The reigning La Liga champions Barcelona were able to scrap out a draw from a heavily contested encounter against Atletico Madrid this weekend. However, Ernesto Valverde’s side will look for nothing less than three points when they go up against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in their next match in the Champions League.
The Blaugrana have already qualified for the next round from their group and would look to keep their juggernaut rolling as they are still to lose a match on the European stage this season. However, it would not be a straightforward outing for them against PSV as the Rood-Witten would look to win the contest in their own backyard.
Team News
A number of Barcelona’s first team players including the likes of Sergi Roberto, Thomas Vermaelen, Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic are out with injuries, which might be a matter of concern for Valverde as he chooses the starting XI for the next match against the Dutch side.
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen will start in the goal for the Catalan club and will have to ensure that nothing goes past him in the next match. He has not been in the best of forms in the last few outings and would need to bounce back from the recent disappointment against Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
Defence
Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba will start in the right and left back roles. Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, who returned from a long injury layoff against Atletico Madrid, would start in the heart of the backline to ensure stability.
Midfield
In the absence of Ivan Rakitic, it would be Arturo Vidal who will start in the middle of the pitch for the Catalan giants. Sergio Busquets will play in his usual defensive midfielder role, while Arthur should start in the midfield alongside Vidal.
Attack
Lionel Messi will start as the wide attacker from the right-hand side while Philippe Coutinho will put in his shift from the left hand side. Luis Suarez will lead the line for the Blaugrana. A lot will depend on these three as Barcelona looks to keep their unbeaten run in the Champions League alive against the Eredivisie club.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
