Manchester United host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tonight. The two giants of Europe are heading into the final 90 minutes of the tie with a 2-2 aggregate scoreline – meaning anything can happen at Old Trafford.
Both teams were eliminated from the Champions League group stages, and will have a lot of pressure to go through. The two have also been in remarkable form domestically. Barcelona are eight points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while United have climbed to third place behind rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Barcelona: Second leg preview
Xavi Hernandez will be without two very important players for the match against Manchester United. Pedri will miss the game due to injury, having been substituted early in their first leg encounter. He has not yet recovered fully, and will play no part in the deciding game.
In addition, Gavi will also be unavailable due to suspension, leaving the midfield rather short staffed. Most of the creativity has been through the two young Spaniards this season. And their absence could play a huge role in Barcelona’s performance tonight.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will be able to count on their talisman, Marcus Rashford. The England international is in red-hot form, and will be expected to score again tonight after his goal in the first leg. Erik Ten Hag will have most of his regulars on the field, meaning they have a slight advantage heading into the game.
One giant will be crashing out of Europe by the end of the day for sure. And it now remains to be seen who it will be.
