UEFA Europa League 2022-23: Barcelona vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Blaugrana and the Red Devils, two European giants, will compete in a playoff at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday.

The two favourites of the competition will compete against each other in a playoff for a spot in the Round of 16. Barcelona, who currently lead LaLiga, are in exceptional form. Their latest victory against Villarreal has extended their lead to 11 points, with Real Madrid having a game in hand. Having already secured one trophy this season, the Blaugrana will be eager to add more silverware to their collection. On the other hand, Manchester United is also in good form. Although Erik Ten Hag's team started the season slowly, they are now on the right track, having reached the final of the Carabao Cup and currently placed in the top three of the Premier League.

Kick-off:

Thursday, 16-02-2023, 5:45 PM (GMT)

Thursday, 16-02-2023, 11:15 PM (IST)

Barcelona form (all competition): W-W-W-W-W

Manchester United form (all competition): W-D-W-W-W

Players to watch

Barcelona: Pedri

Pedri, a young Barcelona star, is continuously improving and has become one of the season's standout performers. His dribbling, key passes, and through balls make him a delight to watch, and he frequently creates scoring opportunities for Barcelona. Having already scored seven goals this season, the Barcelona midfielder will be eager to maintain his impressive form against Manchester United.

Manchester United: Marcus Rashford

Rashford is currently in the best form of his life, scoring goals effortlessly. Whenever Manchester United needs a goal, he has consistently delivered and has been a key factor in their successful performance. The winger has already scored 21 goals this season and will be eager to increase his tally further.

Match Facts

• Barcelona have won each of the last 4 matches in this fixture.
• Manchester United has won each of their last 5 matches in Europe.
• Barcelona has lost 5 of their last 11 European matches at Spotify Camp Nou.

Team and Injury News

Barcelona's captain Sergio Busquets and winger Ousmane Dembele won't be playing in the first leg due to injuries, but the rest of the squad is fit and available.

Manchester United have multiple absences due to injury and suspension, including Anthony Martial, Antony, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek, who will be out for months. Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer will also miss the first leg due to suspension.

Head-to-Head stats (in all competitions)

Matches – 13

Barcelona – 6

Manchester United – 3

Draws – 4

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.

Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho, Bruno, Rashford; Weghorst

Match Prediction

The match between these two teams will be thrilling as both are in good form and highly motivated. Barcelona has a slight advantage since they are playing at home, but the game will undoubtedly be intense and exciting.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Manchester United

Telecast Details

India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network, Jio Tv

UK: BT Sport

USA – Paramount+

Nigeria – SuperSport 3