Barcelona travels to Naples this Wednesday in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League (9 p.m.). Here is the expected line-up for the Catalan club.
What if the Champions League allowed Barça to get back on track? It is with this objective that the Catalan club approaches its first round against Naples, in the round of 16, at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, this Wednesday evening (kick-off at 9 p.m.).
Xavi is aware that despite the heavy context surrounding Napoli, the Italian team could revolt. “IWe will have to defend well against their offensive trident, which is very strong. Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia and Politano can make the difference »warned the technician, plunged into uncertainty after the change of coach in the opposing camp. “It’s not an easy match to prepare for, because we don’t know what to expect, it’s 50/50. Naples changed coach in a surprising way, they have their reasons. The new coach knows the house well, and I don’t know what tactical scheme, what system he will use. What’s important is to focus on our game.”
Xavi makes a strong choice
With which starting eleven? The Barcelona infirmary is still well stocked. Marcos Alonso, Balde, Gavi and Ferran Torres are all out of this match on Italian soil.
Barça should present themselves in a 4-3-3 formation with the start of the nugget Yamal in attack, alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha. In the midfield, the Gündogan-De Jong-Pedri trio holds up well. Koundé is expected on the right side, while Cancelo should occupy the left flank, in a defensive line completed by the Araujo-Martinez hinge. Ter Stegen will take his place in the Barcelona goals.
