Manager Ferguson has no intention of playing for a draw in the penultimate Champions' League group D clash.

He is convinced United, who lead the group, can secure their passage into the quarter-finals with a game to spare by beating the Catalan giants in their own backyard.

"We could qualify as the highest second-placed side, and that is a surprise when you consider the group we are in." Ferguson explained.

United defender Jaap Stam arrives in Barcelona

"Apart from Group C, where Inter-Milan and Spartak Moscow have seven points each and Real Madrid have six, all the other groups are closely tied together, whereas we have eight points. If we win on Wednesday, I think we can get through.

"That's what we hope we can do. If we get the three points, it puts us in a great position.

"At the beginning of the tournament, we thought it was a very difficult group and it would take a really special effort to get through. If we win on Wednesday, it will be a great achievement for the players."

Sheri misses Spanish trip

Ferguson will be without striker Teddy Sheringham, who is recovering from damaged knee ligaments, and utility man Ronny Johnsen, who has an ankle injury, along with broken foot victim Ryan Giggs.

But England midfielder Nicky Butt is available again after a two-match suspension and could even replace captain Roy Keane, who was substituted in Saturday's defeat by Sheffield Wednesday after a poor display.

United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is feeling the strain (BBC Radio 5 Live)

And United's chances of avenging the horror 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in the same competition four years have been further boosted by the Spanish side's injury problems.

Dutch World Cup defender Marc Reiziger is the latest addition to a growing casualty list that already includes key players like Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola and Abelardo Fernandez, while Philip Cocu is ruled out through suspension.

Van Gaal cheers on his team during training on Tuesday

Up front, however, Barca's formidable forces are at full fitness.

Coach Louis van Gaal is expected to play the Brazilian triumvirate of Sonny Anderson, Rivaldo and Giovanni, backed up by Portuguese star Luis Figo, who has shaken off a calf injury.

And Anderson, who has scored eight goals in just five starts this season, believes Barcelona's sumptuous attacking play will be enough to wrap up a vital victory that would keep his side's Champions' League bid alive.

"If we carry on playing the way we're doing at the moment then we'll win," said Anderson, who shrugged off the 1-0 weekend defeat by Mallorca as a freak result.

"We've been brilliant in the last two games. We just lacked a goal on Saturday.