Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils could take Barcelona to penalties in tonight’s Champions League clash.

Many are predicting a comfortable home win for Barca this evening with the Catalan club 4/11 odds-on favourites at Sky Bet to come out on top.

Ferdinand, though, can see an outcome whereby United get a 1-0 lead with the match going all the way to a penalty shootout:

“My heart says yes they can but I think it’s more about what Messi turns up, he’s that great and done so much at a top level for a consistent period of time. It could be 1-0 Man United and then we go penalties.”

Whether that is Ferdinand’s heart ruling his head, as he himself admits, we shall have to wait and see. Barca are certainly not the force of old and do rely on both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to deliver wins.

Their home record has been excellent this season with just one loss in the league, and none in the Champions League. Tottenham did get a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou during the group stages but Barcelona had already qualified.

United will, however, draw most of their inspiration from the last round when they put in an incredible away performance against PSG. They will be hoping to replicate that display tonight.