Inigo, Felix start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could lineup against Royal Antwerp

Coming off inarguably their best performance of the season so far with a dominant 5-0 win against Real Betis, Barcelona will shift their focus towards the UEFA Champions League group, where they take on Royal Antwerp.

After two years of back-to-back failures in the competition, being relegated to the Europa League, Barça will hope to get through to the Round of 16 without much hassle.

“We have to be in the last 16, it’s our main objective after two years without doing so. It’s the clear objective, to try to get through as group winners,” Xavi said during his pre-game press conference. 

While there is no margin for error, the hectic schedule at hand means the Catalans will have to rotate their team to avoid more injuries.

Ronald Araujo and Pedri are still sidelined, with the former expected to return for the weekend clash against Celta Vigo. The Spaniard, on the other hand, is out of action indefinitely.

Ahead of this clash, Barça Universal takes a look at how Xavi could lineup his side.

Defence

Barcelona are expected to line up in a traditional 4-3-3 for this game, primarily due to rotations, but also because the tactic worked wonders against Real Betis.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue in goal after another flawless performance on the weekend.

The German should be guarded by a back-four headlined by Inigo Martinez, who could be handed his first start for the blaugranes. Andreas Christensen is expected to partner him, with Jules Kounde rested after a run of continuous games.

Elsewhere, Alejandro Balde will get the nod at left-back, while Joao Cancelo continues at right-back after a dream first start with the Catalans, scoring the fifth goal on Saturday.

Midfield

Gavi has played every single game for club and country since the season kickstarted, and is in need of some long-overdue rest. He should be rested, especially with Ilkay Gundogan fit to start in midfield.

(Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong will likely…

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Author : Udhav Arora

Publish date : 2023-09-18 12:30:15

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