Our prediction for this Europa League match:
There will be fireworks when Manchester United and Barcelona face each other at Old Trafford in the Europa League last 32, return leg. The Red Devils produced a fine performance in a 2-2 draw with Barca at Camp Nou, and they head into Thursday’s showdown following a routine 3-0 win over Leicester City. A man to watch in the home team will be Marcus Rashford, who is enjoying a season to remember, while both Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are back from suspensions. Casemiro should start as well after serving his domestic ban at the weekend, but all Antony, Martial, and Eriksen remain in the recovery room.
The Catalan giants, on the other hand, defeated Cadiz 2-0 in their last Primera Liga game to move one step closer to winning the title. Since Xavi’s troops are fully focused on the national championship, we are tempted to put our money on Man Utd this time out. Raphinha is pushing for a start, while Araujo is back from the La Liga ban. Pedri is sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Ousmane Dembele is a major doubt.
Highlighted Player (Marcus Rashford):
Marcus Rashford is one of the most talented English footballers. Rashford was born in Wythenshawe, Manchester on October 31, 1997 and he began his youth career at Fletcher Moss Rangers. Manchester United scouts spotted him in 2005 when he joined the famous Premier League club.
The pacey footballer, who is capable of playing as both winger and striker, marked his Manchester United first-team debut with two goals in a 5-1 crushing of Midtjylland in the Europa League.
Marcus Rashford scored seven goals in 35 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2017/2018 Premier League season. Speaking of his international debut, the Manchester United attacker played his first match for England against Australia on May 27, 2016 and he did well to find the net in a 2-1 win over the Socceroos.
After producing fine displays with Manchester United in the 2017/2018 season, Marcus Rashford was named in the 23-man England national team squad that will take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Highlighted Team (Barcelona):
Barcelona is a Spanish football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia. Barca were founded in 1899 and they are regarded as one of the greatest clubs in world football. The Catalan giants won their 24th La Liga title in 2016, with Luis Suarez winning “El Pichichi” award. Barcelona have won five European Cup trophies and a number of top-class players were part of the team in the past.
The likes of Hristo Stoichkov, Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Pep Guardiola are some of many players that played for Barca in the past, but, no doubt, Leo Messi has established himself as the club’s trademark. Barcelona welcome their rivals at Camp Nou, the stadium that was built in 1957.
Barcelona’s local rivals are Espanyol, but the rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid is much bigger. The two La Liga giants face each other in “El Clasico”, which is considered one of the most exciting derbies in the world football. Barca are famous for their football youth school La Masia as well.