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FC Barcelona team news: The expected line-up vs Manchester United

Barcelona travel to Old Trafford for the first of their Champions League quarter final matches in fine form. The Catalans are enjoying a strong domestic season, appearing to have sewn up La Liga early, while favourites for their Copa Del Rey final against Valencia.

They have also won eight of their last ten matches, unbeaten, which included two Classicos and their round of 16 matches against Lyon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United side will have their work cut out in particular with Lionel Messi. The Argentinian great has outdone himself of late, bagging seven goals and two assists in his last five games.

Barcelona do have some small squad concerns ahead of the fixture, most prominent of which is the injury to Ousmane Dembele. While the Frenchman has travelled with the squad, he has not been cleared to play, according to the club.

Here is how Barcelona could line up:

Defence

Thomas Vermaelen is out of contention and did not travel with the squad due to an injury to his left leg, while Jean-Clair Todibo does travel with the squad but is not registered for the Champions League.

Clément Lenglet will likely start at centre-back alongside Gerard Piqué, while Samuel Umtiti is also an option. Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto are both available in terms of right backs, while Jordi Alba will take up position on the opposite side. Marc-André ter Stegen will likely start in goal.

Starting players: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba

Midfield

Rafinha remains injured and has not travelled with the squad, so Arthur and Arturo Vidal will compete over a starting position alongside Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets.

Carles Alena could also be an option in the midfield, but is more likely to play a role from the bench.

Starting players: Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur

Attack

Ousmane Dembele has travelled with the squad but the club say he "does not have medical clearance" to play. As a result, if he is to feature it will probably be from the bench. Philippe Coutinho is the most likely candidate to take his place on the left wing, with Lionel Messi the other side of first-choice striker Luis Suarez.

Kevin Prince Boateng will likely take up a position on the bench, with Malcom another option to consider in Dembele's place.

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