The UEFA Champions League makes a return this mid-week with Barcelona scheduled to make the trip to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United in the quarter-final first leg. The Red Devils will be up against a Barcelona side which has very quickly hit the top gears in recent weeks.
Manchester United astonished on their road to the quarter-finals with a sensational comeback victory against Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes. Their reward for the same has been a chance to stop Lionel Messi & Co not once but twice in the span of 8 days.
The Catalan giants have all but wrapped up the La Liga title race with a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou this weekend. With a foot in the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona are aiming for another treble-winning season. Lionel Messi has hit peak form in recent weeks and has devastated opponents with 13 goals and four assists in his last ten games.
Ernesto Valverde would have the full squad at his disposal for selection except for the duo of Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen. Ousmane Dembele is also a doubt for this fixture with his recent hamstring problems. He’s more likely to feature in the second leg on 16th April after he’s made a full return to fitness from injury.
Here’s how Barcelona would line-up against Manchester United.
Defence
One of the safest pair of hands this season, Ter Stegen would be the man responsible for safeguarding the Barcelona goal. Nelson Semedo is expected to start at the right-back position over Sergi Roberto for this high profile fixture. Gerard Pique would be partnered by Samuel Umtiti in the heart of Barcelona’s defence. However, it will be a tough choice for Valverde picking between excellent performer, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
Jordi Alba would be a critical aspect for a fixture of this magnitude. The Spaniard’s runs down the left flank would be the key to stretching out the Manchester United defence, which would, in turn, leave spaces in the centre for Lionel Messi & Co to exploit.
Midfield
Sergi Busquets would be starting at the centre of Barcelona’s midfield trident. The midfielder would have Croatian, Ivan Rakitic and pass-master, Arthur Melo to his either side. In many aspects, Barcelona’s midfield would be the one dictating terms of how the game has to be played. The trio will have to be right on top of their game if things are to go in Barcelona’s favour.
Attack
The magical Lionel Messi would be a part of a Barcelona attacking three. His South Americal pal, Luis Suarez would be occupying the number nine position. Philipe Coutinho, who has a history at Old Trafford due to his Anfield connection from the past would be starting out on the left flank.
It is expected that Manchester United would miss out on several vital and determining elements of the game just by focussing on the big names in the front three.
Starting Eleven
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Pique – Umtiti – Alba
Rakitic – Busquets – Arthur
Messi – Suarez – Coutinho
