Joao Felix, Raphinha, and Ronald Araujo will return to the starting lineup when Barcelona and FC Porto face off on Tuesday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League and inch closer to sealing a spot in the Round of 16 when they welcome FC Porto to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night. And Xavi Hernandez has a near-full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Sergi Roberto has recovered from a calf injury and should be available to take on. Gavi is the only long-term absentee due to the knee injury he sustained during the international break. But Xavi is sweating over the fitness of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
The German international is dealing with an issue with his back and missed the league game against Rayo Vallecano this past weekend. And Xavi suggested during his pre-match press conference that he would take a late call on Ter Stegen’s availability.
The Barcelona manager said, “Tomorrow Ter Stegen will be tested, let’s see how sore he is. He hasn’t trained practically with the group but he’s always there to help, he’s one of the captains and tomorrow he’ll be tested to see if he’s ready for the game.”
Barcelona vs FC Porto Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
With Ter Stegen’s availability uncertain, Inaki Pena will get another opportunity to impress. Barcelona should line up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of Pena, with the system morphing into a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond at different stages.
Xavi rested Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde this past weekend against Rayo Vallecano. Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen started as the two centre-backs, but they should make way for Araujo and Kounde. However, Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo will retain their spots on the flanks.
As for the midfield unit, Ilkay Gundogan should return to the starting lineup, replacing Oriol Romeu. Gundogan will join Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in the middle of the park. While de Jong will sit at the base of the midfield, Pedri will be the creative force for Barcelona.
Finally, the offensive department should also see a few changes, with Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal bowing out. Raphinha and Joao Felix should return as the supporting cast for Robert Lewandowski, who will spearhead the attack against FC Porto on Tuesday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
