It promises to be an eventful night at the Camp Nou when Barcelona play host to French opposition, Olympique Lyonnais. The first leg of Round of 16 clash at the Olympic Stadium ended in a goalless stalemate. There is everything to play for in this second leg fixture, and the winner would have a much clearer vision of the majestic UEFA Champions League trophy.
Barcelona are well poised to lift the La Liga Santander trophy with a healthy seven-point advantage on top of the table. Apart from that, Ernesto Valverde’s men have also advanced to the Spanish Cup final. So a treble is undoubtedly on the cards for the Spanish side.
Following the goal-less first leg, both the teams would need a result to advance in this competition. A goalless draw would take the match to extra time. Any other outcomes of a draw would result in Barcelona facing the exit.
An almost full-strength squad is at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal except for Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen. Ousmane Dembele is a doubt for this encounter as he picked up a knock in Barcelona’s weekend victory against Rayo.
Here’s how Barcelona can line-up on Tuesday evening in pursuit of their sixth Champions League trophy.
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is set to take command in front of goal at Camp Nou. The German is seemingly in a purple patch and would love to repeat his outstanding performances from the past few weeks. The right-back position is going to be occupied by Nelson Semedo.
Pique and Lenglet are the most likely duo to start in the heart of Barcelona’s defence. Samuel Umtiti might be picked ahead of Lenglet for this encounter. Jordi Alba is set to assume duties down the left flank.
Midfield
The trustworthy partnership of Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets would be included in the starting eleven without any second thoughts for a fixture of this magnitude. Valverde could have four men in midfield for this encounter instead of the usual three.
Sergi Roberto and Arthur Melo would play on either side of Rakitic and Busquets. Sergi Roberto has proved his abilities as a midfielder time and again. The Barca gaffer has noticed this, and rewarded him with starts time and again.
Attack
The deadly, lethal and precise pairing up-front would be Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. It’s a magical sight to see these two South American pair-up and score goals. The two understand each other’s game well and Barcelona’s win over Sevilla a few weeks back was a testament to this fact. In a do or die encounter for the Catalan giants, its impossible that neither of them would rise to the occasion.
Line-Up (4-4-2)
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Pique – Lenglet/Umtiti – Alba
Roberto – Busquets – Rakitic – Arthur
Messi – Suarez
