Barcelona team news vs Man Utd 'leaked' as nine starters named by Spanish journalist

Barcelona have 'nine guaranteed starters' to take on Manchester United in their Europa League play-off tie at Old Trafford, a Spanish journalist has claimed.

The two sides face off in the second leg of their play-off clash, with the scores at 2-2 from the first leg.

And whilst neither starting XI has been named for the game on Thursday evening, United boss Erik ten Hag has claimed he expects both Antony and Harry Maguire to be back in contention.

Maguire missed last week's 3-0 win over Leicester, while Antony has been absent for four matches in all competitions.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have Sergio Busquets back in the squad - and a journalist claims that he is one of nine players that Xavi will definitely pick tonight.

Barcelona have 'nine guaranteed starters' vs Man Utd

AS journalist Javier Miguel says that Busquets, Franck Kessie and Frenkie de Jong will line up in midfield, in the absence of other options.

Pedri (injury) and Gavi (suspension) are both out of the match, leaving Xavi with little choice in the centre of the park at Old Trafford from the travelling squad.

Robert Lewandowski is said to be pencilled in to start up front, despite the Barca boss claiming he held concerns over the Pole's fitness after the weekend's La Liga win over Cadiz.

And Raphinha is the player slated to begin the game alongside him at Old Trafford, having ably deputised for Ousmane Dembele during the Frenchman's injury absence.

In defence, Miguel claims that in front of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will line up in defence.

It is suggested that Xavi trialled left-backs Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba as wingers for a brief spell during pre-match training, with the Barca boss having often fielded four midfielders this season. However, it seems likely that both players will battle it out to play at left-back.

The final spot on the team is on the left wing, with players such as Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Alba all possible options to play there this evening.