Barcelona last travelled to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in a competitive match in the Champions League semi-final first leg in 2008.

On that occasion, Paul Scholes scored the only goal of the game, with United eventually lifting the trophy in Moscow.

More was at stake in the sides' last two encounters where they squared-off in the Champions League finals of 2009 and ’11. Barca emerged as victors in both matches and this tie represents the next chapter for two of Europe’s giants.

United have stuttered recently, losing three of four, despite installing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as permanent manager. Last time out they lost to Wolves in the FA Cup and the Champions League is now the Red Devils’ only chance of silverware this season. 

Barcelona, however, are runaway leaders in La Liga and have not lost a game since a cup defeat to Girona in January. At the weekend they left it late to claim victory over Atletico Madrid, needing two goals in the final five minutes, but are now 11 points clear of a distant second place.

GIVEMEBET look at the keys to the game below:

  • United and Barcelona both average over 3 goals per match this season in all competitions, and with a wealth of attacking talent on display there is potential for goals. When it comes to the Champions League, however, there has been under 2.5 goals in all four of United’s home games and away from the Nou Camp, Barcelona matches have generated under 2.5 goals on two of the four occasions. Under 2.5 goals in 23/20.
  • First legs can be cagey affairs, especially in the first-half. In the round of 16, the eight matches combined for only 3 first half goals, all of which came in the Schalke/Man City tie, leaving 7 matches goalless at the break. First half correct score 0-0 is 21/10.
  • Barcelona will want to take the crowd out of the game and slow the tempo of United’s free flowing attack, so expect them to take their time to break up the pace of the game. Such a tactic can frustrate sides, and United already average two yellow cards per match in the Champions League. With the Catalans abilities on the ball, you can well imagine some missed timed challenges with Luke Shaw United’s most often booked player this season. Shaw to be booked is 6/5.

GIVEMEBET new customer offer: Barcelona to win – NOW 33/1

Key Terms: New customers only. Offer expires at kick off (8.00pm, 10/04/19). Max stake £1. Bonus funds credited within 24 hours. Turnover requirement of 7x the bonus funds value within 30 days at the min odds of 1.6.

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