Barcelona will host Inter Milan at the Spotify Camp Nou in a must-win Champions League clash on Wednesday evening.
The Blaugrana lost 1-0 to Inter away last week thanks to a first-half strike from Hakan Calhanoglu, which left them third in Group C. Now, Xavi Hernandez’s side are facing early elimination from the Champions League with two games to spare if they lose to the Nerazzurri again.
So, the upcoming European tie is decisive, and Xavi’s side must find a way to win in front of the home fans to stay alive in the competition.
Jules Kounde is ruled out of the pivotal game against Inter Milan with a hamstring problem suffered on international duty with France. Barcelona are also without Ronald Araujo, while Andreas Christensen was injured against Inter at San Siro.
Franck Kessie, Memphis Depay and Hector Bellerin remain on the sidelines too, but Barcelona were boosted by the return of Frenkie de Jong against Celta Vigo last weekend.
Marc Andre ter-Stegen is the undisputed No.1 for Barcelona and is expected to start in goal against Inter Milan.
Defence
Xavi will make a host of changes from the side that beat Celta Vigo 1-0 in La Liga last weekend, with Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia in line for starts in midweek. Roberto will take the right-back position, while Garcia starts with veteran Gerard Pique in central defence in the Barcelona lineup.
In Alejandro Balde, Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso, Xavi has three left-back options available to him. The Barcelona boss could go with Marcos Alonso on Wednesday evening, as the hosts look to keep things tight at the back.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong came off the bench against Celta Vigo after recovering from his thigh problem and seems to be in line to feature in the Barcelona lineup. The Dutchman’s passing range, anticipation, vision and smart runs could prove crucial in breaking down a stubborn Inter backline.
With De Jong appearing to start in a midfield three, the other two spots could be taken by Sergio Busquets and Pedri. Busquets’ calmness in and out of possession, experience and mentality on such a big night will be invaluable, whereas Pedri deserves to keep his place in the Barcelona lineup. This means young Gavi could drop to the bench.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as always, with Ousmane Dembele supporting the Polish striker from the right flank in the Barcelona lineup. Given Ansu Fati didn’t start against Celta it is safe to assume the Barcelona manager has been keeping the youngster fit and fresh to start against Inter on the left.
Raphinha and Gavi could be involved during the second half of the game, as Barcelona aims to stay alive in the competition with a win.
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