Barcelona travel to Turin in what is expected to be a tough battle against Juventus in the Champions League group-stages on Wednesday night. The Catalans just require a point to seal top spot in Group A. Lionel Messi and company has already beaten their Italian opponents 3-0 in the reverse fixture at the Nou Camp earlier in the competition.
With an important match coming up against Valencia over the weekend, Ernesto Valverde’s side may opt to rest a few of his players. One player set to return to the starting eleven is the Brazilian midfielder, Paulinho as the Barcelona boss is being tipped to change his formation from 4-3-3 to a more cautious 4-4-2.
Predicted 4-4-2 Barcelona Line-Up Vs Juventus
Defence
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will start again for the Catalans in goal. The German goalkeeper conceded three times in his last visit to Turin. However, his recent form has been excellent, which suggests that Juventus would find it hard to beat him on Wednesday night.
The back four may remain unchanged from the weekend. Nelson Semedo has caught the eye with his impressive performances at right back and should retain his place in the side again. But he looked a bit shook up in their match against Leganes, so Aleix Vidal will take his place if need be.
Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti will continue their central defensive partnership while Jordi Alba should start at left back.
Midfield
Barcelona just require a draw to secure top spot and they are playing away from home at one of Europe’s most elite clubs.
All signs point towards a defensive approach with Ernesto Valverde set to sure up his midfield.
Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta will continue in the Catalans’ midfield, while they welcome Paulinho back in the starting line-up. The Brazilian scored once again when he came on against Leganes on Saturday.
Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez would have to settle for a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact later in the match.
Attack
Paco Alcacer performed well against Leganes but will have to start on the bench. With a crucial fixture versus Valencia looming on the horizon, he might be handed a starting spot sooner rather than later.
Barring any injuries, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will definitely feature in Turin. Both players are well motivated and should be up for this game. Messi’s recent record away from home in the Champions League has been far from convincing with the Argentine not having scored an away goal for a year.
Suarez, on the other hand, has not scored a Champions League goal since March.
