Xavi makes Manchester United vs Barcelona prediction ahead of Champions League tie

Barcelona legend Xavi has given his verdict on Barcelona and Manchester United ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash. According to the legendary midfielder, who lifted the trophy in 2015 with Barcelona, thinks his former side will win the game. Xavi has made an interesting analyst ahead of the match exclusively for Daily Mirror. In the goalkeeping position, Xavi doesn’t have favourites. “Ter Stegen has a lot of experience in playing in the big games, is so professional, and he knows how to handle these big occasions,” said Xavi. “De Gea has got United results in the past that they have had no right to get. He can make saves so few goalkeepers in the world are capable of – and United are going to need him to be at his best.” Barcelona’s defensive part is better than United’s, insists the Spaniard. “This season Barcelona have let in more goals than is normal for them and that will give Manchester United some hope I am sure. In games like this you need a leader and a player like Pique need to make sure the rest of the team stay calm and composed. He has won everything and can be that leader,” Xavi said on Barcelona and added, “This is not one of the great Manchester United defences – they don’t have that great leader in the middle of the defence that they had in so many of their great teams of the past. They are going to need to produce one of the great defensive performances of their season if they want any hope of getting a result against Barcelona.” As for midfield, Xavi is confident Catalan players will dominate: “Players like Busquets and Rakitic know what it takes to take charge of the midfield in big European games – and I expect them to dominate.” With Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the attacking position, the success will be with Barcelona. “Messi just keeps getting better and better he is the best ever and this season is looking as dangerous as ever. When he is like this he is impossible to keep quiet. Suarez has a lot of experience of playing Manchester United as well – and getting goals for him in this game would mean a lot to him,” concluded Xavi. With sharing points for every position of each club, Xavi gave 36 total points to Barcelona and 33 for Manchester United. United host Barcelona at Old Trafford on Wednesday, April 11. Source-Daily Mirror

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