Europa League Odds, Free Picks & Betting Tips

All four goals in Manchester United and Barcelona's 2-2 tie last Thursday came in the second half. A similar outcome should be expected despite the change in venue, as our expert soccer selections suggest.

Thursday will see the second leg of the Europa League playoff matchup between Manchester United and Barcelona, and if it’s anything like the first leg, then fans are in for a treat.

The Red Devils return home to Old Trafford having secured a 2-2 draw, ending a four-match losing skid in Europe against Barcelona. Meanwhile, the Catalans will consider themselves fortunate to be on equal footing on aggregate, giving they managed a draw despite a large expected goal (xG) disadvantage.

It’s all to play for in the second leg of this massive showdown, and we’re here to help you find the best bang for your betting buck. Let’s dive into the match with our Manchester United vs Barcelona picks and predictions for Thursday, February 23. 

Manchester United vs Barcelona best odds

Manchester United vs Barcelona picks and predictions

When we previewed the first leg last week, we broke down how prolific these two sides have been after halftime, especially when compared to their low-scoring ways in the opening 45 minutes. And they didn’t disappoint.

Despite having numerous chances to score before the interval, the two teams went into the locker room without a goal. Then they proceeded to each put up a pair of goals in the second stanza, including three in the opening quarter of an hour. 

So it would be quite easy to give you the exact same bet — for the second half to be the higher scoring of the two — for the rematch on Thursday. After all, Manchester United followed up at the weekend by scoring two of their three goals against Leicester after the halftime break, and probably could have had even more.

Or we could give you the same bet we gave you over the weekend, for Marcus Rashford to continue his unbelievable run since the World Cup. His 14 goals in this span are the most of any player in Europe’s five biggest leagues, and he bagged two of them against Leicester. 

And you absolutely should take both of those bets. They are both still plus-odds with a few different books, and I will be hammering each of them myself. That said, neither are the best value play for this match. 

There have been 32 goals scored after halftime in Manchester United’s last 14 matches, including the four last week. In their three most recent matches against high-quality opposition — Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona — the second half has seen at least three goals scored each time. 

Two of their last four matches have also seen that many or more second-half goals, and it would’ve been three had Leicester been able to put away some of their chances on Sunday. 

If your book offers it, I would jump on the second half total. Both bet365 and Caesars are offering second half totals of Over 2.5 goals at +300 or better, and that’s outstanding value. Five of Manchester United’s last 14 matches have seen three or more goals scored after the break, and three others saw VAR take away a third goal. 

Manchester United loves to hit on the break, and Barcelona will be without Gavi and Pedri. The second half could very well be a wide-open affair if Man United can get out in front, which is why I would jump on this play at anything above +275.

My best bet: Over 2.5 goals in second half (+330 at Caesars)

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Manchester United vs Barcelona side analysis

Manchester United are going to be at full-force on Thursday, with Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez back from suspension. They’ll also have Casemiro, who completed his three-match domestic ban in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday. However, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek continue to be absent in the midfield, and Anthony Martial and Antony are both questionable.

Barcelona will not have the services of Pedri, after he was injured in the first leg. Gavi is suspended after picking up a yellow in the match, and Ousmane Dembele continues to miss out. Sergio Busquets could return at the base of the midfield, and Ronald Araujo returns to the lineup after being suspended for their win over Cadiz.

Manchester United are favored to win the match, but not overwhelmingly. The Red Devils haven’t lost at home since early September, and are unbeaten in their last 17 matches, with 15 wins in that span. 

Barcelona has won 11 straight away matches in all competitions, with their last defeat coming in mid-October. The two sides have split a pair of 1-0 wins in their only two meetings at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Barcelona Over/Under analysis

As mentioned above, the two teams have faced off at Old Trafford twice before, with a single goal scored in each affair. However, that has no bearing on this week’s proceedings. Seven of Manchester United’s last nine matches have seen three or more goals scored, including four of their last five. Rashford has been a big contributor to that tally, as he has now scored in nine of Man United’s last 11 matches at Old Trafford.

Barcelona’s last five matches have seen three or more goals on three occasions, and they’ve scored multiple goals themselves in four of those contests. They’ve managed three clean sheets in that span as well. Raphinha and Lewandowski will be constant threats in attack against a Man United side with only four clean sheets in their last 11 outings. 

A decent amount of money has come in on the Over 2.5 so far, and the 2-2 thriller last week saw a combined xG of over three goals. I expect that juice to get squeezed even more as we approach the match, so you may not want to wait too long if the Over is your play.

Manchester United vs Barcelona game info

Manchester United vs Barcelona key injuries

Manchester United: Anthony Martial F (Questionable), Christian Eriksen M (Out), Antony F (Questionable).
Barcelona: Gavi M (Out), Pedri M (Out), Sergio Busquests M (Questionable).

Manchester United vs Barcelona weather

Thursday night will see chilly temperatures hovering just above freezing. There is little chance of rain, and a light breeze shouldn’t impact the match very much.