Champions League: Barcelona’s possible starting lineup vs Bayern Munich
Barcelona’s likely eleven against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
It could all come crashing down for Barcelona at the San Siro tonight, where Inter Milan, if they beat Viktoria Plzen, will send the Blaugrana to the Europa League regardless of their result against Bayern Munich.
In defence, Héctor Bellerín is set to start at right-back after Sergi Roberto came off after dislocating his left shoulder against Athletic Club. The former Arsenal man will start at right-back, where he will also have to keep an eye on the runs of Alphonso Davies, one of Bayern’s biggest threats. Sergi Roberto will be out for a minimum of six weeks.
Jules Koundé and Eric García are the first-choice centre-backs and Alejandro Balde could continue at left-back. It will be the 19-year-old’s first start in the Champions League.
In midfield, Xavi could opt for Sergio Busquets in the pivot, with Frenkie de Jong and Gavi ahead of Busquets, and Pedri in a free role. Former Bayern man Robert Lewandowski will have another chance to score against the German giants. The Polish striker has an impressive 17 goals in a total of 15 games so far this season. Ousmane Dembélé, after a sensational performance against Athletic at Camp Nou, should get the nod on the right wing.
Gavi set to return
Gavi has trained with the squad after overcoming a challenge from Dani García in the 4-0 win over Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic. The Kopa Trophy winner will likely play in midfield alongside Busquets, De Jong and Pedri. Franck Kessié, who replaced Gavi on the weekend, could come into the starting eleven if the Spain international is not at 100%.
Out of Barça’s hands
Bayern are Group C leaders with 12 points from a possible 12, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two, and boasting an unbeaten record. The Blaugrana are third in the standings with four points from one win, one draw and two defeats. Second place, which would hand the Catalans a place in the last 16, is currently Inter’s with seven points.
Possible Barcelona XI vs Bayern:
Ter Stegen; Bellerín, Koundé, Eric García, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Gavi, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski.