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Manchester United and FC Barcelona, two of the most storied teams in football, will meet in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League on April 10th and 16th.
The first leg at Old Trafford is fast approaching, and The Busby Babe wants to hear what the fans are thinking ahead of yet another clash of titans in Europe this season. Vote in the polls and voice your opinion in the comments!
Tactics
Manchester United have certainly been more adventurous under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but they’ve found themselves defending often against tougher opponents, and struggled to cope with their opponents’ pressure recently in both games against Wolves.
What do you expect next Wednesday against Barcelona?
Poll
What do you expect from Manchester United tactically vs. Barcelona?
This poll is closed
-
20%
Attack, Attack, Attack!
(106 votes) -
57%
Adapt to Barcelona, pressure for goals on the counterattack.
(303 votes) -
20%
Park the bus!
(107 votes) -
1%
Other (Comment)
(8 votes)
Defense
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones haven’t inspired much confidence recently, and United are back to conceding preventable goals. At times this season they’ve been plagued by poor defending, and simply cannot afford to stumble against an elite offense led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Which defensive lineup gives United the best chance to succeed?
Poll
How should United line up defensively vs. Barcelona?
This poll is closed
-
8%
Shaw-Jones-Smalling-Young
(39 votes) -
48%
Shaw-Lindelof-Smalling-Young
(215 votes) -
11%
Shaw-Lindelof-Jones-Young
(50 votes) -
23%
Shaw-Lindelof-Bailly-Young
(105 votes) -
7%
Other (Comment)
(32 votes)
Midfield
Nemanja Matić and Ander Herrera have returned from injuries that kept them out for most of March, but haven’t impressed much in games since. Losses to Arsenal and Wolves saw some underwhelming displays from the two, though Fred and Scott McTominay did little to impress themselves in a second loss to Wolves in the Premier League this past week.
Should Solskjaer shake up United’s midfield against Barcelona?
Poll
Should Solskjaer change the midfield from the normal Pogba-Matic-Herrera lineup vs. Barcelona?
Lionel Messi
It’s hard to look at football history and find anyone as good as Lionel Messi. FC Barcelona’s talisman has been the driving force for them yet again this season as they look to win the UEFA Champions League for a 5th time in 15 years. Messi has been the catalyst for Barcelona’s success as they continue to build their midfield post-Xavi and Iniesta, and has had to dig them out of quite a few holes the last few years. Barcelona appear to be a bit more vulnerable than in previous seasons, but Messi has been more than able to carry the extra load.
How should Solskjaer game plan for such a player? What can United do to slow down arguably the greatest player of all time?
(Discuss in the comments below)
Match Prediction
Finally, give us your prediction for the first leg of Manchester United vs. Barcelona.
Poll
Predict the result for Manchester United vs. Barcelona.
This poll is closed
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4%
Big United win
(31 votes) -
19%
Close United win
(140 votes) -
9%
Draw
(65 votes) -
31%
Close Barcelona win
(229 votes) -
35%
Big Barcelona win
(253 votes)