Barcelona play host to Man United on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League playoff. Both the teams last faced off in a 2019 Champions League quarter-final. The Catalans secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Old Trafford and won the second leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou.

The Red Devils started the group stage of this year’s competition with a disappointing 1-0 loss at home to Real Sociedad. However, Ten Hag’s team responded well with five consecutive wins, though they had to settle for second place in Group E due to Sociedad’s superior goal difference.

Across all competitions, Barcelona and Man United have played against each other 13 times, with the Catalans winning six, the English side winning three, and three matches ending in draws. The Spanish club have won four of the last five times these two teams have met.

However, the Red Devils have a pretty good away record this season, having lost only four of their 16 away matches in all tournaments. Nevertheless, the visitors will look to improve their record against the La Liga side.

Injury/Suspension List:

The Blaugrana will be without Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets due to hamstring and ankle injury respectively. In Dembele’s absence, Gavi, Ferran Torres, or Ansu Fati could play on the left-flank alongside top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

Franck Kessie may continue to replace the injured Busquets in midfield. Manager Xavi is expected to retain most of his defence, which has kept more clean sheets than any other team in Europe.

The Red Devils will be without multiple key players including Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Antony, and the suspended duo of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer. However, Casemiro will return to the squad after his two-game suspension and start alongside Fred in central midfield.

Manager Erik ten Hag may also bring back Raphael Varane to the centre-back position instead of playing Harry Maguire. Jadon Sancho could continue playing on the right flank, while Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Wout Weghorst could also start in the attack.

Barcelona Form:

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Manchester United Form:

Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1):

David de Gea(GK); Diogo Dalot(RB), Raphael Varane(CB), Luke Shaw(CB), Tyrell Malacia(LB); Casemiro(CM), Fred(CM); Jadon Sancho(RW), Marcus Rashford(LW), Bruno Fernandes(CAM); Wout Weghorst(ST).

Predicted Score:

Barcelona 1-1 Man United

The Red Devils have been experiencing a more positive atmosphere recently, with fans hoping for a trophy once again under the leadership of Erik ten Hag. Barcelona may feel confident going up against Man United on Thursday, but they will face a formidable challenge from a team that has been consistently improving under the new manager. It will result in a closely-fought and entertaining first-leg fixture that ends in a draw.

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