Barcelona will look to progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League at the expense of Eintracht Frankfurt when the two sides face off later tonight.
A sell-out crowd is expected for this second leg at Camp Nou and the Blaugrana will start as the favourites heading into the game.
Xavi‘s side left Levante with a positive result in their previous game after securing a 3-2 victory away from home. It was the best result that the Blaugrana could have asked for before their all-important clash against Eintracht.
In the first leg, Barca lost the ball in dangerous areas, and many would say that they were lucky to come away with a 1-1 draw. The international break seems to have upset their rhythm.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona do have a long injury list of five players. Memphis Depay, Samuel Umtiti, Moussa Wague, Ansu Fati, and Sergi Roberto are all set to miss this clash. Pique’s participation remains in doubt, though he is part of the squad. Whether he plays or not will be subject to medical clearance. Sergino Dest seems to have recovered from his injury and is likely to start.
🍿 An insider's look at the buildup to #BarçaEintracht pic.twitter.com/Elbi2OcVej
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Ansu Fati is fully fit but will not be taking part in this game. Xavi has maintained his stance on the matter and Ansu will only play when he feels well.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Eintracht Frankfurt (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre ter Stegen has recovered his best form under Xavi in his last few games. In Barca’s last game against Levante, the German shot-stopper saved a penalty and that should do his confidence a world of good. He did concede two goals but those were from the spot.
Defence
Gerard Pique will be the first choice, obviously. But his participation is totally dependent on the medical green light. If he does not participate, Eric Garcia will take his place in the XI. Ronald Araujo will be the other centre-back. His presence is vital for the team and for Xavi, especially when it comes to stopping counterattacks.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Sergino Dest will occupy the right defensive flank and Jordi Alba will occupy the opposite flank. Alba has been enjoying one of his best seasons in a Barca shirt under Xavi and is expected a play a key role on Thursday.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will start as the holding midfielder. Nico failed to impress in Busquets’ absence against Levante and will make way for the veteran. That said, Busquets is essential for Barcelona to control the tempo of the game. Frenkie de Jong should play as the right central midfielder while Pedri is expected to partner de Jong and will play as the left central midfielder. The Spaniard did not start against Levante this past weekend.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should start as the striker. The former Arsenal striker has been in a rich vein of form since making the move from London to Barcelona. He has scored two goals in the Europa League this season, and 10 overall for Xavi, in only 11 games. These numbers are a testament to his quality, and he is the best goal-scorer for the former La Liga champions, at the moment, statistically.
Ferran Torres will start as the left-winger. Torres was also a winter signing for Los Cules and he has delivered thus far, as well.
Torres has scored twice in the Europa League, and has managed to assist as many times as well. Ousmane Dembele is expected to start as the right-winger and complete the Barcelona lineup.
