Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard is not taking it for granted that history will not repeat itself when his side take to the Tannadice pitch tonight. United beat the Catalans twice in the 1966 Fairs Cup, winning 2-0 on Tayside and 2-1 in Barcelona. Then in the 1987 UEFA Cup the Terrors won 1-0 at Tannadice and came from a goal behind to win 2-1 in the Nou Camp. Despite Barca bringing a strong squad to Scotland for the games against United and then Hearts on Saturday - including Ronaldinho, Deco and Thierry Henry - former Holland international Rijkaard insists the result is not a foregone conclusion.

He said: "It is a wonderful record United have against Barcelona. A lot of people will say that Barcelona are a strong side - which we are - because we have lots of big names in the squad who are known all over the world. But I am sure it was the same the last four times Dundee United played them. It shows that you can't win a game on paper; you can't win it with names - you have to respect opponents. You never know what can happen in football - there are always surprises. We have to keep focused and make sure that we are not surprised in this match. But we hope it will be a good game and that the fans enjoy it."

Dundee United manager Craig Levein admits his side are at a disadvantage in the keenly-awaited game, which is a 14,000 sell-out. He said: "I expect it will be a difficult game - because as everyone knows, Barcelona are a very strong side. The majority of my players will know every one of their players, but I would be surprised if any of the Barcelona players know anyone who plays for Dundee United. But it is a good opportunity for our players to play against top-class opposition."