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Big Game Focus: Barcelona v Manchester United

Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - FC Barcelona v Eibar - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - January 13, 2019 Barcelona's Luis Suarez celebrates scoring their third goal with Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho REUTERS/Albert Gea

Barcelona will be out to ride on their first leg win when they host Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final at Camp Nou. Bet on the match here.

The Catalans put in a rather sluggish performance in their first leg tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but they still managed to claim a vital 1-0 win thanks to an own goal by Luke Shaw. They were able to rest a number of their key players at the weekend as they have a healthy nine-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Manchester United for their part have not looked like the team of the last few months following a string of poor results. They have been affected by injuries in the intervening period, but a good number of their starters are fully fit now and ready for selection. They overturned a two-goal deficit away to PSG in the last round and they will be hoping they can do the same here.

Betting preview

Three of Barcelona’s last five home games in the Champions League have seen at least three goals scored, as have each of Manchester United’s last four away games in the competition. This makes odds of 1.35 for Over 2.5 Goals attractive here.

Barca have won all but one of their last nine home matches in the Champions League. Manchester United are not in their best form as they have only won two from their last five outings in all competitions. Odds of 1.50 for a home win looks very promising.

Both teams have found the back of the net in all but one of Manchester United’s last five outings in all competitions. Barcelona have conceded in three of their last five European matches and odds of 1.70 for Both Teams to Score looks good here.

Team news

Ousmane Dembele returned from injury during the weekend and will compete with Philippe Coutinho for a spot in Barcelona’s front three. Ernesto Valverde may draft in Sergi Roberto or Arturo Vidal in midfield in an effort to solidify the middle of the pack.

Luke Shaw is suspended for United and he could be replaced by Ashley Young, who will switch over to left-back. Matteo Darmian and Diogo Dalot will fight for a place at right back. Nemanja Matic is reportedly fit to feature whilst Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata will compete for a spot in midfield.

Possible line ups

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal, Messi, Suarez, Dembele.

Manchester United: De Gea, Dalot, Smalling, Lindelof, Young, McTominay, Matic, Pogba, Lingard, Lukaku, Rashford.

 

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