TWO of the great Champions League names meet in a huge clash at the Nou Camp…but it's ‘only' the Europa League for Barcelona and Manchester United on Thursday.
Both clubs will always see this as beneath them, but they are both in this for a reason. And both have bounced back impressively and given plenty of hope for their fans this season.
Barca look to already have La Liga wrapped up. They are currently 11 points clear of Real Madrid, although they have played a game more.
Xavi's side are on a great run too of eight wins in a row in all competitions and have really kicked on since a disappointing Champions League campaign. In fact their last defeat in any competition was back in October to Bayern Munich in the qualifiers.
United have gone from rock bottom to falling just short of mounting a realistic title challenge in the Premier League, but they have narrowed what looked like a chasm on their rivals and are also on an excellent run of just one defeat in 17 games and that came at leaders Arsenal.
United finished behind Real Sociedad in their group, but they will be depleted coming into this. Anthony Martial, Antony, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are all injured and Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are suspended.
How the bookies view it
Barcelona are odds-on favourites in Catalonia. They can be backed at 11/14 with SBK. United are 18/5 with Betfred and the draw is 3/1 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
There have been 13 meetings between the clubs over the years and Barca lead the way 6-3, with four draws. They won home and away when they last met in the Champions League in 2019.
Players to watch
Robert Lewandowski may have scored 25 goals for club and country this season but he's only managed one in his last four games and will be desperate to rectify that. He is 5/6 with Paddy Power to score on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford has been on fire this season and his goal at Leeds was his 24th of the season and the third game in a row where he has scored. He is tempting at 7/2 to score with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona may just be too strong for a United team who look weakened…even with Casemiro back for this.
Xavi's side must be brimming with confidence after their recent run and they have been strong defensively too having conceded just one goal in their last seven games.
However, you would back this United side to score anywhere – you need to go back to mid-October for their last game without a goal, so back a Barca win and both teams to score at 12/5 with bet365.
Barcelona tend not to win too many corners as they don't play with wingers. Only twice in their last ten games have they managed to win over six corners themselves.
United may have to attack if they go behind here and that could lead to corners. Try the 7/4 with UniBet on them to win more corners.
This UEFA Europa League match between Barcelona and Manchester United will be played on Feb 16, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Barcelona vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
