Manchester United vs Barnsley Prediction: Manchester United host Barnsley in the EFL Cup Third Round at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag’s side aiming to advance after a strong Premier League win. Barnsley, a League One club, face a tough test but will look to upset the odds in this highly anticipated clash.
MUN vs BAR Match Info
- Date: September 18, 2024
- Kick-off time: 12:30 AM IST
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Last meeting: Manchester United 2-0 Barnsley (2009 EFL Cup)
- Where to watch: Live on Hotstar in India
Manchester United vs Barnsley Prediction
- ✅ More than 2.5 goals
- ✅ Yellow cards – under 2.5
- ✅ Zirkzee to score for Liverpool
- ✅ Manchester United to win the match
Manchester United vs Barnsley Previews
Manchester United Preview
Manchester United are aiming to progress in the EFL Cup, a competition they lifted just 18 months ago. Erik ten Hag’s side is fresh off a 3-0 victory over Southampton in the Premier League, where goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho helped them secure three points. The match against Barnsley is an ideal opportunity for the United manager to rotate his squad, especially with crucial fixtures in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League on the horizon.
Despite this expected rotation, the Red Devils have plenty of depth. Players like Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to start, and they’ll be eager to impress. Zirkzee, in particular, has been in fine form during his limited opportunities this season and could play a pivotal role in breaking down Barnsley’s defense. United’s defense will also see some changes, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans expected to start, which could make the match interesting from a defensive perspective.
Barnsley Team Preview
Barnsley have had a solid start to their League One campaign, but they’re coming off a 3-0 defeat to Stevenage. Prior to that, Barnsley had been on a five-match unbeaten run, including an impressive victory over Sheffield United in the EFL Cup. Manager Darrell Clarke will be well aware of the size of the task his side faces, but cup competitions can always throw up surprises.
Barnsley will likely adopt a defensive approach, seeking to hit United on the counter. Their forward line, led by Fabio Jalo and Max Watters, will need to be clinical in any opportunities they get. With United expected to dominate possession, Barnsley’s midfield will play a critical role in disrupting United’s flow, while goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, on loan from Chelsea, could have a busy evening between the posts.
MUN vs BAR Team News
Manchester United Injuries
- Lisandro Martinez – Doubtful (knock)
- Noussair Mazraoui – Doubtful (injury)
- Matthijs de Ligt – Available (minor cramp)
Barnsley Injuries
- Conor Hourihane – Out (injury)
- Donovan Pines – Expected to be available (precautionary substitution)
MUN vs BAR Last Five Head-to-Head
- Manchester United 2-0 Barnsley (2009 EFL Cup)
- Manchester United 2-0 Barnsley (2001 Premier League)
- Barnsley 1-0 Manchester United (1998 FA Cup)
- Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley (1997 Premier League)
- Barnsley 1-1 Manchester United (1997 Premier League)
MUN vs BAR Possible Lineups
Manchester United Possible Playing XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho
Barnsley Possible Playing XI: Slonina; Cotter, De Gevigney, Pines, Earl, Lofthouse; Connell, Phillips; Keillor-Dunn, Jalo, Humphreys
MUN vs BAR Win Probability
- Manchester United: 65%
- Draw: 25%
- Barnsley: 10%
Manchester United are overwhelming favorites in this clash, given the disparity in squad quality and depth. Despite expected squad rotation, United’s second-string side is still stacked with talent that can outclass Barnsley’s League One outfit. Barnsley, though resilient, are unlikely to handle the pace and technical quality of United’s forwards.
MUN vs BAR Dream11 Prediction
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