Preview: UEL Knockout Round Playoffs 1st leg

How to watch Barcelona vs Man Utd, Leverkusen vs Monaco, and all the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Playoffs

February 16, 2023 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, Juventus, Roma, Sevilla, UEFA Europa League

The Europa League is finally back as Barcelona prepare to host Ten Hag's high-flying side in the standout fixture of the Knockout Round Playoffs.

The UEFA Europa League is finally back! February 16 sees the beloved European competition resume action, with the knockout stage of the continent's second-tier club tournament getting underway on Thursday with a handful of exciting games.

All eyes will be on one fixture, though. The standout match of the Knockout Round Playoffs will see Manchester United face Barcelona, with Ten Hag's in-form side and Xavi's high-flying team facing off at Camp Nou for the first leg.

But that's not all. A total of eight games will be played, with the likes of Ajax, Roma, Juventus, and Sevilla taking to the field. The same is true for Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, with the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs battling it out for a spot in the round of 16.

Which team(s) will come away from the first leg with an advantage? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures.

What are the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Playoff fixtures?

Ajax vs Union Berlin
Barcelona vs Manchester United
Salzburg vs Roma
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rennes
Leverkusen vs Monaco
Juventus vs Nantes
Sevilla vs PSV
Sporting CP vs Midtjylland

Top games to watch in the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Playoffs

Barcelona vs Manchester United

This is undeniably the standout game. Barcelona, who are currently top of La Liga, welcome Ten Hag's in-form Manchester United in a highly-anticipated affair. Given that both teams stand a great chance of winning this competition, this tie could have a huge effect on the entire tournament.

The Catalan giants are on an 11-game winning streak and will look to maintain this run when the Red Devils pay them a visit. However, the Premier League giants are in spectacular form themselves, with Marcus Rashford establishing himself as one of the best attackers in Europe. Who will win this colossal tie? Don't miss the action.

Leverkusen vs Monaco

Two talented teams face off in this match as Leverkusen look to put their domestic inconsistency behind them and beat Monaco at home. The German side are currently eighth in the table but enter this game on the back of their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim over the weekend. Xabi Alonso's men have won three out of their last five games and will need to be at their best to overcome the visitors.

Monaco, meanwhile, are third in Ligue 1 and head into this tie on the back of their impressive weekend victory over PSG. Ben Yedder and Co. overcame the league leaders by a 3-1 score line, with the aforementioned French attacker netting a brace. Can they pull off another impressive result on Thursday? Leverkusen are a team that can be deadly on their day, meaning this should be a thrilling encounter.

RB Salzburg vs Roma

After crashing out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage, RB Salzburg will now switch focus to the Europa League, but standing in front of them is the UEFA Europa Conference League champions Roma.

The home side won their first game of 2023 over the weekend, beating Austria Lustenau 4-0 to give themselves a confidence boost ahead of this tie. However, the Serie A heavyweights haven't lost any of their last three trips to Austria and have triumphed in four of their six games in 2023. Make sure to catch the action live.

Who's out for the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Playoffs?

Ajax: Youri Baas and Ahmetcan Kaplan (injured); Steven Bergwijn (doubtful)

Barcelona: Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets (injured)

Manchester United: Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Anthony Martial (injured); Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer (suspended); Antony (doubtful)

Roma: Ebrima Darboe and Leonardo Spinazzola (injured)

Leverkusen: Andrey Lunev, Charles Aranguiz, and Patrik Schick (injuries)

Monaco: Kevin Volland (doubtful)

Juventus: Arkadiusz Milik and Fabio Miretti (injured); Bremer (suspended); Juan Cuadrado and Paul Pogba (unavailable)