Manchester United meet Barcelona in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League Quarter Final at Old Trafford in the first leg.
United haven’t reached this stage since 2014 so will be hoping for better success here against a Barcelona side, who have crashed out at this stage in each of last three seasons.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United are set to welcome Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera back from knocks.
Nemanja Matic is also available after recovering from a muscular injury whilst Eric Bailly has overcome concussion.
Aleix Sanchez is back early from a knee injury but won’t be risked here but is expected to be ready for the weekend.
Antonio Valencia is out with a muscular injury alongside Matteo Darmian who continues to build up match fitness.
Barcelona will be without defender, Thomas Vermaelen due to discomfort in the Belgian’s leg.
Ousmane Dembele has trained with the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury but is still subject to medical clearance.
Rafinha is absent for remainder of this season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in late November.
Stat Attack
- Manchester United have lost just three of eight Champions League meetings with Barcelona (W1, D4, L3).
- Barcelona have won the last two meetings between these teams which came in 2009 and 2011 Champions League Finals.
- United won the only previous two legged knockout meeting between these sides in this competition, edging Barcelona 1-0 out at the semi final stage in 2007-08 season.
- Lionel Messi has scored seven goals across his last four appearances for Barcelona against English opposition, with just two of those goals coming away from the Nou Camp.
- United are winless in last three home knockout ties against Spanish opposition (D1, L2)
Prediction
This is a tough ask for Manchester United but having had a week to prepare, I am expecting them to give this first leg a real go despite their defensive issues.
Barcelona however have been absolutely dominant this season in all competitions and it’s hard to see them slipping up here if they are on usual form.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Barcelona
Result: Manchester United 0-1 Barcelona
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