona.
Betting tip and prediction: Manchester United – Barcelona (23.2.2023)