Barcelona vs Manchester United: Match preview, head-to-head and predicted XI
The knock-out stage of the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 has reached an interesting phase. On Tuesday, two former champions collide in the second leg of the quarter-finals, as Barcelona host Manchester United at Camp Nou. Barca lead by 1-0 following their win at Old Trafford last week. Can Manchester United script another turnaround? We analyze it in this match preview.
United coming off a win, Barca drew against Huesca
Talking about the recent performance of these two sides, United secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United at home. The match was intense and a hard-fought one. United's win was not as convincing as they would have wanted it to be prior to this high octane clash. Meanwhile, Barca witnessed an unexpected goalless draw against SD Huesca, which lie at the bottom.
Paul Pogba, Luis Suarez in focus
As far as the players are concerned, Barcelona would heavily rely on the services of Luis Suarez. He played an important role in the last leg. As always, Lionel Messi would be the center of attraction as they aim to play unchanged. From United, Paul Pogba is likely to be their key man, after he netted a brace against West Ham United on Saturday.
Barcelona have the upper hand over United
Considering the head-to-head records between the sides, Barcelona have the edge over United. In the 12 matches between the sides, United have managed three wins, while Barca have five. Of the nine UCL ties, United have won just one, while Barca have pocketed four. At Camp Nou in UCL, Barca have won one of the three, while the remaining have ended in a draw.
Here's the predicted Playing XI
Barcelona: Marc-André ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Arthur, Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele. Manchester United: David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Ashley Young, Scot McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba; Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford. Dream XI: David de Gea (vice-captain), Lenglet, Lindelof, Alba, Semedo, Busquets, McTominay, Pogba, Messi (captain), Suarez, Lingard.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Barcelona vs Manchester United. Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona. Time: 12.30 AM (IST, Wednesday). Where to watch (TV): Sony Ten 1/2 (also available in HD). Where to watch (Online): Sony LIV.
