90min

Gaizka Mendieta predicts outcome of Barcelona vs Man Utd

By Tom Gott

Mendieta is expecting a good game
Mendieta is expecting a good game / Carlos R. Alvarez/GettyImages
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Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has backed the Blaugrana to come out on top when they face Manchester United in the Europa League knockout stages.

Thursday's meeting at Camp Nou promises to be a stellar affair between two teams who are used to playing their football in the Champions League and are both on track to qualify for Europe's premier competition next season.

The fixture is a clear stand-out in a stacked round of 32 and, speaking exclusively to 90min, Mendieta admitted he's expecting a memorable affair.

"I think that Manchester United fans will agree with me that it's a shame that this game comes now, because it could have perfectly been a Champions League game," Mendieta said.

"I think it's great because for us, for any football fan, it comes at probably the best moment. Both teams are really at the peak of their performances, both individually and collectively. Barรงa are trying to secure La Liga, it's still early but at least to keep that distance with Real Madrid.

"For Man Utd, trying to climb up and get in the top four, trying to back to where, as a club in history, they deserve.

"A Champions League game playing out on a Thursday."

Despite United's impressive form of late, Mendieta backed Barcelona's rear-guard action to secure them the victory.

"I'd go Barรงa, but it could be either way because I think, especially with the way Man Utd are attacking, but why I think Barรงa have the advantage is their defending," Mendieta explained.

"They've conceded seven goals. The way they're defending is incredible, so I'm sure they will try to get consistency there, make it very difficult for United and then, of course, their power up front.

"It will be tight, it will be close over two games, but I'm going for Barcelona."

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