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On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Manchester United will welcome Barnsley to Old Trafford for the EFL Cup Third Round. This fixture presents Barnsley, a League One side, with a dream match at one of the biggest stadiums in world football, while Manchester United, past EFL Cup winners, will aim to avoid any upsets.

The Significance of the Match

For Manchester United, this match represents an opportunity to rotate their squad and hand minutes to fringe players. Coming off a 3-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League, United will be brimming with confidence. However, Barnsley, who have already knocked out higher-tier opposition, will be looking to create an upset at Old Trafford.

Venue and Time

• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 8 pm (UK time)

Manchester United will be aware of past slip-ups against lower-league opposition in this competition, which adds an edge to this encounter. Barnsley, meanwhile, will relish the chance to test themselves against one of the Premier League’s best.

Team Analysis

Manchester United’s Current Form

Manchester United come into this game following a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Southampton. Though the scoreline flattered them, the win was much-needed after a heavy defeat to Liverpool. Manager Erik ten Hag is expected to rotate his squad for this cup fixture, with fringe players and youngsters likely to get minutes.

United’s attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alejandro Garnacho were influential in their recent win, but it is expected that Antony, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte could be promoted from the bench for this match.

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Key Player: Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho, fresh from scoring against Southampton, is one of United’s brightest young talents. His direct running and pace will be a key asset against Barnsley’s defence.

Team News
De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui all went off in the Southampton game, but De Ligt has confirmed it was only due to cramp. Martinez and Mazraoui will be assessed, meaning Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are likely to start.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho.

Barnsley’s Current Form

Barnsley enter this game after a 3-0 loss to Stevenage, a result that knocked them out of the League One playoff positions. Despite this setback, they have had a solid start to the season, earning 10 points from their previous four games before the Stevenage loss. Manager Darrell Clarke has guided Barnsley to impressive cup wins over Wigan Athletic and Sheffield United.

Barnsley will be underdogs, but their cup run so far proves they can compete against higher-league opposition. The League One side will look to key players such as Devante Cole and Luca Connell to cause United problems.

Key Player: Luca Connell
Connell’s creativity from midfield will be essential if Barnsley are to fashion any chances. His ability to unlock defences with his passing could be key to their hopes.

Team News
Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane is ruled out, while defenders Max Watters and Fabio Jalo both returned from injury at the weekend. Donovan Pines was subbed off at half-time but is expected to be fit to start.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Slonina; Cotter, De Gevigney, Pines, Earl, Lofthouse; Connell, Phillips; Keillor-Dunn, Jalo, Humphreys.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Match Prediction

Manchester United’s squad depth and quality should see them come out on top, but Barnsley could put up a good fight.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Manchester United 3-1 Barnsley.

Additional Betting Markets

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   While Manchester United’s quality should shine through, Barnsley have shown they can score against top sides in cup competitions.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
   United’s attacking depth makes this a likely high-scoring affair.
3. First Team to Score: Manchester United
   With their home advantage, United should be the first to find the net.
4. Alejandro Garnacho to Score Anytime:
   Garnacho’s form and his ability to exploit Barnsley’s defence make him a good bet to score in this match.

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