Barcelona Team News: Crvena Zvezda Clash
Barcelona gears up for a crucial Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023. With the pressure on to secure a place in the knockout stages, manager Xavi Hernandez will be looking for a strong performance from his squad. Let's delve into the latest Barcelona team news ahead of the encounter.
Key Injuries and Absences
Barcelona has been dealing with some key injury concerns in recent weeks, impacting their squad selection for the crucial match against Crvena Zvezda.
- Ousmane Dembélé: The French winger is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the recent La Liga match. While his return timeline remains uncertain, his availability for the Crvena Zvezda clash remains doubtful.
- Pedri: The Spanish midfielder is also nursing a muscle injury, ruling him out of the game.
- Jules Koundé: The French defender faces a race against time to recover from a muscle injury and could miss the match.
Potential Line-Up and Tactical Considerations
With several key players unavailable, Xavi will have to be creative with his line-up for the Crvena Zvezda match. He might opt for a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing a strong defensive structure while seeking opportunities to counter-attack.
Expected Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defense: Balde, Christensen, Araujo, Roberto
- Midfield: Gavi, De Jong, Kessie
- Attack: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati
Key Tactical Considerations:
- Defensive Solidity: With several attacking players unavailable, maintaining a solid defensive shape will be crucial to shut down Crvena Zvezda's attacking threats.
- Counter-Attacking Prowess: Barcelona will likely look to exploit the pace and skill of Ansu Fati and Raphinha on the counter-attack.
- Midfield Dominance: The midfield trio of Gavi, De Jong, and Kessie will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and creating opportunities.
Match Preview: Crvena Zvezda
Crvena Zvezda will be looking to pull off an upset against the Spanish giants. They are a formidable opponent, known for their attacking prowess and energetic performances. Barcelona will need to be at their best to secure a victory and take control of their Champions League destiny.
Conclusion
The Barcelona vs. Crvena Zvezda match is set to be a captivating encounter. While Barcelona faces challenges with injuries, their quality and experience should give them an advantage. The match will likely be a tight affair, with both teams eager to claim a crucial victory. The performance of Barcelona's remaining players will be crucial in determining the outcome of this vital Champions League clash.