Manchester United host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off tonight.
The Red Devils played out a 2-2 draw against the La Liga giants on the road last week. They produced several scoring chances and should have won the game.
Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Antony will be available tonight after missing the first leg and this should boost United’s prospects of beating the Blaugrana.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has been exceptional between the sticks in recent months. He equalled Peter Schmeichel’s all-time clean sheet record for United last weekend after two world-class saves against Leicester City.
The Spaniard was also brilliant in the first leg at the Camp Nou last week and could have another busy game in goal. Hopefully, he will have more protection from his backline tonight.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a superb last-ditch tackle on Jordi Alba in the first leg, but he was caught out of position several times. In our view, Diogo Dalot should start in the right-back role.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are set to be reunited in central defence for the first time in four games. Martinez could be the X-factor as he has the knack of winning regular duels.
Luke Shaw should start in his customary left-back position. The England star had a few nervous moments in central defence at Camp Nou and will be relieved to see Martinez return.
Casemiro had another break on Sunday as he was serving the final game of his three-man domestic ban.
The Brazilian has a key role to play in the number six role. In front of him, we are backing Fred and Marcel Sabitzer to start. Wout Weghorst will probably drop to the bench tonight.
Weghorst has been decent with his regular pressing but with Casemiro, Sabitzer and Fred available for selection at the same time, Ten Hag should go with the trio in his midfield.
Ten Hag confirmed yesterday that Antony is available for selection after his leg injury but we don’t see him starting after being out on the sidelines for the past couple of weeks.
Hence, we are fancying Bruno Fernandes to continue on the right wing. Jadon Sancho deserves to start on the other flank after a splendid cameo against the Foxes capped by a goal.
Marcus Rashford has been in world-class form. He has 24 goals and eight assists this term and was involved in both goals at Camp Nou. He is expected to lead the attack once more.
How Man Utd could line up against Barcelona tonight
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
