Mountains are there to be climbed.
After the classic champions league match in Old Trafford, we are all waiting for the second leg. At Trafford, the Valverde side managed to win with a crucial away goal. Almost a week after that both sides meet again at the Camp Nou for the final clash.
A sneak peek to team news and possible lineups.
The Catalans had to agree with a goalless draw against Huesca. Jean-Clair Todibo, Maussa Wague, Riqui Puig, Jeison Murillo, and Kevin-Prince Boateng got a chance to play in the starting eleven in the league match.
Valverde side gets the chance to rest their players for the next big match.
The Catalans have almost secured their title and they are just 6 games away from it by a margin of 9 points. Barcelona have failed to qualify for the champions league semi-final since 2015. They are currently on an unbeaten streak at Camp Nou since 2013. The Messi side also didn't lose in a single match this champion league.
Lionel Messi is fit to play, having suffered a facial injury from the first leg following a clash with Chris Smalling. The forward was given rest for the league match against Huesca.
Barca are favorites here and should not have much trouble in securing their place in the semi-final against a team that is not very good. But that was exactly the scenario in the last season against Roma and look what happened.
After all, we know ole's boys are known for their comeback wins. The last-minute penalty from golden boy Rashford once again thrashed the dreams of European trophy of Paris. The England champs are very confident about the match at Nou Camp. Barcelona fans are still haunted with what happened at Roma.
Meanwhile, on the United camp, they had a difficult win against West Ham at the Trafford last week. Even though a No. of players will absent in the second leg. Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez (who has not appeared since victory VS Southampton on March 1st) are fit and are ready to go along with Ole's traveling squad. Ashley Young who had a rather lousy game against West Ham will be also available in the clash. The red devils might also miss the midfield engine Ander Herrera due to his thigh injury.
Jesse Lingard and Martial are yet to find the rhythm after their injuries. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba has become the season top scorer for United (16 goals) ahead of Romelu Lukaku.
Solskjaer returns to Barcelona with United for the first time after one of the most dramatic victories in the history of European Cup 20 years ago against Bayern Munich.
Even though they're not having a stable season, Solskjaer is confident that they have the quality to win against the Catalans.
Premier league teams are definitely having a difficult time rotating squads for the Champions league as the fight for the title and the top four is very much crucial for the Premier League this season.
Luke Shaw's own goal helped Barca secure a win at Old Trafford.
Possible team lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Busquets, Roberto, Rakitic, Arthur, Messi, SuarezMan United: De gea, Dalot, Smalling, Lindelof, Young, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Lukaku, Rashford, Lingard
Head to Head
Comments
Post a Comment