Barcelona will be making their maiden Europa League appearance on Thursday. Los Cules will be up against an in-form Napoli in a clash that could potentially define their season.
Barcelona have struggled this campaign and their UEFA Champions League group-stage exit bears testament to that. With that said, the former European champions will look to make amends when they do take on the Naples-based outfit.
The first of the two-legged fixture will be at Camp Nou, much to Barca’s favor. This fixture will also see the home side miss a few key names with Ronald Araujo likely to miss the clash. The Uruguayan defender has sustained a muscle overload injury (Calf) and that is likely to keep him out of this fixture. There have been some reports suggesting that he could push himself to play against Napoli but that looks unlikely.
Xavi is expected to go with his preferred 4-3-3 formation on Thursday.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Napoli
Goalkeeper
This is a no-brainer. Marc Andre Ter Stegen will start the fixture barring any last-minute injuries. The German shot-stopper is a vital part of Xavi’s plans.
Defence
With Ronald Araujo unlikely to pass the fitness test, Eric Garcia is expected to replace him in the Barcelona lineup. Gerard Pique will be his partner at the centre of the backline.
Jordi Alba will occupy the left defensive flank with Sergino Dest expected to be given an extended run in the XI. The American in particular will look to nail down his place in the Barcelona lineup for good.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will start the game as the holding midfielder. The veteran has been on the receiving end of some criticism off-late but Xavi has reiterated that he counts on his former teammate to come good for the team, this season.
Frenkie De Jong has regained his confidence in the past few weeks. The Dutchman has been making attacking runs inside the box and it has been working well for him. He has established himself as a key presence in the Barcelona midfield in the recent past.
Pedri will start the game as well. The Spaniard has been untouchable in the XI since his return from injury and his goal in the last game will only see him get another start. Pedri has been given the target of reaching five goals for this season by his entourage and he is on two, already. It will only be helpful for his side if he gets his third of the season.
Attack
Xavi might decide to not tinker with his front three but given the options at his disposal, he could rotate one or two of his options.
Ferran Torres is expected to feature in attack in the Barcelona lineup once again. The Spaniard has made a positive start to his career as a Barcelona player and it is clear as to why Barca bought him in the first place. Torres’ runs behind the opposing line combined with his finishing are always a threat for any side. Expect Torres to have a good game on Thursday.
Adama Traore now has two assists from as many appearances for the former La Liga champions. The former Wolverhampton winger has matched his season tally for Wolves (assists) in only two games and has looked threatening with the ball at his feet. His explosive pace and his crosses into the box are unbelievably lethal. Traore’s pace will surely give Napoli’s backline a tough time.
Gavimight have to make way tomorrow as the possible change to the Barcelona lineup. He was unlucky to have a goal ruled out by VAR against Espanyol but is likely to have to wait for his chance to get on the scoresheet. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang making two appearances off the bench already, Xavi might decide to hand him his first start against Napoli on Thursday.
He is likely to start as the striker but could be asked to interchange his position with Ferran Torres over the course of the 90 mintues.
