Barcelona vs Man Utd: Europa League team news and prediction

The heavyweight tie from this week's Europa League matches is Barcelona's welcome of Manchester United. Both sides are in great form coming into Thursday's game, so fans should see an entertaining encounter between two of Europe's elite sides. 

Ahead of this one, WhoScored preview the game in Spain, as we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the clash, team news and probable XIs.  

When is kick off?        

Thursday 16th February, 17:45 GMT   

Where is the match?        

Camp Nou, Barcelona (Spain)   

What TV channel is it on?        

BT Sport 

Form Guide 

Barcelona come into their welcome of Manchester United on an impressive 11-game winning run, and they have failed to win just one of their last 16 matches in all competitions, that a 1-1 draw with rivals Espanyol on New Year's Eve. They have lost just four times this season, though three of those defeats came in the Champions League group stages. The Blaugrana have lost just one match at Camp Nou in 2022/23. 

United themselves haven't been poor by any stretch, and they have lost just one of their last 17 matches in all competitions, that a late 3-2 loss at Arsenal last month. That being said, they have won only two of their last four games on the road, but did win all three away matches in the group stages of the Europa League. 

Team News 

Barcelona have two injury concerns for their welcome of Manchester United tonight, with Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets ruled out. Xavi has a decision to make on who deputises for the former alongside Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in attack, with Gavi likely to be given the nod. The Barcelona boss could also use Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati on the left and have Gavi start in midfield with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. 

Manchester United must do without suspended pair Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez, and it's likely that Luke Shaw will start at centre-back in the latter's absence, linking up with Raphael Varane at the heart of the United backline. Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial are ruled out, while this one comes too soon for Antony. 

Probable XIs 

Barcelona (433) - Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Bale; Pedri, De Jong, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi 

Manchester United (4231) - De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Key Battle: Frenkie de Jong vs Casemiro

How different things could have been for both Frenkie de Jong and Casemiro. Manchester United pushed hard to sign the former last summer, and Barcelona were willing to cash in on the Dutchman, but when it became clear De Jong wanted to remain at Camp Nou, United instead brought in the latter.

Casemiro has since established himself as a key man under Erik ten Hag, and United will hope his form at Camp Nou will benefit the Premier League side tonight. Indeed, the Brazilian has lost just the once at Barcelona in his career, a fine record to say the least.

De Jong, meanwhile, has been a revelation as the midfield anchor for Barcelona, deputising well for the injured Sergio Busquets to ensure the Blaugrana do not get overrun. The pair have seen their respective roles change over the course of the campaign, and whoever wins this battle will likely see their side secure a first leg advantage.

Score Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Manchester United