Manchester United host Barcelona in their second-leg Europa League knockout tie this Thursday, as both sides aim to move further into the competition. Following a pulsating 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week, the Red Devils will be Keen on making the best of their home advantage as the club look to establish themselves as strong contenders for the trophy moving further into the competition.

Having shown an excellent display of their potential against the Catalans in the first leg, Erik Ten Hag’s side will be keen on delivering, yet another, compelling performance at Old Trafford. With the Red Devils having been amongst the most consistent sides across Europe following the World Cup, they will be keen on building on their winning momentum as they look to secure silverware this season.

Christian Eriksen, Donny Van De Beek, and Harry Maguire are expected to remain out of contention due to injuries although the likes of Anthony Martial and Antony could make the bench, provided they recover from their minor injuries in time for Thursday.

Raphael Varane is expected to return to the Manchester United starting line-up on Thursday after being rested in the 3-0 win against Leicester City at the weekend whilst Jadon Sancho is set to retain his place on the left-wing against Barcelona.

Probable Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Barcelona

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): Excellent over the weekend against Leicester, the Manchester United shot-stopper will be keen on carrying over his notable form against Barcelona at Old Trafford. With the Spaniard expected to be tested by the visitors, De Gea will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities on Thursday.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Decent in his recent displays, Dalot is expected to be picked over Aaron Wan-Bissaka this Thursday. With the Portuguese likely to be given offensive duties, the full-back will be keen on delivering a notable display against the Blaugrana.

Raphael Varane (RCB): Pivotal to the team’s collective defensive display, Varane will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities against Barcelona. With the defence expected to be tested, the Frenchman will look to ensure the Red Devils remain resolute in their approach on Thursday.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB): Amongst the team’s most consistent players this season, Martinez will look to maintain his excellent level of output over the remainder of the campaign. Likely to be called into action on Thursday, the Argentinian international will look to deliver a notable display at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw (LB): Excellent in his overall impact on the pitch, Shaw will look to deliver a compelling performance against the Catalans. With the team reliant on his attributes across attack and defence, the full-back will look to deliver a notable display on Thursday.

Midfielders

Casemiro (CDM): Critical to the team’s fundamental approach to games, Casemiro’s impact is likely to determine the team’s prospects on Thursday. Having been a cherished addition to the squad this season, the midfielder will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities at Old Trafford.

Marcel Sabitzer (CM): Having missed out due to suspension in the first leg, Sabitzer will be keen on delivering a notable contribution on Thursday. Expected to play a pivotal role against the Spanish side, the midfielder will be keen to perform to his potential at Old Trafford.

Attackers

Jadon Sancho (RW): Having scored the winning goal against Leicester, Sancho will be keen on delivering a compelling display against Barcelona. With the forward entering a rich vein of form, Sancho will be keen on making the best of his opportunities moving forward.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Pivotal to United’s creativity across the final third, Fernandes will be keen on delivering a notable performance on Thursday. With the midfielder amongst the players expected to test Barcelona’s defence, Fernandes will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford (LW): The most lethal forward for Manchester United, Rashford will be needing to deliver, yet another, excellent performance against Barcelona. Having netted a brace last weekend, the England international will be looking to increase his tally of goals on Thursday.

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Wout Weghorst (ST): A work-horse on the pitch, Weghorst’s performance is expected to play a vital role in United’s approach without possession on Thursday. Having proven to be a reliable addition under Ten Hag, the striker will be keen on delivering a valuable contribution at Old Trafford.

Score Prediction

Manchester United 3-1 Barcelona

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The post The Red Devils Looking to Establish Themselves as Strong Contenders | How United’s Starting XI Could Look Like Against Barcelona appeared first on Arsedevils.