Man United vs. Barcelona Betting Tips: Best bets from Old Trafford

It looks set to be another memorable night at Old Trafford as these two giants of world football go head-to-head in the second leg of their Europa League tie. The first leg ended 2-2; which has set up this one nicely. Scott Thornton is on tipping duty and has provided us with his best bets. 

Both of these teams have been difficult to beat this season and are exceeding the pre-season expectations. Barcelona have a stranglehold on top spot in La Liga and they look set to beat their great rivals to the crown at this stage of the season. Xavi was disappointed to drop out of the Champions League after the group stage; finishing behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. However, he will want to triumph in this competition after they failed to reach the final last season.

Manchester United’s revival has been remarkable. Things were looking ominous for the Red Devils after two league games when they were beaten by both Brighton and Brentford. Erik ten Hag has since turned things around and has the club fighting on four fronts. The League Cup final is United’s next match so that could be a factor in who plays 90 minutes in this clash.

Lisandro Martinez is available for Manchester United after being suspended for the first leg and it seems likely he will start. Pedri and Gavi will be unavailable for the visitors.

Manchester United have been formidable at Old Trafford this season. They have won 17 of their 21 matches at home; drawing two and losing two. They have also been in fine scoring form at home. Ten Hag’s side have scored two goals or more in their last 12 games at home in all competitions. They are averaging 2.67 goals per game over this period.

United had an xG of 2.18 at the Nou Camp last week and were unfortunate not to win the game. Both teams had an equal number of attempts but Barcelona’s xG was just 1.05 in comparison.

Marcus Rashford has been in fine form since the World Cup and he scored a brace in his team’s 3-0 win at the weekend. It will take a great performance from Barcelona to stop the attacker. Robert Lewandowski is Xavi’s main goal threat and he will be a thorn in the side of the United defence this year.

Barcelona are averaging 2.19 goals per game on the road this season and they have scored in their last 12 away matches. Both teams to score looks a good bet here given the attacking threat that both teams possess.

We are also going to back shots in this one. The first leg saw 36 shots and desperation could kick in if one of these sides falls behind. Manchester United’s home matches since Christmas are averaging 26.2 shots per game. Their last five matches home or away are averaging over 32 shots per game.

We are going for big odds on our other bet. This bet landed fairly comfortably in the game at the Nou Camp and this one could easily play out in a similar manner. Ten Hag was bullish after the game and United will be even more inclined to attack in front of a  packed Old Trafford.

Xavi and Barcelona only know how to play one way. They will look to dominate possession and pile the pressure on. All signs point to another end-to-end encounter packed with chances.