Barcelona Team News: Predicting the Starting XI Against Crvena Zvezda
It's Champions League time again, folks! Barca are back in Europe's premier club competition, facing Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda in a Group H clash. With Xavi's squad looking sharp after their recent La Liga wins, let's dive into the team news and predict the starting lineup.
Injury Concerns:
Barca have a couple of players nursing injuries, but thankfully, the situation isn't too dire. Pedri is still sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Jules Koundé, while making progress, is unlikely to be rushed back. The good news is that Frenkie de Jong is back in training and could be in line for a start.
Rotation Potential:
With a busy schedule, Xavi might be tempted to rotate his squad. Ter Stegen is likely to start in goal, but we could see some changes in the backline. Balde and Koundé, even if fit, might be rested, giving chances to Marcos Alonso and Eric Garcia. In midfield, Gavi and de Jong are likely to feature, with Busquets potentially getting a rest. Upfront, it's a toss-up between Dembélé and Ansu Fati for the starting spot alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Predicted Lineup:
Here's my prediction for how Barca will line up against Crvena Zvezda:
4-3-3 Formation:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defenders: Alonso, Christensen, Garcia, Balerdi
- Midfielders: Gavi, De Jong, Kessie
- Forwards: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati
Key Battlegrounds:
Crvena Zvezda will be a tough opponent, with their counter-attacking style posing a threat. Barca's defense needs to be on their toes, and the midfield will need to be sharp in winning the ball back. Lewandowski will be looking to continue his goalscoring form, while Raphinha and Ansu Fati will be key in unlocking the Serbian defense.
Overall, it's a good opportunity for Barca to showcase their talent on the European stage. I'm expecting a comfortable win for the Blaugrana, with the young guns making a strong impression. Let's get this Champions League journey started right!