Post the January international break Barcelona have brought back life into their season. Los Cules dominated Napoli across both the legs in the UEFA Europa League RO32 and will now host Galatasaray at Camp Nou, in the RO16.
Barcelona start as the favorites in this match. The midfield and the front three have come good for Xavi, and are playing as one. There is cohesion towards the back as well. However, some of the same old problems are still plaguing the home side. Barca find it difficult to defend against counter-attacks. Also, the runs behind the backline have hurt Xavi’s side more often than not.
The Blaugrana will hope to improve, as far as their defence is concerned. Every match is a new one and Barca will start this game with a clean slate. With that said, all eyes will be on Ronald Araujo and Sergino Dest, who have been impressive off-late. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last eight games and have managed to win four in a row. They have scored 15 goals in their last five games.
Going head to head, the home side have beaten Galatasaray in their last three meetings as well. Xavi will look to put this tie to bed as it will not be easy for his side to cope with a hostile Turkish environment in the away leg. He will look to take advantage of Galatasaray’s poor away record. The Turkish side have won only one out of their last ten away games.
Barcelona Team News
For the first time this season, Barcelona’s injury list is only down to four. Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti, and Alejandro Balde continue to be sidelined due to injury.
Clement Lenglet and Memphis Depay’s return have provided Xavi with some additional depth as well.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Galatasaray (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen will start between the sticks. The German’s in and out form should not be a cause of worry for Xavi, who is convinced that he will come good. Ter Stegen will look to add consistency to his game against Galatasaray.
Defenders
Sergino Dest has been in an impressive run of form and will be awarded a start in the Barcelona lineup. He will play on the right defensive flank. Jordi Alba has been indispensable for the team this season and him playing as an LB is a no-brainer.
Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique will continue their solid partnership at the back in the Barcelona lineup. Clement Lenglet is likely to come on as a sub in the second half. The Frenchman has not made a single appearance since returning from injury.
Midfielders
Xavi has made it clear in the past few weeks that out of his talented pool of midfielders, he trusts Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, and Pedri the most. The trio will start. Nico and Gavi could make an appearance in the second half. A cameo for Riqui Puig cannot be ruled out as well.
Attackers
In-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start as the striker in the Barcelona lineup. He is likely to be accompanied by Adama Traore on the right flank while Ferran Torres should occupy the left flank.
It will be a tough decision for Xavi to make between starting either Ferran or Memphis. The latter has scored two goals from two appearances since returning from injury. If Depay does not start, one can be assured that he will be brought on in the second half with Dembele likely to replace Adama, as well.