With the first leg of the UEFA Champions League done, the focus now turns to the Play off second legs of the UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United v Barcelona
After securing a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last week, Manchester United are viewed as favourites by many (although not with the bookies!) to advance to the Europa League Last 16. Despite this, the disappointment of only achieving a draw highlights the progress the club has made. Returning to Old Trafford will provide further confidence, but it’s worth noting that they have lost to Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, both La Liga clubs, in the past eleven months.
Manchester United’s recent victory over Leicester City means they are unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, winning six of those. Furthermore, they have scored at least twice in their last nine games, and they remain undefeated at Old Trafford in 17 games, having only lost to Real Sociedad. Out of those 17 matches, Manchester United have won 15.
Several players are doubtful for the upcoming match, including Harry Maguire, Antony, and Anthony Martial. During their last game, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho were rested. Additionally, Casemiro is available following his domestic suspension.
Despite financial issues, winning the domestic title would be a significant step towards becoming one of the top European clubs for Barcelona. Although the 2-2 home draw in the First Leg has made things more challenging, Barcelona won away ties in the Europa League last season at Napoli and Galatasaray before drawing in Eintracht Frankfurt. However, they were defeated by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the Champions League Group Stage without scoring a goal.
Barcelona is currently unbeaten in 18 games across all competitions, dating back to the Champions League Group Stage. They have won nine out of their last ten matches, including a 2-0 home League win over Cadiz on Sunday. In addition, they have won their last five away games in all competitions.
Unfortunately, Pedri suffered an injury and is expected to be out until next month, while Gavi is suspended. Sergio Busquets is available but may not be fit enough to start. Some players were rested in the win over Cadiz with this fixture in mind. Ronald Araujo is back from a domestic suspension, but Ousmane Dembele is expected to miss out.
It’s important not to underestimate Barcelona’s attacking capabilities, as they remain a threat and were particularly dangerous from set pieces. However, Manchester United will likely be more cautious of this threat and possess their own qualities in the final third that could make a difference in this critical tie.
Manchester United has won the last two Second Legs against Barcelona in Knock Out ties at Old Trafford. The English club is currently considered a significant underdog to replicate this feat on Thursday and secure a spot in the Last 16 draw, which will occur on Friday.
Match Result Prediction
Manchester United to win.
Score Prediction
Manchester United 2 – 1 Barcelona
Union Berlin v Ajax
Union Berlin are currently second in the Bundesliga, with only goal difference separating them from the top spot. The club has set its sights on securing a spot in the Champions League, with fans eager to see them continue their surprising run of form against bigger clubs. In their upcoming Europa League Play Off tie, Union Berlin will face off against Ajax, a four-time European Cup-winning club. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Amsterdam, the team will be hoping to secure a win at home, where they have already achieved two victories in the Europa League this season.
Although Union Berlin had won six consecutive games across all competitions after the World Cup break, they have since slowed down, playing two consecutive goalless draws against Ajax and Schalke. In their most recent home game against Schalke, they were held to a goalless draw, the second such result in their last 10 home games across all competitions.
Fortunately, Union Berlin will have Christopher Trimmel and Janik Haberer available for selection in the second leg against Ajax. The duo had missed the first leg due to European suspension.
Despite Alfred Schreuder’s guidance, Ajax finished third in their Champions League group behind Napoli and Liverpool, resulting in their entry into the Europa League. While they secured a win against Rangers in Glasgow, Ajax lost both of their away games against the teams that eventually progressed to the last 16 in the Champions League from their group.
Following three consecutive draws, Schreuder was sacked, and John Heitinga was brought in as a replacement. Under Heitinga’s leadership, Ajax has enjoyed a successful run, winning five of their last six games across all competitions. The team has also won four of their last five away games and is currently unbeaten in nine away games.
As they prepare for the second leg, Ajax’s squad appears to be relatively stable.
Although Union Berlin has a big league game against Bayern Munich coming up on Sunday, I believe that they have the ability to overcome Ajax. The team has performed impressively on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.
Under John Heitinga’s leadership, Ajax has demonstrated more self-assurance, and if he continues to lead them in the same direction, he may be considered for the permanent manager position. Ajax’s attacking style of play makes them a dangerous team, but Union Berlin has been solid at home throughout the season.
The first goal in this tie will be crucial, and Union Berlin’s defensive prowess gives them the ability to potentially contain Ajax and take the lead. While consecutive goalless draws are a concern, Union Berlin has displayed a knack for securing narrow victories throughout their Europa League campaign, and I believe they will do the same in the second leg on Thursday.
Match Result Prediction
Both teams to draw.
Score Prediction
Union Berlin 1 – 1 Ajax
