Manchester United will be aiming to reach the last-16 of the Europa League on Thursday as they tackle Barcelona at Old Trafford.
There is still all to play for ahead of the game with the two sides battling to a 2-2 draw in Catalonia. Marcos Alonso had given the Spanish giants the lead, only to see Marcus Rashford take centre stage to flip the clash on its head.
Former Leeds star Raphinha netted with 15 minutes remaining, meaning that the winner of the clash at Old Trafford will book a place in the next round. United boss Erik ten Hag is currently battling a frustrating injury crisis but will hope that he still has enough to seal victory.
With that being said, take a look at the XI we are expecting the Dutchman to field for Thursday evening’s showdown:
It’s an easy choice between the sticks for the United boss. David de Gea has been his first choice for the campaign and did his chances of starting against Barcelona no harm with an inspired display in the 3-0 win over Leicester.
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It is in defence where the selection decisions grow slightly more complicated for Ten Hag. The former Ajax boss has taken to shuffling his backline over recent weeks following a few injury worries.
What starting XI should Erik ten Hag name against Barcelona? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Luke Shaw started at centre-back in the last game against Barcelona, whilst he returned to his more natural left-back berth versus Leicester. The England international should remain on the left-flank - his experience being preferred to Tyrell Malacia.
That would free-up Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane to start at centre-back with questions remaining over the fitness of Harry Maguire. It is then down to a straight choice between either Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot - the former more likely to start having played in Barcelona.
United are given a big boost in the heart of midfield where Casemiro is highly likely to return. The Brazilian midfielder served the final game of his suspension against Leicester and should play in place of Marcel Sabitzer who was somewhat fortunate to not be sent off against the Foxes.
Bruno Fernandes and Fred appear the most likely to round-off a midfield trio - although the Portuguese could potentially drift out to the right-hand side. Meanwhile, Rashford is certain to retain his place after his two goals against Leicester took his season total to 24 in all competitions.
Jadon Sancho also got on the scoresheet after being introduced at half-time and might well have done enough to convince Ten Hag that he is ready to start.
Antony has only just returned to contention whilst Anthony Martial remains out so it appears highly unlikely that either of the two would be risked from the off against Barcelona. That would allow Wout Weghorst another start - although whether he leads the line or drops into an unconventional number 10 role remains to be seen.
Man Utd predicted XI: De Gea; Shaw, Martinez, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford.
Barcelona predicted XI: Ter Stegen; Alba, Araujo, Christensen, Kounde; De Jong, Kessie, Busquets; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres.
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