Who Starts? Barcelona Lineup vs. Crvena Zvezda (UCL)
The Blaugrana return to Champions League action on Tuesday as they host Crvena Zvezda at Camp Nou. With the pressure on to secure a top-two finish in Group H, Xavi Hernandez will be looking to field a winning lineup against the Serbian champions.
Here's a potential starting XI for Barcelona, analyzing the key decisions and considerations:
Goalkeeper:
- Marc-Andre ter Stegen: The German shot-stopper remains the undisputed starter, providing stability and crucial saves for the team.
Defense:
- Jules Kounde: The French defender has been impressive since his summer arrival, offering both defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
- Ronald Araujo: The Uruguayan center-back is a vital component of Barcelona's defense, known for his aggressive tackling and aerial dominance.
- Andreas Christensen: The Danish defender has slotted into the backline seamlessly, bringing composure and experience.
- Alejandro Balde: The young left-back has impressed with his pace and attacking instincts, securing his place in the starting lineup.
Midfield:
- Gavi: The young midfielder continues to shine, bringing dynamism and creativity to the Barcelona attack.
- Sergio Busquets: The veteran midfielder provides the crucial link between defense and attack, controlling the tempo and dictating play.
- Frenkie de Jong: The Dutch midfielder is a versatile player capable of orchestrating attacks, winning possession, and providing defensive cover.
Attack:
- Ousmane Dembele: The French winger is a key threat with his dribbling skills, speed, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses.
- Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker is Barcelona's main goalscoring threat, having already made a significant impact since his arrival.
- Raphinha: The Brazilian winger brings pace and attacking flair to the team, challenging defenders with his direct runs and crosses.
Key Considerations:
- Pedri's Return: The talented midfielder is expected to return from injury, potentially adding more creativity and attacking threat to the midfield. His inclusion will be a welcome boost for Xavi.
- Rotation Management: With a busy schedule, Xavi will need to manage his squad carefully, potentially rotating players to keep them fresh and avoid injuries.
- Tactical Approach: Barcelona are likely to dominate possession and look to create chances through quick passing and movement. However, they will need to be wary of Crvena Zvezda's counter-attacking threat.
Overall: Barcelona will be looking for a convincing victory to maintain their position in the Champions League group. With a talented and experienced squad, Xavi Hernandez has plenty of options to choose from. The starting lineup will depend on the manager's assessment of player fitness and tactical considerations.
Be sure to tune in to the match on Tuesday to see who Xavi chooses to start for Barcelona!