Predicted Barcelona XI to face Juventus in the Champions League
It’s the game everyone has been waiting for. Barcelona take on Juventus in a clash of behemoths as the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi go up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team salivates the fans. The Catalans are fresh off an El Clasico hammering but they did register a thumping victory on matchday one against Ferencvaros.
Juve aren’t doing very well themselves as they struggled to a draw against Hellas Verona in the league. They also won their first game against Dynamo Kyiv. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is not available for the Italians as he has once again tested positive for Coronavirus.
Team News
First and foremost, Barcelona will be without Gerard Pique, who was sent off in the last game. More names such as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Samuel Umtiti and Philipe Coutinho miss out due to injuries. A lot of changes can be expected, with Ronald Koeman having no other option.
Probable Barcelona XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Neto (GK)
Deputising for Ter Stegen as he nurses an injury. Keeps his spot from the last game.
Sergino Dest (RB)
One of the few positives from El Clasico, the right-back is slowly coming into his own and looks to make the spot his own.
Ronald Araujo (CB)
The youngster will have to step in for the suspended Gerard Pique and there will be the added pressure of facing a team like Juventus.
Clement Lenglet (CB)
Lenglet will be the senior man in defence in the absence of Pique and will have to come up with a better showing.
Jordi Alba (LB)
Remains Barcelona’s first choice left-back and continues to keep his place.
Miralem Pjanic (DM)
The former Juve man will be up against his former team and will need to forget past friendships for 90 minutes.
Frenkie De Jong (DM)
Looks much better under Koeman but it still feels as if he’s finding his feet in this new setup.
Lionel Messi (CAM)
His new central role looks to be affecting his output in front of goal. Will need to find his goalscoring boots soon as he hasn’t scored from open play in quite a few games.
Ousmane Dembele (RW)
The winger scored a late goal in the last game and will likely come back after just a cameo in El Clasico.
Antoine Griezmann (CF)
Might get to play up top for this game, allowing Messi to play just behind him.
Ansu Fati (LW)
Barcelona’s ray of hope in these dark times. Ansu Fati is going all guns blazing despite what may be the case for Barcelona as a whole.
