I'm still not hasty to determine who will make it to the next round considering that these two teams will perform better than what we can see from their play in the domestic league.
This match is highly unpredictable, which is why there has been much speculation about the possible outcome. The two teams are in their primes, playing in their respective domestic leagues; one team prevailing over the other at this point will be extremely difficult, and watching an unpredictable match will be extremely entertaining. This match is worth watching in the Europa League semi-finals or finals, and I always wish it came later in the Europa league.
No wonder there is so much speculation in favor of Barcelona or Manchester United. This is seen from many factors, the speculation is interesting because it is based on their development in the game in the domestic league. They still have a lot to fix, of course that's what they have to pay attention to. I agree with you that a big game like this in the Europa League is more appropriate to be in a more conical round like the semi-finals for example. However, the results of the brand lottery must meet and carry out a match in this round.
From my personal point of view, this match depends on who will be the main starter in this match and what strategy the two coaches from these two teams apply. true I agree, too soon if we speculate for now. but when referring to their matches in the domestic league, my attention is more on what scenarios and strategies Ten Hag will apply later. whether Ten Hag will use a counterattack pattern, or will they play defensively in the first leg.
Meanwhile, bad news for Barcelona fans. Reportedly, Dembele will miss the playoffs due to a thigh injury against Girona. Dembele is expected to be out for three weeks to one month, most likely Dembele will not play when Barcelona meet Manchester United. if so, Xavi will automatically change his formation when entertaining United later. and this match, will be more competitive. by the way, it's a shame that this match was presented in the play-off round, this match should have been a Europa League final battle.
You're correct, the contest will turn on the starter and the chosen tactic. It's much too soon to predict for sure who will win. However, I do think that Ten Hag's tactics will be crucial to the outcome of this game. I'm curious to see whether he attempts a counterattack or if they opt for a more defensive strategy.
It's unfortunate that Dembele got hurt for Barcelona. Still, it's always possible that a player may bounce back sooner than predicted. I've seen cases previously when a player who was supposed to miss a month ended up returning in only two weeks. There is, however, a remote possibility that Dembele will make an impromptu return for the encounter against Manchester United. Nonetheless, it will undoubtedly be a close contest, and it's too bad it's occurring in the playoffs and not the championship game.
Dembele is truly an amazing player. He is now back to his old familiar performance, improving himself a lot. He is playing one of the roles behind doing something good for the Barcelona team.