MY ACCOUNT
Barcelona and Manchester United is historically a fixture fit for a Champions League final — but tonight they will face off in a Europa League knockout round play-off.
The football giants have slipped down to Europe’s secondary competition but both have enjoyed respective resurgences this season and tonight’s encounter at the Camp Nou is sure to be a thriller.
We pick out a combined XI made of players from both in-form outfits.
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Barcelona have the meanest defence in Europe’s top five leagues with only seven goals conceded in 21 LaLiga games this term — and Marc-Andre ter Stegen has played every minute in goal.
Astonishingly keeping a clean sheet in 16 of those 21 outings, the German stopper is a sure-fire pick despite David de Gea’s good form for the Red Devils this season.
Right-back: Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Jules Kounde was one of Europe’s most coveted centre-backs last summer but finds himself thriving at right-back at Barcelona following his £41.85million switch from Sevilla.
The 24-year-old also impressed there for France at the World Cup and has done enough to edge out the improving Diogo Dalot.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)
Barca’s defensive dominance continues with 23-year-old Ronald Araujo our first centre-back selection.
The Uruguayan has formed an exceptional partnership with former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and has even been likened to Blaugrana icon Carles Puyol in recent weeks.
Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
The first member of our XI from a United persuasion is Argentine World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez, who has made himself an instant hero since arriving at Old Trafford last summer.
Much was made of the diminutive former Ajax man’s 5ft 9in height when he arrived on English shores but he has quickly set about rubbishing those claims, transforming the Red Devils’ defence with his aggression, pace and passing range.
Left-back: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Teenager Alejandro Balde looks an exciting prospect in Catalonia but the more experienced Luke Shaw edges the Spaniard out on this occasion.
The England international has been one of United’s most improved players under Erik ten Hag, providing an attacking threat on the left flank and even occasionally impressing as a centre-back.
Defensive midfield: Casemiro (Manchester United)
While Sergio Busquets would undoubtedly give him a run for his money in his prime, there is now no beating Casemiro to the midfield anchor role.
The five-time Champions League winner, 30, has proven his exceptional quality since swapping Real Madrid for United, who have lost just two of their 17 Premier League in which the Brazilian has featured.
Central midfield: Pedri (Barcelona)
Providing the creativity and guile in our midfield is the supremely talented Pedri, who looks to be one of many starlets destined for greatness at the Camp Nou.
The 20-year-old maestro has extraordinarily already racked up 103 appearances for the Catalan giants, netting the winner in his most recent outing in a 1-0 win over Villarreal.
Central midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes completes a fearsome trio in the centre of the park after discovering his very best form for the Red Devils this season.
The Portuguese ace has chipped in with five goals and four assists in the English top flight, while the 59 chances he has created is a stat bettered by only Kevin de Bruyne and Kieran Trippier.
Right wing: Gavi (Barcelona)
Another exciting Blaugrana youngster, Gavi will slot into a slightly unfamiliar right-sided position in our XI but it still is a role the Golden Boy winner is expected to expertly adjust to.
At just 18, the Spain international is already exhibiting the world-class dribbling ability, close control and vision that have made so many of his Nou Camp predecessors legends in the past.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Roberto Lewandowski has taken to Spanish football with ease since ending a 12-year stint in the Bundesliga when he joined Barca from Bayern Munich last summer.
The Poland captain has maintained his ridiculous goalscoring levels by netting 23 times in 27 appearances in all competitions for his new club and will undoubtedly be the man to watch tonight.
Left wing: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
For all of Lewandowski’s brilliance, even he cannot beat Marcus Rashford’s sensational scoring form for United since the World Cup.
There has been simply no stopping the boyhood Red Devil with 13 goals and four assists in 15 matches since Qatar taking his tally to 28 contributions for the season overall.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
