After winning their opening two games in La Liga, Barcelona have stumbled in the last two matchweeks, drawing to Sevilla and losing to Getafe this past weekend. The Catalan giants could have a more favourable fixture in the opening match of the Champions League when they face off against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros on Tuesday.
Barcelona’s last Champions League game ended in embarrassment as they lost 8-2 to eventual champions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. But, Ronald Koeman’s men will be expected to win this week’s match comfortably, which will take place at the Nou Camp.
Let’s take a look at the possible Barcelona lineup for the game against Ferencvaros:
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will miss two defenders as experienced left-back Jordi Alba and centre-back Samuel Umtiti will miss the game through injury. First-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has also been ruled out of the game.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Ferencvaros
Goalkeeper
Ter Stegen’s injury means that Neto will continue in goal for Barcelona on Tuesday.
Defence
We could see Koeman make a few changes to the defence and give opportunities to some of the younger players. Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto could be rested considering the Blaugrana will face Real Madrid on Saturday.
Ronald Araujo could start at the back alongside Clement Lenglet, while Sergino Dest could play in his natural right-back position in place of Roberto.
Junior Firpo is likely to play as the left-back in the Barcelona lineup.
Midfield
It’s likely that Koeman will make some changes in midfield as well. Sergio Busquets could be rested and summer signing Miralem Pjanic could get his first start in Barca colours. Frenkie de Jong could retain his place in the starting XI, while Riqui Puig and Carles Alena are other options for Koeman in the middle of the park.
Philippe Coutinho could return to the starting XI and replace Pedri in the No. 10 role for Barca.
Attack
Lionel Messi could be rested and replaced by either Trincao or Ousmane Dembele on the right. If Dembele plays on the right, Ansu Fati could start on the left side of attack for Barca.
Antoine Griezmann will most likely make the Barcelona lineup, and the fans will hope he gets a few goals ahead of the crucial match against Real Madrid.
