Xavi wants to surprise Manchester United with his Barcelona starting lineup tonight

As if Xavi’s experimental backline was not enough to halt Barcelona’s chances, they were hit by two huge blows during Barcelona vs Manchester United.

Gavi received his third yellow card of the European campaign, while Pedri picked up a hamstring injury, ruling both of them out for the second leg of the fixture. With Ousmane Dembele also injured, it puts Xavi in a huge starting lineup conundrum for the game.

According to Javi Miguel, Xavi wants to surprise Erik ten Hag with his XI for Manchester United vs Barcelona.

The journalist claims there are nine decided starters in the team right now. Robert Lewandowski is set to lead the line as the striker, while Raphinha aids him on the right. Frenkie de Jong is also guaranteed a spot in midfield.

The defence also looks set for the most part, with Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo forming three of the back-four which will screen Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Sergio Busquets has just returned from injury, and will also take a spot in the XI in defensive midfield, while Franck Kessie aids him in defensive duties.

The final two spots are in contention, though. Alejandro Balde is definitely an option to start as the left-back, but Jordi Alba could also be used in that role to provide creative reinforcement.

Another option could be using Jordi Alba or Sergi Roberto as a left-winger. Ferran Torres is also an option after his midweek performance against Cadiz, while Ansu Fati could provide a serious goal threat, too.

Torres completed ten dribbles and created five chances against Cadiz, but was playing in his preferred position on the right. Roberto, meanwhile, scored and assisted in the 2-0 win, but again, was slotted in as a central midfielder.

Both of them have their pros and cons, though. Torres will be up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is an excellent 1v1 defender, but often has trouble marking runners, which plays in to the Spaniard’s hands.

On the other hand, Roberto could add some much needed composure to midfield. He could help in ball-retention and defensive duties, while also tucking in to carry on Xavi’s 3-2-2-3 system, especially if Balde starts as the left-back.

The game is set to kick off at 9 PM CET, and the lineup, much like the first leg, could decide which of the two favourites eventually drops out from the Europa League title race.