United, Barcelona ready for pre-season showdown

Manchester United and Barcelona look to start their season on a good note when they play in a pre-season friendly at Gothenbrug in Sweden on Wednesday.

The last time both teams played one another was the Champions League final in 2010 in which the Catalans thumped Alex Ferguson's men 3-1 at Wembley. Ferguson is still there, but Pep Guardiola has since left Barcelona and Tito Vilanova has taken over.

Both teams had a poor season last year. Both Barca and United lost their league crowns to Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively. This time they both eye redemption and that makes this match all the more important.

Manchester United would look to avenge their 2010 Champions League final defeat.

There will be a lot of new faces on view. For United, Japanese international Kagawa and Nick Powell may get a chance to showcase their skills. Old horses Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Nani and Ashley Young must be eyeing their best show against a team many think the best ever.

Barcelona on the other hand must be looking to give Spanish Jordi Alba a long time in the field.

Because of the Olympics, this tie has not got big press but that doesn't make it any less. Expect some really good football. After all, it's a clash of the titans.

Probable XIs:

Barcelona: Victor Valdes (gk), Danny Alves, Gerard Pique, Caros Puyol, Carles Planas, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas; Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi, Ibrahim Afellay

Manchester United: David De Gea (gk), Antonio Valencia, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Nani, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young; Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney

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