[Football- England 'Europa League'] 16.2/ 18:45 Barcelona- Manchester United

[Robredo]

[Football- England 'Europa League'] 16.2/ 18:45 Barcelona- Manchester United

Barcelona start this match as warm favourites by the bookmakers against a United side with a number of key injuries which might blunt their attacking threat.

I do not think a Barcelona win is a banker and Under 2.5 is arguably the better pick due to both sides' strong defence.

United will likely deploy their low-block tactics which should limit Barca's goals. United's last trip to Spain was against Real Sociedad in November 2022 in the Europa League group stage, winning 1-0.

However, despite United's strong recent attacking form in the Premier League, they have not faced a defence as strong as Barca's, and I have my doubts whether they can score at all away at the Nou Camp. Barcelona have conceded just 1 goal in 14 home league matches this season, and they will likely dominate possession and should be able to keep United away from their goal for large parts of the match, counterattacks notwithstanding.

Barcelona are without key duo Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets with respective hamstring and ankle injuries, and they are set to miss both legs of the Europa League tie against Manchester United.

In Dembele's absence, one of Gavi, Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati could operate on the left flank, joining top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in the front three.

Gavi is also an option to fill in for the injured Busquets in midfield, but Franck Kessie previously started alongside Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, and the Ivorian may retain his starting role on Thursday.

Barca boss Xavi is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his defence which has kept more clean sheets (16) than any other team across Europe's top-five leagues so far this season. He may however consider replacing Alejandro Balde with experienced left-back Jordi Alba.

As for Manchester United, Christian Eriksen (ankle), Anthony Martial (hip), Scott McTominay (muscle) and Antony (leg) will all miss out through injury, while Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are both suspended.

However, Casemiro will return to the side after missing the last two Premier League games due to suspension, and he is set to partner Fred in centre-midfield.

Raphael Varane may come into the side at the expense of Harry Maguire, while Jadon Sancho could continue on the right flank, joining Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst in attack.

under 2,5 @1,90 Unibet

FT 2:2