Team News: Marcos Alonso, Franck Kessie named in Barcelona XI against Manchester United

Marcos Alonso and Franck Kessie will both start for Barcelona in Thursday's Europa League clash with Manchester United at Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants will welcome the 20-time English champions for the first leg of their knockout round playoff, before the two teams meet at Old Trafford next week for the reverse fixture.

Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets are both currently on the sidelines for Barcelona through injury.

As expected, a strong XI includes Robert Lewandowski at the tip of the attack, while Raphinha and Gavi will feature alongside the Poland international in the final third of the field.

Jules Kounde is expected to play as a centre-back tonight, with Ronald Araujo lining up at right-back, although both players have featured as a full-back this season.

There is a surprise selection at the back, with Alonso preferred to Andreas Christensen in the middle.

Barcelona boss Xavi has also gone for the experience of Jordi Alba at left-back over Alejandro Balde, who has been in impressive form during the 2022-23 campaign.

Kessie is the player to benefit from Busquets's injury, with the Ivorian joined by Man United-linked Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in the middle of the park.

Ansu Fati is another player to be heavily linked with the Red Devils in recent weeks, and the Spain international is on the bench for Barcelona this evening.

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Alonso, Alba; F de Jong, Kessie, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi

Subs: Tenas, Pena, Fati, F Torres, Christensen, Roberto, E Garcia, Balde, Casado, Torre, Alarcon