[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Barcelona XI to face Juventus – Can Messi defeat a Ronaldo-less Old Lady?

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4 years ago

Barcelona's Dutch coach Ronald Koeman (C) consoles players at the end of the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 24, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Predicted Barcelona XI to face Juventus in the Champions League

It’s the game everyone has been waiting for. Barcelona take on Juventus in a clash of behemoths as the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi go up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team salivates the fans. The Catalans are fresh off an El Clasico hammering but they did register a thumping victory on matchday one against Ferencvaros.

Juve aren’t doing very well themselves as they struggled to a draw against Hellas Verona in the league. They also won their first game against Dynamo Kyiv. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is not available for the Italians as he has once again tested positive for Coronavirus.

Team News

First and foremost, Barcelona will be without Gerard Pique, who was sent off in the last game. More names such as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Samuel Umtiti and Philipe Coutinho miss out due to injuries. A lot of changes can be expected, with Ronald Koeman having no other option.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 20: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona is shown a red card during the UEFA Champions League Group G stage match between FC Barcelona and Ferencvaros Budapest at Camp Nou on October 20, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Probable Barcelona XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Neto (GK)

Deputising for Ter Stegen as he nurses an injury. Keeps his spot from the last game.

Sergino Dest (RB)

One of the few positives from El Clasico, the right-back is slowly coming into his own and looks to make the spot his own.

Ronald Araujo (CB)

The youngster will have to step in for the suspended Gerard Pique and there will be the added pressure of facing a team like Juventus.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 20: Clement Lenglet of FC Barcelona conducts the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group G stage match between FC Barcelona and Ferencvaros Budapest at Camp Nou on October 20, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Clement Lenglet (CB)

Lenglet will be the senior man in defence in the absence of Pique and will have to come up with a better showing.

Jordi Alba (LB)

Remains Barcelona’s first choice left-back and continues to keep his place.

Miralem Pjanic (DM)

The former Juve man will be up against his former team and will need to forget past friendships for 90 minutes.

Frenkie De Jong (DM)

Looks much better under Koeman but it still feels as if he’s finding his feet in this new setup.

Barcelona’s Spanish forward Ansu Fati (C) celebrates with Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Ferencvarosi TC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 20, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi (CAM)

His new central role looks to be affecting his output in front of goal. Will need to find his goalscoring boots soon as he hasn’t scored from open play in quite a few games.