Following the defeat against Girona in La Liga last weekend, Barcelona will be eager to bounce back strongly when they take on Royal Antwerp in their final UEFA Champions League group stage fixture tonight.
The Catalans are already through to the Round of 16 and are all but guaranteed to finish atop Group H. So, there is not much stake tonight, but Xavi Hernandez & co. will want to make a strong statement amid rising pressure following the loss to Girona.
The last time these two teams met earlier this season, Barça had thrashed Royal Antwerp 5-0 and a repeat of that performance would do wonders for the confidence of the players and alleviate some pressure from the manager’s shoulders.
But it will not be easy by any means, with Royal Antwerp heading into the match on the back of decent results and Barcelona’s own low confidence after the loss to Girona.
There will be rotations aplenty tonight though with Xavi expected to rest a number of his regulars, and here’s how Barcelona could line up against Mark van Bommel’s side.
Starters
Even though there has been some talk of Xavi rotating his goalkeeper, the Barcelona manager is likely to continue with Inaki Pena between the sticks in the continued absence of the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Alterations are likely in defence, though, with Joao Cancelo and Ronald Araujo set to be rested. As such, Alejandro Balde and captain Sergi Roberto ought to start as the full-backs on the left and right sides, respectively.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen ought to continue at the heart of the Blaugrana defence, although young Pau Cubarsi could be an option Xavi considers.
Fermin in line for a start. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Frenkie de Jong is not a part of the travelling squad as he is recovering from a fever while Ilkay Gundogan is also set to be rested by Xavi tonight.
As such, the midfield will likely bear a new look as Oriol Romeu, who is being linked with a return to Girona, is likely to get a starting opportunity. Youngster Fermin Lopez is another player who will benefit from Xavi’s rotation tonight.
Pedri is one of the few regulars who is likely to hold on to his place in the starting XI for the Catalan giants.
Moving into the attacking unit, Robert Lewandowski will be rested as well, paving the way for Ferran Torres to get the nod as the centre-forward. Youngster Lamine Yamal should come in for Raphinha on the right flank while Joao Felix is expected to retain his spot on the left.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup: Pena, Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde, Pedri, Romeu, Fermin, Yamal, Ferran, Joao Felix
Substitutes
A number of Barcelona young players could be in line to receive some minutes tonight against Royal Antwerp.
There is a possibility that Xavi will turn to Marc Casado and Angel Alarcon to change things up in the second half. There may even be debuts for one or both of Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsi as well.