Barcelona predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Europa League

Sergio Busquets could return to the Barcelona team
Sergio Busquets could return to the Barcelona team / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
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Barcelona travel to England this week to face Manchester United for a place in the Europa League last 16, having played out a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last Thursday.

The first leg was a fantastic watch, evoking memories of the two pulsating 3-3 draws between these clubs in the Champions League group stage in 1998/99, and has left the tie delicately poised.

Barcelona boss Xavi will have to make do without young prodigies Pedri and Gavi due to injury and suspension respectively, but still has a squad full of quality to pick from.


Barcelona predicted lineup vs Man Utd

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Will have to keep Marcus Rashford at bay if he wants a 19th clean sheet of the season in all competitions.

RB: Jules Kounde - Swapping places with Ronald Araujo in the first leg didn't really work so it could be a case of business as usual for the Frenchman here.

CB: Ronald Araujo - Has the pace and athleticism that should allow him to stick close to Rashford, who could be deployed through the middle again.

CB: Andreas Christensen - Was left out in favour of Marcos Alonso in the first leg but ended up replacing the Spaniard later in the game anyway.

LB: Jordi Alba - Continues to be rotated with talented youngster Alejandro Balde, but this game will be one for the experienced head.

CM: Franck Kessie - Might have expected to lose his place with Sergio Busquets back from injury, but should keep it with Pedri not likely to play.

CM: Sergio Busquets - Was an unused substitute against Cadiz, having not actually started a game in any competition for three weeks.

CM: Frenkie de Jong - If Busquets returns to the lineup as expected, it could push the Dutchman into a different kind of role a little further forward.

RW: Raphinha - Arguably Barcelona's best player in the first leg, but he will get a hostile reception at Old Trafford as a former Leeds star.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Missed opportunities in the Camp Nou match and will be disappointed he didn't score. Will be looking to put that right here to prove he is a big game player.

LW: Ansu Fati - Hasn't had a lot of chances to start this season, but Gavi is suspended and so he needs to make this one count.