UEFA Champions League
Manchester United vs Barcelona Preview
- Date: Apr. 10, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: TNT, UniMas, Univision Deportes Network
- Location: Manchester, England
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Seating Capacity: 74,994
The Red Devils host Barcelona at Old Trafford in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is coming of a dramatic victory over Paris Saint Germain in France.
However, the Red Devils have lost three times in their last four games against Barcelona. Additionally, the Catalan side are coming from an unbeaten run of 16 competitive outings.
Nonetheless, under Solskjaer’s care, United has improved greatly and have maintained their hopes at a top four position in Premier League.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde are in the Copa del Rey final and are a few points away from achieving another Liga title.
Team News
Manchester will welcome back Paul Pogba who was paying suspension and coming of an injury. However, they Ole Gunnar will be without the services of Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian. Ander Herrera and Namanja Matic remain doubtful after missing training Tuesday morning. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Eric Baily remain in doubt for the Red Devils with injuries.
Meanwhile, the Catalan club only have one dismissal in long time absentee Rafinha with an injury. With Arthur’s under performance of late, Arturo Vidal may take that role at Old Trafford. Needless to say his physical will match well with United’s midfield. Though Ousmane Dembele has been reported fit for this match, he will likely start on the bench. He will possibly come of the bench and replace Philippe Coutinho.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United XI: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Rashford, Lukaku.
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal, Messi, Suarez, Coutinho.
Prediction
One thing is true, Barcelona is not coming to Manchester as a stoppable machine. They suffered to draw against Villarreal a week ago and didn’t come through until the end of the match against Atletico de Madrid, with the Colchoneros down a man.
Additionally, Manchester has an opportunity at yet another stunning win. However, they need their star players on fire if they expect to win.
Nonetheless, it will be hard for both sides. A draw can be expected with not much from Barcelona’s trio.
Prediction: Manchester United 1 – 1 Barcelona
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